Timberwolves’ Jaden McDaniels sounds off on quick return from knee injury

Jaden McDaniels was back in action for the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, although they lost to the Orlando Magic, 132-120, at Kia Center.

McDaniels missed their last six games due to a knee injury. He was expected to be out for a longer period, but the hard-nosed wingman pushed himself to make an earlier return.

He tallied 18 points on 8-of-16 shooting, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 19 minutes against the Magic.

After the game, he discussed his much-needed return and his mentality during his recovery, as reported by The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski.

“Just staying working, being in the weight room, even though I couldn’t do much on the court. When I could go on the court, I made the most of it. Be stronger, come back healthy. I feel great, just a tribute to everyone helping me,” said McDaniels.

The Timberwolves are playing without Anthony Edwards, who remains day-to-day with a knee injury, so having McDaniels back in the lineup is surely a welcome development. He is averaging 14.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 steals.

Minnesota was depleted against Orlando, as Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle also sat out. Gobert was rested, while Randle is dealing with hand soreness.

Terrence Shannon Jr. picked up the cudgels for the squad, scoring a career-high 33 points on 11-of-14 shooting, including 5-of-7 from long range, off the bench.

The Timberwolves are already locked as the sixth seed in the Western Conference. If the playoffs started today, they would face either the Denver Nuggets, the Los Angeles Lakers, or the Houston Rockets.