MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 12: Aaron Gordon #50 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball while Jaden McDaniels #3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves plays defense during the game during Round 2 Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 12, 2024 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images

Jaden McDaniels: Wolves Need to 'Stop Disrespecting' Aaron Gordon in Nuggets Series

Joseph ZuckerMay 14, 2024

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels doesn't believe the team is giving the Denver Nuggets' Aaron Gordon his just due to this point in the Western Conference semifinals.

McDaniels told reporters Tuesday the Wolves need to "stop disrespecting" Gordon.

TOP NEWS

With Jayson Tatum sidelined, Celtics' fourth-quarter comeback falls short in Game 7 loss to 76ers

Bleacher Report1w

Gordon has played an important role in helping Denver even up the series at two games apiece. He was an efficient 5-of-7 for 13 points in the Nuggets' 117-90 blowout and then dropped 27 points, seven rebounds and six assists in their Game 4 victory Sunday night.

Slowing down Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray is a big part of Minnesota's defensive game plan. That's why having Gordon step up as a secondary scorer is so crucial for Denver. Even the Wolves, who have two elite defenders in McDaniels and Rudy Gobert, can have a hard time guarding everybody.

Gordon was a key cog in last year's championship run as he averaged 15.3 points and shot 40.9 percent from beyond the arc. Based on how the Western Conference semifinals are unfolding, the same thing might be happening again.