Both teams were shaking off the rust after a short break, but Jaden McDaniels’ energetic performance proved pivotal in the Timberwolves’ 97-87 victory over the Lakers on Friday at Target Center.
Offensively, the Timberwolves and the LeBron James-less Lakers struggled early, with the Lakers committing 11 turnovers in the first quarter. However, the Wolves outdid them in inefficiency by missing their first 13 shots of the second quarter. Despite the sluggish offense and missteps, the Wolves found positives, particularly on defense, as they held Los Angeles to 38% shooting and forced 22 turnovers.
McDaniels played a crucial role in both the defensive dominance and overcoming the offensive slump, contributing 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting, along with a season-high nine rebounds and five steals, tying his career-best mark. “He was the star of the game,” said head coach Chris Finch. McDaniels credited his effort to expanding his impact on the game. “It’s not all about defense and scoring. Rebounding gets you involved as well,” he noted.
Anthony Edwards, battling through a minor ankle injury, led the team with 23 points, while Rudy Gobert added 12 points and 13 rebounds. Julius Randle, on the other hand, led the Lakers with 21 points, 15 of which came in the first half.
Though the Wolves struggled offensively, shooting 40% overall, their defense continues to be the backbone of their recent success. After winning five of their last six games, the Wolves haven’t scored more than 110 points in any of those victories. Gobert acknowledged the tradeoff, saying, “It might be a little uglier to watch, but at the end of the day, it’s who we are. When we compete defensively, we have a chance to win every night.”
McDaniels’ contributions stood out not just because of his scoring but because he found creative ways to generate offense even as the team’s ball movement lagged. Using transition opportunities and converting turnovers into points, McDaniels helped set the pace. One highlight included a sneaky steal behind Anthony Davis during an inbound pass, exemplifying his awareness and hustle. “They were a bit lackadaisical with the ball, so I made the most of my opportunities,” McDaniels said.
As the Wolves move forward, Finch hopes to see improvement on offense while maintaining their defensive intensity. “I’ve seen this team play much better offensively,” Finch said, referencing their strong offensive start to the season. “But for us, it’s always going to be about our defense.”
The Wolves’ formula of strong defensive play and scrappy wins has proven effective, but they’ll look to find more balance as the season progresses. Rob Dillingham, returning from a four-game absence due to a sprained ankle, contributed six points and showed defensive improvement, which Finch praised. “He’s giving up mass and length, but he’s finding ways to be present and tactful,” Finch said.
For now, defense remains the Wolves’ identity as they continue to grind out victories.
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