Jaden McDaniels emerged as an surprising hero within the Minnesota Timberwolves’ essential 116-104 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Recreation 3, giving Minnesota some great benefits of a 2-1 sequence.
McDaniels shut down the Lakers famous person Le Cadon Stylish who scored a profession playoff excessive of 30 factors and struggled to simply 17 factors with 37.5% capturing on the similar time.
At a post-game press convention, Jaden McDaniels rejected the proposal that the Slovenian star is overcoming well being points and revealed his defensive technique towards Donsic.
“I stuffed Luka within the recreation, some leaves, and Bron did not have a giant recreation like this all-series, so if considered one of them works, it is tremendous. I am cool with that,” defined McDaniels.
“I simply picked him up each time and could not say he was going via something,” he added.
McDaniels’ lockdown protection at Doncic represents a key think about Minnesota’s success. The Lakers’ assaults repeatedly stalled with out the first playmaker working at full capability.
When requested about his offensive explosion, McDaniels revealed that he merely exploited the Lakers’ defensive priorities.
“I simply know they are going to be placed on me like fewer defenders to maintain them within the move of assault and never be pressured,” McDaniels stated, acknowledging that the Lakers are extra within the threats of the opposite Timberwolves.
“We have been making an attempt to get a swap for teammates like Ali (Edwards), Julius (Randle), and Naz (Reid).
The numbers backed up McDaniels’ environment friendly strategy. He shot a formidable 59.1% from the sector, 59.1% whereas committing one gross sales determine all through the sport.
This two-way masterclass from McDaniels has gained the higher hand as Minnesota maintains a house courtroom benefit.
If McDaniels might proceed enjoying at this stage on each ends of the courtroom, the Timberwolves might discover themselves ready to noticeably upset towards the star-studded Lakers.
