Jaden McDaniels makes sure Rudy Gobert knows he can pass
The Minnesota Timberwolves won their third straight after beating the Miami Heat, 122-94, at Target Center on Tuesday.
The Timberwolves beat the Heat for the second time in four days after also winning, 125-115, on Saturday. That snapped Miami’s four-game winning streak.
It was a team effort for Minnesota, with Anthony Edwards leading the way with a game-high 26 points on 5-of-8 shooting from long range. He also had five rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
Rudy Gobert was also big with 13 points, 17 rebounds and two blocks, while Jaden McDaniels scored 19 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.
In the locker room after the game, Gobert praised McDaniels for its improved gameplay.
“Jaden’s capable. He’s got all the tools to create. He’s also a good passer. He’s shown that this year,” Gobert said in a video shared by Timberwolves reporter Dane Moore.
The four-time Defensive Player of the Year then winked at McDaniels, saying, “You can’t fool me anymore. I said you can pass. I know you can pass.”
“Yeah, I’m a fucking point guard,” McDaniels replied.
Rudy Gobert, when asked about the participation of Jaden McDaniel in the offensive, talked about his death.
Gobert winked at McDaniels and said, “he’s showing he can pass the ball, you can’t fool me anymore.”
McDaniels said, “yeah, I’m a ______ point guard” pic.twitter.com/v9E60CRMkV
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) January 7, 2026
Friendly banter showed the close relationship between Gobert and McDaniels, who continue to be the anchors of Minnesota’s defense.
As the 33-year-old Gobert noted, the 25-year-old McDaniels is averaging a career-high 14.4 points and 2.8 assists in his sixth year with the Timberwolves.
He started out mostly as a 3-and-D player, but developed into a better player over the years, with Gobert giving him words of encouragement and coach Chris Finch giving him a chance to shine.
2026-01-07 05:13:00
