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Jaden McDaniels · Even in a league where the phrase “great offense beats great defense” continues to hold infinite truth, gifted bucket-getters across the Association know that conquering “The Klaw” often requires putting one’s best foot forward. In the rare case of one Jaden McDaniels on January 6, 2025, the idea of a deceptive step was all that it took. Mirrored along the perimeter against a former two-time Defensive Player of the Year, McDaniels leaves the L.A. Clippers star searching for the lightswitch in a dark room, working a fearsome jab-and-stepback combination that yields a wide-open look. Smooth and rhythmic in his release, McDaniels cashes in, burying a 3-pointer that boosts the Minnesota Timberwolves’ opening-quarter lead. Jab steps proved friendly throughout for the fifth-year forward, who drained timely buckets throughout Minnesota’s thrilling come-from-behind win. One of few misses, McDaniels finished with 11 points (on four-of-five shooting), alongside two rebounds, two assists, two steals, one block, and three triples. · State of Mint