There have been a lot of changing variables for the Minnesota Timberwolves this season, but one constant at least in the second half of the season has been Jaden McDaniels. Known for several years as a defense-first player, McDaniels has grown in a tremendous way, and his progression is well-documented.
We have been talking for weeks about how his elevated play on the offensive side of things has been a game-changer for the Wolves. But as much as some might have thought it was just a hot streak for him, McDaniels continues to prove that this is just who he is now.
On Wednesday against the Charlotte Hornets, Jaden posted 29 points, tied for a team-high. He did it while shooting 13-for-21, and posted a double-double with 10 rebounds as well. Let us not forget that he did this all while incredibly tired as well - playing his fifth contest in seven nights. If you watched the game against Charlotte, you saw McDaniels make everything look incredibly easy with sharp dribbling and passing, and he consistently managed to be in the right place at the right time - a hallmark of a great player.
Got Jaden McDaniels’ thoughts on how the Timberwolves’ offensive progression will carry over once Rudy Gobert comes back: pic.twitter.com/Ixo4UGZdaP
— Will Eudy (@WillCEudy) March 6, 2025
McDaniels' scoring consistency has led to wins
This has been the norm for Jaden ever since around the second week of January. His slower start to the season has been totally forgotten, as he is now one of the main focal points of the Timberwolves' offense. McDaniels has nine games with at least 20 points since Jan. 22. Over that time frame, Minnesota owns a 13-8 record.
To put that number in perspective, he scored 20 points just seven times during the entirety of the 2023-24 season. Jaden's continued progression has been such a massive lift for this team, and his increased scoring gravity has served to take additional pressure off Anthony Edwards.
It is hard to overstate just how big McDaniels' play has been for the Wolves as they have battled through injuries and been working to adjust lineups over the course of the second half of this season. Where the team could have taken a serious dip in the standings, Jaden has played a large part in keeping them right on the precipice of the top six. If he can keep this up through the postseason, he could have a massive impact on Minnesota's championship hopes as well.