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The Minnesota Timberwolves are up 2-1 in their Playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers. It has been an impressive run for the sixth-seeded team, as they came into the matchup as the heavy underdogs.
A big talking point for the Timberwolves is how they have played in the first three games of the series. They are focusing on exploiting matchups, and the biggest one might be Jaden McDaniels' performance against Lakers superstar Luka Doncic.
Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
More known as a defensive specialist, McDaniels has broken out as one of the Timberwolves' most reliable players in the series. He is averaging 21 points and six rebounds while shooting 58.7% from the field and 36.4% from three.
He has become a more dangerous offensive option in the series because it is the perfect scenario for him. The Lakers do not have a designated rim protector, which means Jaden can use his athleticism and speed to attack the rim. At the same time, he is often guarded by Doncic, who is a mediocre defender.
A lot was said about the Lakers going at Rudy Gobert before this series. They want to attack him in the switch with either Luka, LeBron James, or Austin Reaves. That has not worked out well for them because Gobert has found a way to stay competitive with his perimeter defense.
The tide has turned on the Lakers because the Timberwolves are exploiting matchups. Doncic and Reaves are not great defenders, so whoever has the ball against them tends to attack. Coach Chris Finch has done well at instructing his players to keep attacking matchups.
McDaniels is the biggest beneficiary of this approach because he has been superb across the three games. He attacks the matchup and finishes at the rim more often than not, proving that rim protection is crucial to winning this series.
"He's a monster. I think this was a career high for him. Couldn't come at a better time. In the flow, super aggressive," Finch said about McDaniels after Game 3. "We found him. I think he and Julius did an excellent job at setting the tone today. Just being aggressive and playing with a lot of force. Battling their matchup."
Most people outside the Timberwolves bubble are not aware of McDaniels' potential. Almost every Minnesota fan would have seen this coming because they have always seen McDaniels' promise as a two-way star.
He is proving it on the biggest stage in the Playoffs while going against superstars like LeBron and Luka. Anthony Edwards has always known this, encouraging McDaniels to keep attacking on offense.
Ant's encouragement is getting results with how Jaden has played in this series. Now that Minnesota has the momentum in this series, they could keep pushing it forward and win more. They can take a commanding 3-1 lead in Game 4 on Sunday afternoon, and McDaniels will look to play a huge part in the potential success.
Continue reading...
A big talking point for the Timberwolves is how they have played in the first three games of the series. They are focusing on exploiting matchups, and the biggest one might be Jaden McDaniels' performance against Lakers superstar Luka Doncic.
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Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
More known as a defensive specialist, McDaniels has broken out as one of the Timberwolves' most reliable players in the series. He is averaging 21 points and six rebounds while shooting 58.7% from the field and 36.4% from three.
He has become a more dangerous offensive option in the series because it is the perfect scenario for him. The Lakers do not have a designated rim protector, which means Jaden can use his athleticism and speed to attack the rim. At the same time, he is often guarded by Doncic, who is a mediocre defender.
The Timberwolves Will Keep Taking Advantage Of The Matchup
A lot was said about the Lakers going at Rudy Gobert before this series. They want to attack him in the switch with either Luka, LeBron James, or Austin Reaves. That has not worked out well for them because Gobert has found a way to stay competitive with his perimeter defense.
The tide has turned on the Lakers because the Timberwolves are exploiting matchups. Doncic and Reaves are not great defenders, so whoever has the ball against them tends to attack. Coach Chris Finch has done well at instructing his players to keep attacking matchups.
McDaniels is the biggest beneficiary of this approach because he has been superb across the three games. He attacks the matchup and finishes at the rim more often than not, proving that rim protection is crucial to winning this series.
"He's a monster. I think this was a career high for him. Couldn't come at a better time. In the flow, super aggressive," Finch said about McDaniels after Game 3. "We found him. I think he and Julius did an excellent job at setting the tone today. Just being aggressive and playing with a lot of force. Battling their matchup."
The Timberwolves Have Another Budding Star
Most people outside the Timberwolves bubble are not aware of McDaniels' potential. Almost every Minnesota fan would have seen this coming because they have always seen McDaniels' promise as a two-way star.
He is proving it on the biggest stage in the Playoffs while going against superstars like LeBron and Luka. Anthony Edwards has always known this, encouraging McDaniels to keep attacking on offense.
Ant's encouragement is getting results with how Jaden has played in this series. Now that Minnesota has the momentum in this series, they could keep pushing it forward and win more. They can take a commanding 3-1 lead in Game 4 on Sunday afternoon, and McDaniels will look to play a huge part in the potential success.
Continue reading...
