Timberwolves’ Jaden McDaniels defends controversial final Game 4 shot vs. Nuggets

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels has become a central figure during the team’s first-round series against the Denver Nuggets. On Saturday night, in Minnesota’s 112-96 Game 4 win over Denver, he once again ignited controversy.

With just 1.3 seconds remaining and the outcome already decided, McDaniels ran in transition and finished an uncontested layup. The decision drew immediate reaction from Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, who rushed across the floor to confront him. Jokic said something to McDaniels before shoving him toward the sideline, leading to a heated scuffle as players from both teams converged. Jokic and Timberwolves forward Julius Randle were both ejected following the review.

McDaniels explained his decision by pointing to the clock.

“Clock still be running,” he said. “So I’m going to go score.”

When asked about the confrontation afterward, McDaniels downplayed it, saying:

“I don’t know what he said to be honest. I just seen someone who was big as hell.”

“I don’t know what he said, to be honest. I just seen someone who was big as hell.”

Jaden McDaniels on what Nikola Jokic said to him at the end of the game

(via @anthonyVslater) pic.twitter.com/qWl78P8MKV

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 26, 2026

On the court, McDaniels finished the game with 12 points on 4-of-11 shooting, along with 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block in 33 minutes.

The moment added to McDaniels’ growing role in the series after he previously called out Denver’s defense following Minnesota’s 119-114 win in Game 2, naming Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon, among others.

The Timberwolves now lead the series 3-1 heading into Game 5 in Colorado on Monday.

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