Nuggets dismiss Jaden McDaniels’ trash talk after Timberwolves’ Game 2 upset victory

The war of words between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves has escalated following the latter’s 119-114 Game 2 victory. Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels didn’t hold back in his post-game assessment, specifically targeting Denver’s defensive personnel and calling them « bad defenders. »

McDaniels named several Nuggets players directly, including Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Cam Johnson. « They’re all bad defenders, » McDaniels said. « They don’t got people who can defend the rim. Even if [Jokic] is there, we’re more athletic than them. »

Nuggets respond with composure

The Nuggets addressed McDaniels’ comments during Wednesday’s practice session before their flight to Minneapolis for Thursday’s Game 3. The responses ranged from dismissive to sarcastic, with players and coaching staff maintaining their focus on the task ahead.

Cam Johnson, one of the players specifically called out, acknowledged the ongoing verbal exchanges. « They’ve just been saying a lot, » Johnson said. « All season, all series. Let them talk. Let them get everything they want off their chest. » When asked if the comments could serve as bulletin board material, Johnson replied, « Sure, sure. But I’m not entertaining those antics. »

Head coach David Adelman took a more pointed approach, sarcastically suggesting McDaniels was seeking attention. « I can’t wait for his podcast, » Adelman said. « He’s a really good player. Everyone has a sounding board these days. It’ll help his social media. »

Adelman also defended his team’s defensive performance in the series, challenging the narrative around Denver’s struggles. « Narratives are interesting, » he said. « You hear so many things. We’ve gotten lazy in society. What’s our defensive rating in this series through two games? » When informed it was 109.3, ranking sixth best among the 16 playoff teams, Adelman simply said, « OK. Next. »

Christian Braun provided perhaps the most measured response, viewing the comments through the lens of playoff rivalry. « It’s part of the rivalry, » Braun said. « I don’t think it caught anybody off guard. He’s kinda speaking his truth and what he believes. We’ll allow them to do that. We kinda want to take care of our own. »

The series now shifts to Minneapolis with momentum on Minnesota’s side after evening the series at 1-1. This marks the third playoff meeting between these teams in four seasons, with Denver winning in 2023 and Minnesota prevailing in 2024. The Nuggets will be without Peyton Watson for Game 3, as the defensive-minded wing continues to deal with a hamstring strain.