McDaniels Emerges as Surprising Force Against Durant as Wolves Stun Suns

In a viral clip from an old interview, Anthony Edwards proclaimed, "They got KD, but we got Jaden McDaniels." McDaniels has emerged as a force in the Minnesota Timberwolves' 2-0 lead over the Phoenix Suns, showcasing his defensive prowess against Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Despite Edwards' poor shooting, McDaniels' 25 points and eight rebounds led the Wolves to victory. Edwards' comments, once dismissed as delirious, now seem prophetic as McDaniels' size and versatility prove crucial for the Wolves' success.

Jaren McDaniels Emerges as Unlikely Foil to Kevin Durant as Minnesota Timberwolves Stun Phoenix Suns

In the annals of basketball, an oft-revived clip from an old Anthony Edwards interview has become a viral sensation, resurfacing regularly in the far corners of the basketball internet. It typically serves as a punchline, a tongue-in-cheek reference to something outlandish. In the video, Edwards nonchalantly states, "They got KD, but we got Jaden McDaniels."

The clip once again made the rounds during the Minnesota Timberwolves' first-round series with the Phoenix Suns in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Only this time, Edwards' seemingly outlandish comments have acquired an air of prophecy.

The Wolves dismantled the Suns, 105-93, in Game 2 on Tuesday night, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. Minnesota is simply bigger and more physical than Phoenix, and it has played a significant role in the early stages of this series. The Wolves play with a bruising, physical style, enforcing their will in the paint, and the Suns simply have no answer.

Edwards may have only shot 3-of-12 from the field in Game 2, but another one of his teammates stepped up in a big way for the Wolves: Jaden McDaniels. The third-year forward exploded for 25 points and eight rebounds in the victory, all while taking on the daunting defensive assignment of guarding Durant and Devin Booker for extended stretches. Durant finished just 6-of-15 from the field for a mere 18 points in Phoenix's lopsided defeat.

Listen to the Edwards clip for yourself:

Following the Wolves' Game 1 victory, Edwards was seen jawing with Durant after big plays throughout the contest. He even went as far as to call Durant his "all-time favorite player" after the game.

The Wolves finished the regular season ranked first in defensive efficiency, and while much of the credit goes to the imposing presence of Rudy Gobert, McDaniels deserves substantial praise as well. Playing alongside two 7-footers, the 6'10" McDaniels is a massive presence at small forward, boasting an incredible wingspan of over 7 feet. He is precisely the type of versatile wing defender that this Suns team desperately lacks.

McDaniels guarding Durant no longer seems like such a mismatch. Edwards knew exactly what he was talking about.

Edwards' Bold Prediction Proves True as McDaniels Shines

The narrative surrounding the series has shifted dramatically in just two games. Phoenix entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, while Minnesota was widely viewed as a team that had overachieved during the regular season. However, the Wolves have flipped the script, exposing the Suns' defensive deficiencies and neutralizing their presumed advantage in the frontcourt.

McDaniels has been a revelation in this series, showcasing his remarkable defensive versatility and emerging as a legitimate scoring threat. He has handled the task of guarding Durant with aplomb, holding the two-time NBA Finals MVP to inefficient shooting nights.

Edwards' premonition has proven to be remarkably accurate. The Timberwolves not only have Jaden McDaniels, but he has also emerged as a key cog in their success against the Suns. McDaniels is a young player with immense potential, and his performance in this series has been a breakout moment.

Wolves Aim to Complete Upset as Series Shifts to Phoenix

The Timberwolves return to Minneapolis for Games 3 and 4 with a stranglehold on the series. They have the opportunity to close it out at home before heading back to Phoenix for a potential Game 5.

The Suns are in dire need of a response. They have shown flashes of their potential, but they have also been plagued by inconsistency and defensive breakdowns. They must find a way to generate more offense and shore up their defense if they want to avoid a disappointing first-round exit.

Game 3 is scheduled for Thursday night in Minneapolis.