Jaden McDaniels got into scuffle with Devin Booker in win over Suns

This was the latest encounter between the two.
ByWill Eudy|
Devin Booker, Jaden McDaniels
Devin Booker, Jaden McDaniels | Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

If you have followed the Minnesota Timberwolves in the last year, you know there is already a history between Jaden McDaniels and Devin Booker. Both of these guys possess fiery personalities and a competitive spirit. Combine that with their past run-ins, and it was no surprise that they clashed yet again during the game on Wednesday.

There was likely some trash talking going on throughout the game that us outsiders were not aware of, but what led up to the brief altercation appeared to begin in the fourth quarter. As the Timberwolves and Suns exchanged made baskets, McDaniels and Booker began to go back and forth.

With 1:50 remaining in the final frame and the game mostly decided with Minnesota already up by 11, Julius Randle dished to Mike Conley, who nailed a three-pointer. As this happened, McDaniels motioned in Booker's direction and pretended to point a fake gun at Phoenix's star. Just 10 seconds later, after Kevin Durant nailed a shot, Booker did the same thing back to McDaniels.

McDaniels appeared to call Booker "a baby"

Jaden was already chirping at Devin again while at the free throw line with 40 seconds remaining. Then, with just 20 seconds left in the game, the two were crossing paths going back to their respective benches when McDaniels appeared to say something to Booker. Jaden got in Devin's face and pointed a finger at his temple, seeming to call him a baby. The two were quickly separated.

This resulted in a double technical, and in McDaniels being ejected for the final 20 seconds of the game. Add in Chris Finch's third quarter ejection as well, and this was one hectic 48 minutes of basketball for the Timberwolves.

Again, we have seen hints in the past that McDaniels and Booker are not fond of each other. In Game 3 of Minnesota's first round series with Phoenix last April, Devin was fouled on a drive in the fourth quarter. After the play was blown dead, Jaden snatched the ball out of his hands. A few seconds later, Booker smacks it back out of McDaniels' grip as well, followed by plenty of jawing from both players. Double technicals were issued.

It is clear that these two do not like each other. Whether it is purely a basketball thing or something personal involved, we do not know. But this will continue to be something to watch for each time the Timberwolves play the Suns. The two teams will play again on March 2 in Phoenix and March 28 in Minneapolis.

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