Jaden McDaniels emerged as the unexpected hero in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ crucial 116-104 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3, giving Minnesota a 2-1 series advantage.
McDaniels delivered a career playoff-high 30 points while simultaneously shutting down Lakers superstar Luka Doncic, who struggled with just 17 points on 37.5% shooting.
In the postgame press conference, Jaden McDaniels revealed his defensive strategy against Doncic, dismissing suggestions that the Slovenian star was playing through health issues.
“Containing Luka and Reaves somewhat during the game and Bron hasn’t had a big game like this all series, so if one of them goes off that’s fine. I’m cool with that,” McDaniels explained.
“I was just picking him [Doncic] up every time and I couldn’t tell that he was going through anything,” he added, suggesting Doncic’s struggles were more about Minnesota’s defensive scheme than any physical limitations.
McDaniels’ lockdown defense on Doncic represents a significant factor in Minnesota’s success, as the Lakers’ offense has repeatedly stalled without their primary playmaker operating at full capacity.
When asked about his offensive explosion, McDaniels revealed he simply capitalized on the Lakers’ defensive priorities.
“Just to stay in the flow of the offense and not forcing stuff just knows they’re going to put like lesser defenders on me,” McDaniels said, acknowledging that the Lakers was more concerned with other Timberwolves threats.
“I was trying to get switches for my teammates like Ant [Edwards], Julius [Randle], even Naz [Reid], so they could attack them as well. Just playing with confidence and just continuing to attack,” he added.
The numbers back up McDaniels’ efficient approach–he shot an impressive 59.1% from the field while committing just one turnover throughout the game.
This two-way masterclass from McDaniels has given Minnesota the upper hand as they maintain home-court advantage.
If McDaniels can continue this level of play on both ends of the court, the Timberwolves could find themselves in position to deliver a serious upset against the star-studded Lakers.
