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Jaden McDaniels scored late against Denver in Game 4

Call him the Wind-Up Merchant. Because that’s who he’s become after leading his Minnesota Timberwolves’ to a powerful first round triumph over the Denver Nuggets.

His performance in this opening round was worthy of more than a simple applause. Whatever it is, Jaden McDaniels doesn’t care. 

Heck, he likes being the guys the opposing fans loathe. It makes him sit back and smile in the spotlight. 

McDaniels has stepped up in a massive way in light of major injuries to Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo. For starters, those two make up the Wolves’ starting backcourt. 

In an effort to close out the Nuggets on Thursday, 25-year-old McDaniels poured in 32 points and snatched 10 rebounds. 

He told the world the Wolves were going to win Game 6. Call him a man of his word, too.

GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 23: Jaden McDaniels #3 and Ayo Dosunmu #13 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on after Game Three of the First Round of the 2026 NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets at Target Center on April 23, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 113-96. 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 David Berding/Getty Images)

It’s on to the Spurs for the McDaniels-led Wolves, who aim to do more than just tread water while they await the return of Edwards. 

Another big task is on tap.

NBA Reveals Two Massive Jaden McDaniels Stats From Round 1

The NBA wasted no time in acknowledging McDaniels’ feat as Minnesota punched a conference semis ticket.

The league announced on its official X handle two major stats McDaniels produced in the first round. 

“Jaden McDaniels capped off a 32-point, 10-rebound Game 6 with this clutch jumper to help the Wolves advance to the West Semis! McDaniels was crucial on both ends all series, averaging 17.8 PPG and allowing 37.3% shooting as the primary defender,” the NBA wrote.

McDaniels’ breakout first-round performance was duly noted. He averaged 17.8 points per game across the six-game series while holding his primary assignment to just 37.3% shooting from the field.

McDaniels’ offensive and defensive contribution is exactly why last years’ conference finalists moved on while the Nuggets were sent packing. He followed his Game 3 20-point and 10-rebound performance with a career-high Game 6. That was just the icing on the cake of what has been a solid series for Minnesota.

Late in the fourth quarter on Thursday, with the Nuggets still within striking distance, McDaniels drilled a 19-foot pull-up jumper that pushed the lead to seven and effectively sealed the outcome.

It is ironic because of what McDaniels said weeks earlier. After Game 2 with Minnesota making the series 1-1, the forward in his post game interview looked straight into the camera and said that the entire Nuggets roster had “bad defenders.” 

McDaniels said they lacked rim protection and athleticism on the perimeter. 

That comment gave Denver bulletin-board material for the rest of the series. Fair enough, with the outcome of the series, McDaniels seems to have been justified for what he said. 

How Far Can They Go?

Perhaps the only surprising outcome for many is the fact that the Timberwolves saw off the Nuggets with key injuries. However, Minnesota have made the conference finals in consecutive years and their playoff pedigree increases each year.

The Nuggets entered the postseason in fine form, they won their final 12 games of the regular season. With Edwards struggling with his health, they were viewed as favorites, but that seems to have all been a big fluff.

Up next for Minnesota is the second round. They will still remain without Edwards for some part of it but they will look to advance to yet another conference finals and possibly go one better this year.