Timberwolves Advance: Jaden McDaniels and Terrence Shannon Jr. Stun Nuggets in Game 6
The Minnesota Timberwolves are moving on to the Western Conference Semifinals. In a stunning display of depth and resilience, an injury-ravaged Wolves squad dismantled the Denver Nuggets 110-98 on Thursday night, closing out the series 4-2.
Jaden McDaniels’ Career Night
With several key starters hobbled, Jaden McDaniels stepped into the spotlight and delivered the performance of a lifetime. McDaniels finished with a massive 32 points and 10 rebounds, dominating both ends of the floor. His defensive intensity on Jamal Murray was equally impressive, holding the Nuggets' star to a difficult shooting night.
Adding to the shock was rookie Terrence Shannon Jr., who got a surprise start and delivered 24 points of his own. The "Next Man Up" mentality in Minneapolis was on full display as the Target Center crowd roared for their young core.
"People counted us out because of the injuries," McDaniels said during the trophy presentation. "But we have a locker room full of dogs. We knew if we played our brand of basketball, we could end it tonight."
The Shove: Jokic vs. Naz Reid
The game's intensity boiled over midway through the third quarter. Following a contested rebound, Nikola Jokic and Naz Reid got tangled up near the baseline. Jokic, clearly frustrated by Minnesota's physical defense and the impending elimination, gave Reid a significant shove that sent the Timberwolves big man backward.
The shove resulted in a technical foul for Jokic, who finished the night with 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists—a near triple-double that ultimately wasn't enough to save Denver's season.
Key Stats & Prop Hits
- Jaden McDaniels Over 14.5 Points (HIT): McDaniels more than doubled his projection.
- Terrence Shannon Jr. 15+ Points (HIT): The rookie was a massive value play.
- Nikola Jokic Over 9.5 Assists (HIT): Jokic’s playmaking was the only thing keeping Denver alive early.
- Timberwolves +2.5 Spread (HIT): Minnesota won outright as home underdogs.
What’s Next?
The Timberwolves advance to the second round, where they await the winner of the Suns/Thunder series. If McDaniels and Shannon Jr. can maintain this level of play, Minnesota will be a nightmare for any opponent in the West.
Explore Timberwolves Second Round Projections →
Nathan’s Take: I'll admit, I didn't see Jaden McDaniels going for 30 tonight. But that’s the beauty of the playoffs. The Nuggets looked tired, and the Jokic shove on Naz Reid was the white flag. Minnesota is for real.
