Timberwolves Lose Key Piece For Some Time

One of the key parts of the Minnesota Timberwolves surprising run to the top of the Western Conference standings has now been lost to the team for a few weeks. Forward Jaden McDaniels has been revealed to have a Grade 1 ankle sprain, and will be out for two-to-three weeks.

BREAKING: Jaden McDaniels has a Grade 1 right lateral ankle sprain, his return to play timeline is 2-3 weeks, & he will be re-evaluated in one week.

Get well soon, Jaden! Tough blow to the Western Conference-best Minnesota Timberwolves who are 10-3! 🐺 pic.twitter.com/IDx9I87doQ

— NBA Buzz (@OfficialNBABuzz) November 21, 2023

The report says that McDaniels, a defensive dynamo, will be re-evaluated in one week. 

The injury came during Minnesota's 117-110 win over the New York Knicks on Monday night, when he stepped on Karl-Anthony Towns' foot just over four minutes into the game. 

McDaniels, who signed a 5-year extension for $136 million contract just before the season, had started all 11 games thus far, while averaging 9.5 points and 37.9% from long distance. 

Nickeil Alexander-Walker will pick up the slack in McDaniel's absence. "He's just been an absolute godsend when it comes to defense and impact off the bench," said head coach Chris Finch, "so I'm sure he'll pick up a lot of those minutes." 

The T-Wolves are 10-3, a half-game better than Denver and OKC atop the West.

Photo: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports