Sat Dec 13 03:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewrite of the provided text as a news article:

Summary:

Jaden McDaniels led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 109-106 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, scoring 27 points and showcasing his improved offensive game. McDaniels’ performance highlights his growth from primarily a defensive player to a more well-rounded scorer, a transformation partly attributed to offseason workouts with Kawhi Leonard, where he learned the importance of playing at his own pace. A few years ago, Patrick Beverley was comparing McDaniels to Kawhi Leonard, and this game gave fuel to the fire. Naz Reid also contributed significantly, scoring 19 points, including a crucial late 3-pointer. The win marks the Timberwolves’ fifth straight, with McDaniels emerging as a key offensive force for the team.

News Article:

McDaniels’ Leonard-Inspired Performance Leads Timberwolves to Fifth Straight Win Over Clippers

MINNEAPOLIS – Jaden McDaniels’ offensive surge continued Saturday night, propelling the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 109-106 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. McDaniels scored a team-high 27 points, with 12 of those coming in a pivotal third quarter that sparked the Timberwolves’ comeback from a double-digit first-half deficit.

The Clippers, led by James Harden’s 34 points and Kawhi Leonard’s 20, struggled to contain McDaniels, who shot an efficient 10-for-13 from the field. McDaniels’ improved scoring prowess this season, averaging a career-high 16 points per game, is a testament to his offseason work, particularly his training sessions with Clippers star Kawhi Leonard. During those sessions, Leonard emphasized the importance of playing with poise and at one’s own pace, advice McDaniels clearly put into practice against his mentor’s team.

“I really just be patient and take the shot I want to take, no matter how much pressure the defense is playing,” McDaniels said. “Just being poised.”

Naz Reid added 19 points and a crucial go-ahead 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter, sealing the win for the Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves, now riding a five-game winning streak, are witnessing McDaniels evolve from a defensive specialist into a legitimate offensive threat. His ability to score efficiently from all areas of the court provides a valuable dimension to Minnesota’s offense.

“He carried us tonight,” said teammate Mike Conley. “He really took the game over.”

While drawing comparisons to Leonard may be premature, McDaniels’ recent performances suggest he’s well on his way to becoming a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. The Timberwolves’ success appears increasingly tied to McDaniels’ continued development and his ability to consistently contribute on both ends of the floor.

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