The Timberwolves’ third-year rising star’s incredible defense on Ja Morant and De’Aaron Fox played a big role in Minnesota sweeping both ends of a back-to-back.
Jaden McDaniels is one of the premier defenders in the NBA. He may not get the recognition he deserves, but his singular presence allows the Minnesota Timberwolves to do a variety of things on defense. In the past, we’ve seen him defend the weak-side on his own, matchup against the opponent’s best wings and forwards, and act as a weak-side rim protector. In their last two games, though, McDaniels provided yet another look as his primary assignment was Ja Morant and De’Aaron Fox in back-to-back nights.