Jaden McDaniels reveals Timberwolves' plan to contain Buddy Hield if Steph Curry misses game for Warriors

Jaden McDaniels shares the Timberwolves approach to defending Buddy Hield (Photo credits: IMAGN)
Jaden McDaniels shares the Timberwolves approach to defending Buddy Hield (Photo credits: IMAGN)

The Minnesota Timberwolves will deal with an underpowered Golden State Warriors squad, owing to Steph Curry's injury. On Tuesday, Curry left early in the second quarter of Game 1. It was later revealed that he sustained a Grade 1 hamstring strain and will need a week before being re-evaluated.

Ad

While not facing Curry could be an advantage for Minnesota, the team is not easing up. Golden State still has other weapons, and they are a veteran squad with a championship pedigree.

Forward Jaden McDaniels and his squad plan to play as if Curry is still on the floor. However, that defensive effort will go toward containing Buddy Hield.

"When we play teams without their best player we kind of struggle sometimes," McDaniels said. "So, just treating Buddy (Hield) like Steph (Curry) and not let him have the game he had last game."
Ad

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

Ad

Hield has stepped up in the Warriors' last two contests after being quite inconsistent in the games leading up to it.

He dropped 33 points on a 9-for-11 shooting clip from the 3-point line in the do-or-die Game 7 against Houston. Then, he followed it up with a 24-point performance against Minnesota to help Golden State secure the 99-88 Game 1 win.

Also read: 3 reasons why Timberwolves should fear Jimmy Butler in Steph Curry's absence

Ad

Timberwolves veteran guard Mike Conley is confident his team can bounce back

The Minnesota Timberwolves' Game 1 loss to the Golden State Warriors was quite the stunner. They were better rested, having concluded their opening round series against the LA Lakers on April 30.

They also had the advantage of playing in front of their home crowd, and were facing off against a Curry-less Warriors for most of the game. Still, they find themselves down 0-1.

Ad

Despite this stunning setback, veteran guard Mike Conley is confident in their ability to rally.

"I'm very confident," Conley said. "After our last loss, talking about how (Chris Finch) approaches the film sessions and practices, and how he challenges every single guy. Nobody's exempt from that and guys respond."
Ad

While the Warriors don't have their best player, they still have All-Star wingman Jimmy Butler. Butler has proven that he can lead a group of underdogs to victory, and he is poised to do so again. Alongside him is Draymond Green, a seasoned veteran who knows what it takes to win titles.

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves can rely on the star power of Anthony Edwards and their stacked frontcourt with Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle. Additionally, they have a collection of talented wings who excel on both ends of the floor.

Warriors Nation! You can check out the latest Golden State Warriors Schedule and dive into the Warriors Depth Chart for NBA Season 2024-25.

Quick Links

Edited by Alvin Amansec
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications