McDaniels and Shannon Close Out Denver for Shorthanded Wolves

MINNEAPOLIS — Jaden McDaniels scored 32 points and Terrence Shannon Jr. added 24 as Minnesota beat Denver 110–98 on April 30, closing the first-round series in six games despite a depleted backcourt.

Anthony Edwards was inactive with a left knee bone bruise, and Ayo Dosunmu did not dress because of right calf soreness. The Timberwolves still found the scoring and possession work required to finish the series at home rather than return to Denver for Game 7.

McDaniels made 13 of 25 shots, collected 10 rebounds and recorded three assists without a turnover. Shannon, the former Illinois standout, added six rebounds and two steals in nearly 35 minutes. Their combined 56 points supplied much of the offense Minnesota needed in the absence of its leading star.

The work around them was equally consequential. Rudy Gobert had 10 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists. Julius Randle scored 18, while Naz Reid added 15 off the bench. Minnesota finished with 50 player rebounds to Denver's 33, including a 19–6 advantage on the offensive glass.

That possession edge translated into 20 second-chance points for the Timberwolves, compared with four for the Nuggets. Minnesota also scored 64 points in the paint. Those areas helped compensate for a seven-of-29 night from three-point range.

Nikola Jokić finished with 28 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. Cameron Johnson scored 27, but Jamal Murray made four of 17 shots and finished with 12 points. Denver could not produce enough around its leading contributors to extend the series.

For Minnesota, the closing win showed why a playoff roster needs more than its first scoring option. McDaniels and Shannon accepted larger responsibilities, while the frontcourt supplied rebounds and additional chances. The Timberwolves advanced because those roles expanded without the overall performance falling apart.