Nuggets dismiss Wolves’ McDaniels’ criticism of their defense.
DENVER — As the matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves transitions to a new location, the tension between the two squads continues to escalate.
After Minnesota’s 119-114 victory in Game 2 in Denver late Monday night, Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels labeled several Nuggets players as “poor defenders,” specifically naming Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Cam Johnson.
“They’ve just been talking a lot,” Johnson remarked in reply. “All season, all series. Let them express themselves. Let them say what they want.”
The Nuggets had a day off on Tuesday and held a practice on Wednesday afternoon at their training facility before departing for Minneapolis for a crucial Game 3 on Thursday night. Following practice, Johnson, head coach David Adelman, and starting guard Christian Braun were questioned about McDaniels’ remarks.
“I look forward to his podcast,” Adelman said with sarcasm. “He’s a really talented player. Everyone has a platform these days. It will boost his social media presence.”
McDaniels’ remarks attracted significant attention, partly due to their timing, occurring early in the series. Johnson acknowledged that the team could view it as motivation.
“Sure, sure,” Johnson stated. “But I’m not engaging with those antics.”
The Nuggets concluded the regular season with the highest offensive rating in the league at 121.2, securing 54 victories to earn the third seed. However, they finished with the 21st-ranked defense, ending with a 116.0 rating.
“They’re all poor defenders,” McDaniels commented. “They lack players who can protect the rim. Even if [Jokic] is present, we’re more athletic than they are.”
Adelman criticized the team’s rebounding performance in Game 2, highlighting a 20-3 deficit in second-chance points for the Timberwolves, but pushed back against the notion that they have been defensively inadequate.
“Narratives are fascinating,” he said. “You hear so many things. We’ve become complacent in society. Whatβs our defensive rating in this series through two games?”
Denver’s defensive rating stands at 109.3 over the first 96 minutes of the playoffs.
“109,” Adelman stated. “How does that sound?”
This ranks as the sixth-best among the 16 playoff teams.
“Sixth best in the playoffs?” Adelman reiterated. “Alright. Next.”
The Nuggets are missing fourth-year wing Peyton Watson, one of their stronger perimeter defenders and shot blockers. He is dealing with a hamstring strain and was seen working on the sidelines during Wednesday’s practice. Adelman expressed hope that Watson could return at some point in this series, but it is anticipated that he will be unavailable for Game 3.
This situation leaves Braun as one of Denver’s few viable options to contain Anthony Edwards and Minnesota at the point of attack. McDaniels did not include Braun in his critique of Denver’s defenders.
“It’s part of the rivalry,” Braun said. “I don’t think it surprised anyone. He’s just sharing his perspective and what he believes. We’ll let them do that. We want to focus on our own game.”
The Nuggets eliminated the Timberwolves in five games during the 2023 playoffs. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets in seven games in the 2024 playoffs. This marks their third playoff series in the last four seasons.
