Federal Way High School alum Jaden McDaniels put himself on the national radar in game 2 of the first round of the playoffs for the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 105-93 win at home against the Phoenix Suns on April 23.

McDaniels was one point and a rebound shy of a career high, finishing with 25 points and eight boards. He also recorded a playoff career high in minutes (41), assists (3), field goals made (10) and attempted field goals (17). The 10 made shots is also the most shots McDaniels has made in his career in a game.

In just the second playoff run of his career, McDaniels made the most of his opportunities on a team where Anthony Edwards steals a lot of the spotlight, and rightfully so. McDaniels found time and space to be his co-star.

Last season at the end of the regular season, McDaniels punched a wall in the locker room and suffered a broken hand — and was forced to miss the playoffs entirely.

In a viral clip, Timberwolves teammate Anthony Edwards said: “Yeah they (Phoenix) got KD, but we got Jaden McDaniels.” That clip has kind of taken on a life of its own because McDaniels was in just his third year and was compared to one of the best scorers in NBA history by his teammate.

On defense, McDaniels did what he does — lock down scorers. Across the two games so far in the series, when guarded by McDaniels, Suns players are shooting a bleak 28.6%.

McDaniels shined when his team needed it, with Minnesota having a 2-0 lead over Kevin Durant and the Suns. Anthony Edwards might have been on to something when he said that quote.