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Jaden McDaniels · By early-March, the talk of the town in Minnesota had centered around Jaden McDaniels’ offensive growth, and his still-going 14-game stretch of double-digit scoring. Not that anyone had forgotten, but in the event someone they had, the fifth-year forward used a head-to-head against the Philadelphia 76ers to issue reminders of his just-as-intriguing defensive gifts. Glue-like in his attachment to Philadelphia’s driving lanes, McDaniels offers Exhibit A, using his 6-foot-9 frame to deflate the air on Kelly Oubre Jr.’s floater. Finding the job to be unfinished after Andre Drummond attempts to construct one of his patented putback sequences, McDaniels sprinkles on a second highlight, securing a from-behind block to completely barricade the painted area. The Minnesota Timberwolves found McDaniels’ efforts to be much-needed during March 4, 2025’s high-scoring affair, eventually stringing together the plays needed for a double-digit win. Settled into the best stretch of his still-ascending career, McDaniels boarded the flight to Buzz City with 17 points (on 7-of-10 shooting), three rebounds, two assists, two steals, four blocks, and a trifecta. · State of Mint