Jaden McDaniels saves Timberwolves to eliminate Nuggets from NBA Playoffs after no-trade decision

With Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards struggling and big man Karl-Anthony Towns seeming limited after re-injuring his surgically repaired knee, forward Jaden McDaniels took it upon himself to turn the tide in Game 7 of the Western Conference semi-finals against the Denver Nuggets . His efforts aided Minnesota's dramatic second-half comeback to stun the defending champions in Denver.

The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets, 98-90, after trailing by 15 at halftime. They were asked to include McDaniels in the 2022 blockbuster trade that netted Rudy Gobert but refused to include him, needing to concede more future draft picks to the Utah Jazz as a result. What McDaniels did in Game 7 on Sunday made it worthwhile.

Usually satisfied in a defensive stopper role with minor offensive responsibilities, McDaniels followed a 21-point elimination game performance last Thursday with 21 points, six rebounds, two steals and a block in Game 7.

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A 3-pointer by Mike Conley midway through the third quarter continued a 15-1 run for the Timberwolves in which the Nuggets missed nine shots in a row.

Denver managed just 14 points in the third quarter - testament to Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid and the aforementioned McDaniels.

"He's the X-factor of the team," Edwards said of the latter star. "I think everybody knows when he plays well, we win. I don't know the percentages. I feel like when Jaden plays well, can't nobody beat us."

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Still only 23, McDaniels carries with him a similar approach to basketball as Edwards, who had been great throughout the series but shot just 6-of-24 in Game 7. He acts like he wants the other team to suffer, not content with simply winning.

With the clincher all-but-over, McDaniels tried to dunk in the face of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope via a bounced self-alley-oop. McDaniels missed the try - but even the intent got under Denver's skin.

The ex-Washington college basketball star became the second-youngest player in NBA history behind only Michael Jordan to have back to back elimination games with at least 20 points and three steals/blocks.

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McDaniels averaged 10.5 points per game during the regular season, his fourth in the NBA. It was actually a slight step back in many categories from last season, but he's been arguably the most important piece outside Towns, Edwards and Gobert in making the Western Conference Finals.

When asked by TNT which teammate he'd give the Game 7 ball to as a reward, Edwards didn't hesitate. "Jaden McDaniels," he said. "Without question."