Timberwolves’ Jaden McDaniels ratchets trash talk up to 100 by calling out entire Nuggets team

If there is one thing that Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels is good at, it is playing on-ball defense. If there is a second thing he is good at, it is rage-baiting.

The Timberwolves evened their first-round series against the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs at 1-1 after completing a come-from-behind win in Game 2 at Ball Arena on Monday.

Minnesota fought back from a 19-point deficit to stun Denver and steal a pivotal victory on the road.

When asked what their mindset was in Game 2, McDaniels took out a lighter, several gallons of gasoline, and started a fire in Mile High City. Figuratively, of course.

“Go at (Nikola) Jokic, Jamal (Murray), all the bad defenders. Tim Hardaway, Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon, their whole team. Just go at them. Yeah, they’re all bad defenders,” said McDaniels in the video posted by The Minnesota Star Tribune’s Chris Hine.

“They don’t have people who can defend the rim. If they have, we’re still more athletic than they are. We just gotta be able to finish what we do.”

Jaden McDaniels, deadpan delivery, on what worked for the Timberwolves offensively.

Jaden: Go at Jokic, Jamal, all the bad defenders. Tim Hardaway, Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon, their whole team.”

Q: They’re all bad defenders?

Jaden: “Yeah, they’re all bad defenders.” pic.twitter.com/Lbjq7je9Fo

— Chris Hine (@ChristopherHine) April 21, 2026

The fact that he was wearing a black hoodie only added to his villainous aura. It is great!

The 25-year-old McDaniels also probably wanted to set the tone in their approach and maintain their competitive edge. It is the playoffs, after all. Players should not be chummy with opponents. They should be trying to decapitate each other.

McDaniels contributed 14 points, two rebounds, and three assists in 37 minutes in Game 2, while also playing tough defense. Murray was held to only seven points in the second half after exploding for 23 points in the first 24 minutes.

McDaniels wanted all the smoke, so he started a fire.

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