Jaden McDaniels delivered the performance of his career when his team needed it most, scoring a playoff career-high 32 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to lead the injury-depleted Minnesota Timberwolves to a 110-98 series-clinching victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 6 at Target Center on Thursday night. The win sends the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Semifinals, where they'll face the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs.
With the Timberwolves missing their starting backcourt and multiple key rotation players due to injuries, McDaniels put the team on his back. He went 13-for-22 from the field, knocked down his signature mid-range jumpers all night, and added three assists, two steals, and relentless defense that hounded Nuggets star Jamal Murray into a miserable 4-for-17 shooting night.
How McDaniels Made Good on His Promise
The 24-year-old forward had been the talk of the series for his on-court agitation of the Nuggets — an uncontested layup in the closing seconds of a blowout win in Game 4 had irked Nikola Jokic, and the crowd in Denver had turned hostile in Game 5. But after a shaky performance on the road, McDaniels sat at the postgame podium and made a simple, powerful prediction: "We're gonna win the next one."
He wasn't wrong. Losing Ayo Dosunmu and Kyle Anderson on game day to injuries, the Timberwolves turned to Terrence Shannon Jr. for a surprise start, and second-year wing responded with 24 points on aggressive drives to the basket. But it was McDaniels who set the tone from the opening tip, scoring from mid-range, finishing through contact, and directing traffic on defense alongside Rudy Gobert.
"To me, he's the Defensive Player of the Year," Anthony Edwards said of McDaniels earlier this season. On Thursday, McDaniels showed why, switching onto Murray, Jokic, and Denver's wings while carrying the scoring load.
Timeline: How the Wolves Closed Out Denver
The series had been a back-and-forth battle, with Minnesota taking an early 2-0 lead before the Nuggets stormed back to tie it 2-2. Here's how Game 6 unfolded:
- First Quarter: McDaniels scored 10 early points as the Wolves jumped out to a 28-22 lead. His defense on Murray was already forcing Denver into tough shots.
- Second Quarter: Minnesota stretched the lead to 14 behind Shannon's energy and McDaniels' continued scoring. Murray went 1-for-8 in the first half.
- Third Quarter: The Nuggets cut the lead to one behind Jokic's playmaking, but McDaniels answered with back-to-back mid-range jumpers to stabilize the Wolves.
- Fourth Quarter: McDaniels delivered the dagger — his signature mid-range pull-up with under two minutes remaining, putting the Wolves up 10. He finished with 32 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.
Jamal Murray finished 4-for-17 from the field with a minus-18 plus-minus. Gobert contributed 8 assists alongside his usual defensive anchor role.
Why McDaniels' Breakout Matters for the Timberwolves
McDaniels signed a five-year, $136 million contract extension in October 2023 and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2024. While his offensive game has often taken a backseat to his elite perimeter defense, this series — and Game 6 in particular — showcased the two-way star the Timberwolves envisioned when they invested in him.
"Jaden McDaniels will forever be a mainstay in Minnesota Timberwolves lore," wrote Canis Hoopus' Andrew Carlson after the game. "He could miss every shot for the rest of the playoffs. His series against the Denver Nuggets will be remembered by everyone."
According to NBA.com, McDaniels led all scorers in the clinching game while also taking on the assignment of guarding Murray, one of the league's most dangerous playoff scorers. The 32 points marked not just a playoff career-high, but a career-high overall for the former Washington Huskies standout.
The Wolves were without several key rotation players, making the victory even more remarkable. Shannon's 24-point outburst provided critical support, and the team's depth was tested to its limit.
Where Things Stand Now: Wolves Set for Spurs Showdown
The Timberwolves will have three days off before traveling to San Antonio to face the Spurs in Game 1 on Monday, May 4. The second-seeded Spurs advanced after dispatching the Portland Trail Blazers 4-1 in the first round, surviving a scary concussion scare for Victor Wembanyama in the process.
During the regular season, the teams played three wild games, with Minnesota taking the series 2-1. Fans saw a rapid fourth-quarter comeback, overtime dramatics, and career-high scoring efforts. The Timberwolves' injury situation will be a major storyline heading into the series, as the availability of their backcourt players remains uncertain.
What Happens Next: The Road Ahead for Minnesota
The Timberwolves proved they can win short-handed, but they'll need healthier bodies to compete with a deep San Antonio squad. If McDaniels can continue to produce on both ends at this level, Minnesota has a real chance to make a deep run. The matchup with Wembanyama and the Spurs will be a fascinating contrast of styles — Minnesota's physical defense against San Antonio's length and dynamic offense.
For McDaniels, this series was a coming-out party. After being the subject of trade rumors and questions about his offensive ceiling, he answered emphatically. "But enjoy the fact that number three just etched himself with your franchise," Carlson wrote. "What a moment."
Key Takeaways from the Timberwolves' Game 6 Win
- Jaden McDaniels: 32 points (playoff career-high), 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals — a legendary performance in a series-clinching win.
- Terrence Shannon Jr.: 24 points in a surprise start, providing critical offensive support for the short-handed Wolves.
- Defense wins championships: McDaniels and Jaylen Clark held Jamal Murray to 4-for-17 shooting and a minus-18 plus-minus.
- The Timberwolves advance to face the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals starting Monday, May 4.
- Minnesota won the regular-season series 2-1 against the Spurs.
