Jaden McDaniels calls out entire Nuggets roster: « They’re all bad defenders »
Apr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) shoots the ball over Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson (23) in the first quarter during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Timberwolves evened their first-round playoff series against Denver with a remarkable 119-114 victory on Monday night, overcoming a 19-point deficit at Ball Arena. But it was Jaden McDaniels‘ post-game comments that created the biggest buzz, as the forward delivered a scathing assessment of the Nuggets’ defensive capabilities.
Bold claims target entire Denver roster
McDaniels didn’t hold back when describing Minnesota‘s game plan against the defending champions. « Go after Jokic, Jamal, all the bad defenders, » said McDaniels, who contributed 14 points and three assists in the victory. « Tim Hardaway Jr., Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon, the whole team, just go at them. »
When pressed further about whether he truly believed all Denver players were poor defenders, McDaniels doubled down on his statement. « Yeah, they’re all bad defenders, » he added without hesitation.
The Timberwolves forward expanded on his critique, highlighting what he sees as Denver’s fundamental weakness. « They don’t got people that can defend the rim, » McDaniels said. « We’re still more athletic than them and just got to be able to finish when we do. »
Fourth-quarter collapse validates criticism
McDaniels’ comments gained credibility from Denver’s fourth-quarter performance, where their star duo struggled significantly. Despite Nikola Jokic recording 24 points and 15 rebounds while Jamal Murray added 30 points, both players faltered when it mattered most. The All-Star pair combined to shoot just 2-of-12 for four points in the final quarter.
Anthony Edwards, who led Minnesota with 30 points and 10 rebounds despite playing on a sore knee, was particularly pleased with Murray’s final possession decision-making. « I was happy he took the two points, » Edwards said about Murray’s missed 2-point attempt instead of a potential game-tying 3-pointer. « I thought he had a good look at a 3 when he first came off but yeah, he took the 2-pointer. »
Murray acknowledged his struggles after the defeat. « I didn’t make enough shots tonight, » he said. « That’s really about it. We all could have played better. It’s not all on one person, that’s just the way the game goes sometimes. »
The series now shifts to Minnesota for Game 3 on Thursday night, with the Timberwolves carrying momentum and confidence after their statement victory and McDaniels’ bold proclamation about Denver’s defensive limitations.
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