Jaden McDaniels Excels in Minnesota Timberwolves Game 3 Win

In Game 3 of a close first-round series, Jaden McDaniels led the Minnesota Timberwolves with 30 points on the way to a 116-104 win. This win gives them a 2-1 series lead over the Los Angeles Lakers. McDaniels scored 30 points on efficient 13-of-22 shooting in 38 minutes, proving himself as a true X-factor in this playoff matchup. As the sixth seed, the Timberwolves were underdogs but beat the Lakers on their home floor in Game 1. They took a crucial Game 3 in Minnesota. Jaden McDaniels has been excellent and is a huge reason they could pull off a first-round upset.

Jaden McDaniels’ Performance

In Game 3, Jaden McDaniels finished with 30 points, but it was not a flashy performance. Most of his points came off tough, contested layups and dunks. He attacked the rim using his 6-foot-9 frame and long wingspan and converted many tough baskets through contact. In Game 1, McDaniels scored 25 points and was 3-of-3 from beyond the arc. This performance forced Los Angeles to respect his three-point shot, and the fast closeouts allowed him to blow by defenders into the paint. Another underlying aspect of this series has been the Lakers’ lack of interior defenders. Jaden McDaniels exposed that problem in Game 3 by scoring most of his points inside.

Jaden McDaniels only had one three-pointer, going 1-of-5 from three. But his sole deep ball came at a crucial moment. In the fourth quarter, after the game was tied 103-103, the Timberwolves closed on a 13-1 run in the final four and a half minutes. McDaniels’ three-pointer came after an Anthony Edwards takeover. Edwards drove inside, and the defense collapsed, leaving McDaniels open for the corner three that sealed the Minnesota victory. Jaden McDaniels shot 33% from beyond the arc this season, which is not a great number by itself, but if he can stay efficient, it will do wonders for the Timberwolves’ offense.

Another one of Jaden McDaniels’ best assets was his defense. He had two steals that led to fast-break points, including one off Lebron James. James had made three consecutive three-pointers, so McDaniels’ steal that led to a transition basket was key in bringing momentum back to the Timberwolves down the stretch.

The X-Factor of the Series

In Games 1 and 3, Jaden McDaniels has combined for 55 points. He has been the highest-scoring player in both of Minnesota’s wins. In a series full of stars like Edwards, James, and Luka Doncic, McDaniels has arguably been the most impactful player. When the Los Angeles defense has been focused on taking away Edwards, throwing odd coverages and double teams his way, the role players have needed to step up. McDaniels has done just that, scoring efficiently at the rim and from beyond the arc, and defending well. He has been one of the primary Doncic defenders, and in Game 3, Doncic had 17 points on 6-of-16 shooting.

The Timberwolves hold a 2-1 series lead over the Lakers. They have one more game in Minnesota before returning to Los Angeles for Game 5. Many were surprised when they not only defeated the Lakers in Game 1 but did so with relative ease. Game 3 was much closer, but it was another Timberwolves win. They have the advantage in a series where many picked against them, and that advantage has been because of their role players. Guys like Jaden McDaniels, Donte DiVincenzo, and Naz Reid have outplayed guys like Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, and Dorian Finney-Smith.

Final Thoughts

Jaden McDaniels scored 30 points in Game 3, helping Minnesota take a crucial 2-1 series lead. His inside scoring has revealed flaws in the Lakers’ defense that could be exploited or adjusted as the series continues. Game 4 will take place on Sunday, where the Timberwolves have an opportunity to go up 3-1, or Los Angeles can even the series.