The Minnesota Timberwolves rallied from a 19-point deficit to defeat the Denver Nuggets 119-114 in Game 2 of their NBA playoff series, tying it at 1-1. Forward Jaden McDaniels bluntly criticized Denver's defense after the game, saying to target Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray and the entire team. Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle combined for 54 points to lead the comeback.
The Timberwolves trailed by 19 points early but mounted a strong second-quarter surge, with Edwards and Randle exploiting Denver's defense through two-man actions. McDaniels, speaking post-game, explained the strategy: “Go at Jokić, Jamal, all the bad defenders. Tim Hardaway, Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon, the whole team. Just go at 'em.” When asked if they were all bad defenders, he replied, “Yeah, they’re all bad defenders.” He added that Denver lacks rim protection and that Minnesota's athleticism allows them to finish despite any resistance. This marks the third playoff meeting between the teams in four years, fostering intense rivalry. Game 3 shifts to Minnesota, where the Timberwolves could take a 2-1 lead. McDaniels' comments, delivered deadpan, are likely to motivate the Nuggets as they respond on the road.
