Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels showed marked improvement in his defensive discipline during Game 3 after struggling with fouls earlier in the series.
Having fouled out in Game 1 and accumulating five fouls in Game 2, McDaniels focused on adjusting his approach to avoid costly penalties while still trying to contain Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
In Game 3, the player managed to limit himself to just two fouls, demonstrating greater control and awareness on the court.
His effort to stay disciplined helped him stay on the floor longer and contribute more effectively to his team’s defensive efforts.
“I kept my hands out of his shooting motion, or just kept my hands off him at all,” McDaniels explained, according to Chris Hine of the Star Tribune.
“He’ll use his arms to tangle in yours and my arms are so long, it’s like they be getting caught places I don’t even want them to be.”
McDaniels has played 5 seasons for the Timberwolves. He has averaged 10.3 points and 4.2 rebounds in 366 regular-season games.
Timberwolves Notes: Randle, Edwards, McDaniels, Shannon https://t.co/AnzKNS0BZc pic.twitter.com/Jbb8nlDoxm
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 27, 2025
