The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the San Antonio Spurs 104-103 on Sunday, a game that settled on the final minute. The Timberwolves won it on defense, Jaden McDaniels was at the center of it.
Anthony Edwards praises Jaden McDaniels
Following the game, Anthony Edwards made sure everyone knew of McDaniels' defensive abilities.
“Tonight made Jaden look like a Defensive Player of the Year because he does this all the time,” Edwards said. “It may look like he beat, like, tonight I was finna come help him, and he was like, ‘nah, stay home, I got it,’ and he was blocking it as he was talking to me.”
Edwards added:
“He is telling me to stay home during a play, and blocking the shot. I tell y’all all the time he’s my favorite player in the NBA,” he added. “I don’t care if he has two points, I don’t care if he has 30 points. The way he affects the game in so many ways, he’s by far my favorite player.”
Jaden McDaniels's impact in the game
McDaniels wrapped up with five rebounds and three blocks. The last one was the most important one. With under three minutes left, he ran down Harrison Barnes from behind and erased what could have been a go-ahead basket.
The all-important block led Minnesota to take the lead on the following play as they held on to a win and handed San Antonio a defeat, ending its two-game win streak.
For Minnesota, the victory served as a rapid response to Friday's defeat against Cleveland. The Timberwolves now head out on a four-game road trip.