Jaden McDaniels drops 22 points vs. New York

Like many of his teammates, McDaniels struggled in Game 6. And finishing proved to be particularly problematic, especially when Victor Wembanyama was on the floor. A 44.4 percent shooter from two in the first five games of the series, McDaniels shot 2-of-9 in Game 6. However, his overall postseason production was positive for the Timberwolves, especially in the series against Denver. Looking ahead to next season, McDaniels has usually been underrated in category leagues. With Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) expected to miss most of next season, McDaniels will possess a higher fantasy ceiling.

McDaniels shot the ball better in Game 5 than he did in Games 3 and 4, when he combined to make 11 of 32 attempts. However, his performance on Tuesday wasn’t good enough, especially considering Victor Wembanyama’s return from his second-quarter ejection in Game 4. McDaniels won’t be Minnesota’s first or second scoring option, but the Timberwolves will need an aggressive version of the wing in Game 6 on Friday. Minnesota is looking to force a decisive Game 7 with a victory.

After shooting 5-of-22 from the field in Game 3, McDaniels was a bit more efficient in Game 4. He didn’t record any assists or defensive stats on Sunday, but that did not prove problematic on a night when San Antonio lost Victor Wembanyama to a second-quarter ejection. With the series now a best-of-3, the Timberwolves are going to need more production from McDaniels, who has scored 17 points or fewer in each of the first four games. Game 5 is on Tuesday in San Antonio.

McDaniels shot 3-of-8 from beyond the arc in Game 3, but he had a brutal night from two. The Timberwolves’ forward made two of his 14 two-point attempts in one of the worst performances of his postseason career. McDaniels did record a complete stat line, but with Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) out and Julius Randle (12 points, six rebounds and one steal) also struggling, the Timberwolves don’t have much margin for error against the Spurs.

After going off for 32 points in the Timberwolves’ series clincher against Denver, McDaniels finished with half that number in Monday’s series opener. However, with Anthony Edwards (knee) back in the fold, there wasn’t as great a need for high-level scoring from McDaniels. He still did what he needed to defensively and shot 50 percent from the field. Minnesota will look to extend its series lead in Game 2 on Wednesday.

Shams notes that Minnesota’s medical staff will make a decision about Edwards’ availability closer to tip-off, but it sounds like the superstar is doing everything he can to get back on the court. If Edwards is sidelined again, Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels would see increased scoring responsibilities, while Ayo Dosunmu (calf) could enjoy a boost in usage if available.

Edwards will reportedly miss the start of the series, but a return could be on the horizon. His questionable game status is a positive for a Minnesota team that had to overcome several key backcourt injuries to end the first-round series against the Nuggets. Until the superstar guard officially returns, Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle should remain the primary scoring options for the Timberwolves. Ayo Dosunmu (calf), if available, would likely also see a heavy workload.

McDaniels stepped up in a big way to help the Timberwolves advance to the second round. Offensively, he took on a significant role and responded by notching his first-ever 30-point playoff game. He battled on both the offensive and defensive glass, while being a major reason for Jamal Murray’s offensive struggles. McDaniels was massive all throughout Round 1, and his two-way ability will be relied on when Minnesota takes on San Antonio in the next round.

Dosunmu’s absence on Thursday is undoubtedly a major blow for the Timberwolves, who are already playing without Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles). Since being acquired ahead of February’s trade deadline, the fifth-year guard has been stellar for Minnesota on both ends of the floor. He’s become one of the team’s best and most reliable scorers during the postseason. Without Dosunmu, Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle will likely be counted on for more offensive production.

Randle didn’t have a great game, but it didn’t matter much on a night when Ayo Dosunmu scored 43 points and Naz Reid added 17. Of greater concern for the Timberwolves was how Game 4 ended, with Nikola Jokić’s reaction to a Jaden McDaniels (12 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one block) layup sparking a shoving match that led to Jokić and Randle being ejected. No punches were thrown, so the two ejected players may be fine for Monday’s Game 5, but that isn’t guaranteed.