Jaden McDaniels Takes Draymond Green Route To Stop Jusuf Nurkic

Anthony Edwards‘ comparison of teammate Jaden McDaniels to Kevin Durant takes a slight detour in Game 4. As the Phoenix Suns showcased a better grip on momentum in the second quarter, McDaniels’ involvement in a physical play with center Jusuf Nurkic could have significant implications, reminiscent of the game-changing Draymond Green incident from mid-season.

Devin Booker found Nurkic open near the basket with a chance to add to the Suns’ 42-41 lead. Being trailed by McDaniels, Nurkic pump faked the shot, only to give enough time for Naz Reid to double team. As Nurkic rebounded his two consecutive follow-ups, he was smacked on the face by McDaniels, with Rudy Gobert and Reid contesting the Phoenix Suns‘ big-man. Nurkic took a hard fall to the ground, tending to his face.

McDaniels’ swipe against Nurkic was redundant, mainly because the Wolves were triple-teaming Jusuf and had him covered from almost all areas on the floor. All the three had to do was anticipate Nurkic’s shot. With that, it cannot help but be reminded of Draymond Green’s unprecedented and unnecessary attack at Nurkic.

Nevertheless, McDaniels continued to see court time. Despite Jaden’s extra physical play, he was handed a common shooting foul. Unlike Draymond’s ejection, the refs never even came close to heading toward the review system.

Jaden McDaniels continues to be a defensive menace

Jaden McDaniels scored 25 points in Game 2 of the Wolves-Suns series. It was the game’s highest score, as no other Wolves player touched the 20-point mark. Their superstar, Anthony Edwards, was limited to 15 points, shooting 3 of 12 from the field. With that, fans quickly bought Edwards’ comparison to KD from an earlier interview. However, despite the statistics of the game, Edwards’ comments came in light of McDaniels’ defense.

Now, as the T-Wolves successfully sweep the Suns, McDaniels’ contribution beyond the stat sheet comes to light. Throughout the four games, Jaden McDaniels, alongside Nickeil Alexander-Walker, played the most crucial role in containing Durant, Devin Booker, and Beal.

Moreover, McDaniels has forged a dependable chemistry with Edwards as well. The Wolves’ net rating increases when Ant and McDaniels share the court. It also allows McDaniels to affect the offense, be it through offensive rebounds or finding himself with open shots due to the defense’s focus on containing Edwards.

A glimpse of the same came during the Wolves’ closely contested Game 4. As the Suns gained momentum with a three to tie the game at 107, Jaden McDaniels and Edwards came up clutch with back-to-back corner threes to regain a 113-109 lead in the final 4 minutes of the game.