The Denver Nuggets may be the defending NBA champions, but Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels is buying stock in his own team when comparing the two franchises.
After the Timberwolves' impressive 111-98 road victory over the Nuggets on Friday, McDaniels discussed the matchup and candidly assessed his outlook. In short, the 23-year-old believes Minnesota is simply the better team.
"It's a good matchup for us, but I think we're the better team," McDaniels said via Bally Sports North.
"It's a good matchup for us, but I think we're the better team."
— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) March 30, 2024
Jaden McDaniels on Minnesota's "revenge game" against Denver and reclaiming the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. #RaisedByWolves pic.twitter.com/Wj0eEz5efT
Considering the potential implications of Minnesota's win on Friday night, McDaniels is correct, at least regarding the current standings. The victory puts the Timberwolves in a tie for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, 51-22, with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Even after the rare home loss, the Nuggets are just a half-game behind both teams, holding a 51-23 record. Denver dropped to 29-8 at home this season, and the road victory was even more impressive for the Timberwolves with Karl-Anthony Towns still sidelined with a torn meniscus.
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