Silver lining from Anthony Edwards' injury comes via Jaden McDaniels

It was a tall order to ask the Timberwolves to beat the Nuggets on Monday without Anthony Edwards in the lineup. A third quarter that saw Minnesota outscored by 16 points did them in as Denver finished victorious by the score of 127-114. The loss evened the Wolves’ early record on the season to 2-2.

If the fanbase is looking for a silver lining from the loss, look no further than Jaden McDaniels. Of course, it’s not good that the 24-year-old Edwards is sidelined with a hamstring strain and will be out at least a few more games, but McDaniels has always stepped up in his absence.

That continued on Monday, and it’s important for McDaniels to get that early confidence in his offensive game in a year many were hoping to see a jump from him on that end.

Jaden McDaniels scores 25 in loss

It was an efficient scoring night for McDaniels against the Nuggets, and he finished as the team’s leading scorer with 25 points. The 6-foot-9 forward went 10-16 from the field (1-3 from 3-point range) and 4-4 from the free throw line.

McDaniels started aggressively out of the gate with 11 points coming in the opening stanza. The third quarter would have been even more in favor of the Nuggets had it not been for McDaniels pouring in 10 points on 4-4 field goal shooting.

It was a game where the 25-year-old didn’t find himself settling for mid-range jumpers, as McDaniels consistently took it to the hoop. While Timberwolves fans appreciate the effort McDaniels always brings on the defensive end, they also believe there was growth on offense for him. 

Continues to do more on offense without Anthony Edwards

It isn’t a common occurrence for Edwards to be out of the lineup for the Timberwolves. In each of the three previous seasons, the superstar has only missed three contests.

Monday was the fourth time that McDaniels appeared in a game since last season, when Edwards was unavailable. In those four contests, McDaniels has scored 98 total points and at least 20 in all of them. He has also shot at least 50% from the field in each of those contests.

McDaniels’ career-best scoring average came last season at 12.2 points. Clearly, he’s capable of more, and he can continue building confidence for when Edwards does return to the lineup. His next chance to do so comes on Wednesday when they take on the Lakers.