Jaden McDaniels leaves Monday’s game with ankle injury

Jaden McDaniels left Monday’s game with a right ankle injury and was confirmed out quickly by the team.

McDaniels missed a couple games to open the season with a calf injury. In the past, McDaniels’ absence has led to a deterioration of Minnesota’s defense.

But the Timberwolves have better wing depth to absorb such losses this season, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker also serving as an excellent perimeter defender and Anthony Edwards capable of guarding high-volume wings on the ball.

McDaniels’ absence led to Troy Brown Jr. — who’s received spotty minutes thus far this season — seeing action in the second quarter Monday against New York.

National respect

The Timberwolves entered Monday’s contest against the Knicks in the top spot in the Western Conference standings. And with winning comes respect and the type of national recognition of which there’s been little for the Timberwolves thro...