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Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets has been plagued by a hamstring issue this season.

The Denver Nuggets lost their Game 2 matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves and found themselves on the other end of some strong trash talk. If you ask Aaron Gordon about it, he’s not concerned.

Following the Game 2 119-114 Timberwolves victory, the veteran defensive standout Jaden McDaniels confidently sat at his locker and called out Denver’s defense.

McDaniels didn’t hold back–even calling out players like Gordon individually.

GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 22: Jaden McDaniels #3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles to the basket in front of LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 110-103 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the season home opener at Crypto.com Arena on October 22, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images). NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

“Go at Jokic, Jamal, all the bad defenders. Tim Hardaway, Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon, their whole team,” McDaniels said in response to a question about the Timberwolves’ offensive game plan. “They’re all bad defenders.”

On the other side of the arena, Gordon was made aware of the comments. He brushed them off with a four-word statement:

“Brother, I don’t care.”

The Nuggets Need To Answer

GettyDENVER, COLORADO – MARCH 29: Nikola Jokic #15 and Aaron Gordon #50 of the Denver Nuggets watch from the bench as their team plays the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter at Ball Arena on March 29, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

That’s likely the veteran forward’s way of saying the Nuggets aren’t going to do too much talking in this first-round series.

While the loss was disappointing, the Nuggets have avoided defeat for nearly 15 games in a row. Now that they have that one out of the way, they know what they need to do in order to bounce back. Based on Minnesota’s comments, it’s going to start on the defensive end of the floor.

Anthony Edwards went 10-25 from the field to score 30 points. Julius Randle produced 24 points on 7-14 shooting. Donte DiVincenzo racked up 16 points, while McDaniels collected 14 points by going 7-15 from the field.

When Do The Nuggets Play Next?

GettySALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 1: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets calls a play during the first half of a game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on April 1, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

The Nuggets and the Timberwolves are going to play in Minnesota for the first time this series on Thursday, April 23. The game tips off at 9:30 PM ET.

The series is already guaranteed a trip back to Denver, Colorado. In a perfect world for Gordon and the Nuggets, they’ll have a chance to end it in Game 5 when the series returns to where it started.

However, the Timberwolves are clearly putting up a strong fight and posing a big threat. Soon, the basketball world will see if McDaniels’ trash talk brings a new level of defensive intensity for Denver.