Nuggets not biting on Wolves' McDaniels calling out defense - ESPN

DENVER — As the series between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves shifts cities, the animosity between the two teams continues to build.

Following Minnesota's 119-114 Game 2 win in Denver late Monday night, Timberwolves wing Jaden McDaniels called several Nuggets players «bad defenders,» identifying Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Cam Johnson by name.

«They've just been saying a lot,» Johnson said in response. «All season, all series. Let them talk. Let them get everything they want off their chest.»

The Nuggets had Tuesday off and practiced Wednesday afternoon at their facility before an afternoon flight to Minneapolis for a pivotal Game 3 on Thursday night. After practice, Johnson, head coach David Adelman and starting guard Christian Braun were asked about McDaniels' comments.

«I can't wait for his podcast,» Adelman said sarcastically. «He's a really good player. Everyone has a sounding board these days. It'll help his social media.»

McDaniels' comments generated widespread attention in part due to timing, delivered early in a series. Johnson acknowledged that the team could take it as bulletin board material.

«Sure, sure,» Johnson said. «But I'm not entertaining those antics.»

The Nuggets finished the regular season with a league-best 121.2 offensive rating, winning 54 games to grab the third seed. But they did have the 21st-ranked defense, finishing with a 116.0 rating.

«They're all bad defenders,» McDaniels said. «They don't got people who can defend the rim. Even if [Jokic] is there, we're more athletic than them.»

Adelman was critical of the team's Game 2 rebounding, noting a 20-3 advantage in second chance points for the Timberwolves, but snapped back at the idea that