In the Minnesota Timberwolves' extensive playoff history against the Denver Nuggets, Jaden McDaniels has proven to be a key factor in Minnesota winning. In the 2023 series against Denver, McDaniels was injured with a fractured right hand after punching a wall in the Timberwolves' season-finale against the Pelicans.
With Minnesota down their top perimeter defender, they fell to Denver in a competitive five-game series. McDaniels' lockdown defense was clearly missed, as Jamal Murray would average 27.2 points per game in this series.
While Denver would go on to win the championship this season, it was clear that a fully healthy Minnesota team could pose problems. Just the following season, the two teams would match up once again, this time with a fully healthy McDaniels and the Minnesota team.
In a seven-game slugout, Minnesota was able to capture revenge, defeating the Nuggets in seven games. While McDaniels only averaged 11 points on the series, he caught fire towards the end of the series, scoring 21 and 23 points in games six and seven
McDaniels, along with Nickeil Alexander-Walker, gave Murray fits all series, holding him to only 18.4 points per game, on 40.3 shooting from the field.
While both teams are knotted at one in their playoff matchups, McDaniels himself is undefeated against Denver. In order to stay undefeated, McDaniels must show up on both sides of the court for Minnesota.
Jaden McDaniels has been a playoff riser throughout his career
Like many players on the team, McDaniels has proven to take his game to another level when it comes to the playoffs. McDaniels' career playoff stats are nearly statistical jumps across the board when compared to regular-season career stats.
The single biggest difference in McDaniels' production when comparing the playoffs and regular season is his 3-point shooting. McDaniels is a career 35.9 percent shooter from beyond the arc for the regular season, while boasting a 42 percent in the playoffs. With McDaniels already shooting a career high 41.2 percent from three this season, a statistical jump in this category could very well lean the series against Denver in Minnesota's favor.
In addition to his offense, McDaniels benefits from the increased physicality and defense the playoffs offer. As stated earlier, McDaniels has existing success guarding Murray in the playoffs, doing so with physicality. In Game 2 of their 2024 playoff matchup, Murray was held to just eight points, being frustrated by McDaniels' length and physicality.
The stifling defense performance produced a popular clip that summarized his defensive prowess, hounding Murray for all 94 feet in tandem with Alexander-Walker, eventually forcing a shot clock violation. While Murray has experienced success this season against McDaniels, McDaniels has a chance to shut down Murray and the Nuggets.
Jaden McDaniels has been a litmus test for Minnesota
Throughout his career, McDaniels' performance, specifically his offense, has served as a measuring stick for how well Minnesota is performing. In the 119 regular-season games where McDaniels has scored 15 or more points, Minnesota boasts a 77-42 record, indicating his importance on offense for the team.
With Denver likely game planning to take away Anthony Edwards by any means, it is crucial that McDaniels steps up. Coming off a career regular season, McDaniels will have all the confidence and will be empowered to seek his own offense and take advantage of matchups.
With Edwards likely being guarded by Christian Braun, along with plenty of help, and Julius Randle drawing the Aaron Gordon assignment, McDaniels may find the much shorter Murray defending him on defense. With much of the offensive responsibility falling on the shoulders of Murray, heavily featuring McDaniels on offense can fatigue Murray more, making his offense less effective.
McDaniels largely holds Minnesota's playoff success in his hands. With Nikola Jokic in peak MVP form, Murray putting up career highs across the board, and increased bench depth, Denver will pose many issues for Minnesota.
However, McDaniels' versatility and effectiveness on both sides of the floor could ultimately be the deciding factor in Minnesota winning this series.
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