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Jaden McDaniels of the Minnesota Timberwolves during an NBA game.

During the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets have gotten especially chippy. Jaden McDaniels can be credited for poking the bear early on and often.

Seeing as though it’s the playoffs, and the Nuggets and Timberwolves are rivals, one has to expect the Nuggets to turn up their intensity level to match what McDaniels is bringing to the table. The crowd in Denver was hostile towards McDaniels as well.

The veteran standout has proved he can dish it out–he’s also proving that he can take it  too, by embracing the way Game 5 played out, despite the loss.

Jaden McDaniels Sends A Clear Message To The Nuggets

GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 22: Jaden McDaniels #3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles the ball while being guarded by Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first quarter in Game Two of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 22, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

“I really ain’t feel too much,” McDaniels told reporters.

“Besides the crowd, it’s all fun to me; I don’t really care. I feed into it. We just got to get the job done next game, and then there’s no more talking.”

The shorthanded Timberwolves lost 125-113 in Game 5, after firing off three wins in a row. The series goes back to their home court on Thursday, April 30.

McDaniels and the Timberwolves will have the crowd on their side once again. While that’s an advantage, McDaniels made one more thing clear: the villain mentality is embraced over there.

“It’s cool, I mean, I like it,” McDaniels said of being the “villain” in another city. “You see, I’m probably shaking my head the whole time. They’re booing me. I’m laughing. They can’t get in my head. I already expect it to come.”

The Nuggets Keep The Advantage

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)

The Timberwolves are confident as ever, but the Nuggets have the true advantage still.

Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo are going to remain off the court. For Denver, there is a real opportunity for them to force Game 7.

If that’s the case–and McDaniels is back in Denver later in the week–you can bet the outspoken standout will embrace the environment.