Timberwolves’ Mike Conley keeps it 100 with Jaden McDaniels on Nuggets fans’ merciless boos

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Julian Ojeda, ClutchPoints

Tue, April 28, 2026 at 4:30 PM UTC ·

2 min read

Timberwolves’ Mike Conley keeps it 100 with Jaden McDaniels on Nuggets fans’ merciless boos appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

The Minnesota Timberwolves dropped Game 5 to the Denver Nuggets 125-113 on Monday night, but veteran guard Mike Conley made sure Jaden McDaniels stayed grounded amid a hostile road environment.

McDaniels was met with consistent boos from the Denver crowd throughout the contest, and Conley addressed the situation directly during a locker room scrum with Dane Moore, offering perspective ahead of Game 6.

“I told him as much hate as you’re getting tonight, it’s gonna be about 100 times more love for you when you go back to Minnesota. So just know that and he’s a good kid, man. He just does whatever it takes to win and he’s got a great mindset on him. So, I know he’s going to be ready to go be at home.”

McDaniels embraced the environment despite the result , indicating that the crowd’s reaction did not affect his approach.

“I love this environment. Everyone hates me… We lost today, but we’re gonna win the next one.”

“It’s cool. I like it. You see I’m probably shaking my head the whole time they booing. I’m laughing. They can’t get in my head. I already expect it to come.”

Jaden McDaniels stays composed vs. Nuggets as Wolves eye Game 6 closeout at home

The Timberwolves now lead the series 3-2 , but the loss highlighted both the intensity of the matchup and the emotional swings that come with playoff basketball. Denver capitalized on home-court energy and execution to extend the series, while Minnesota will look to regroup.

McDaniels’ defensive presence remains a key factor in the series, particularly in matchups against Denver’s perimeter scorers. His ability to stay composed under pressure aligns with Minnesota’s broader identity as a physical, defensively driven team.

With the series shifting back to Target Center for Game 6 on Thursday, the Timberwolves will aim to close out the series on their home floor. Conley’s message reflects the team’s expectation that its home crowd will provide a contrasting atmosphere, one that could help fuel a response after the Game 5 setback.