Watch: Jaden McDaniels beats first-half buzzer

McDaniels slashed in to rebound Naz Reid’s miss and beat the buzzer for a 59-40 halftime lead. He scored 13 points in the first half, adding a steal and two blocks.

Two elements of the play showed why Minnesota is taking Denver to the woodshed in Game 6. First, McDaniels forced a turnover with his pressure on Aaron Gordon, giving the Timberwolves their opportunity for the final shot.

The second part was Jamal Murray’s total lack of interest in boxing out McDaniels. Murray looks as dispirited as he did in Game 2, when he shot 3-for-18 and got so frustrated he began throwing items onto the floor from the bench.

Murray's shot wasn’t falling in the first half and his effort visibly lagged. Not only were the Timberwolves out-shooting the Nuggets, they were out-hustling them.

Of course, the biggest factor in Minnesota’s big lead was Anthony Edwards' big half. He had 19 points on just nine field goal attempts and added two steals.

Facing elimination, the Timberwolves look like they simply want it more in Game 6. Especially Edwards and McDaniels.