Heat seek way to stop Denver's dynamic duo Jokic and Murray | ABS-CBN

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Heat seek way to stop Denver's dynamic duo Jokic and Murray

Heat seek way to stop Denver's dynamic duo Jokic and Murray

Agence France Presse

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Updated Jun 09, 2023 02:54 PM PHT

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MIAMI, United States - Versatile big man Nikola Jokic and sharpshooter Jamal Murray have combined to lift the Denver Nuggets two wins from an NBA title, adding to the pressure upon the Miami Heat.

Jokic had 32 points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists while Murray had 34 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 109-94 Nuggets' victory that gave Denver a 2-1 lead entering Friday's fourth game in the best-of-seven championship series.

Jokic has defied defensive matchups for years, passing to teammates when rivals deny him good shots, and his versatility allows him to set up Murray for scoring chances as well.

"They're a dynamic duo. We got to bring our best effort," Heat guard Gabe Vincent said. "Jokic is a pretty good screener. He typically makes contact with the primary defender pretty well. Jamal can score in a number of ways. He puts pressure on guys immensely."

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For Serbian center Jokic, thwarting rivals has become like moving pieces on a chessboard.

"It's just like bringing a chess game. They are one move, we are another move. I think this is the time where the players show what they've got," Jokic said Thursday.

"It's cool just to see different solutions, how different players think and how some players are reacting a certain way."

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Miami coach Erik Spoelstra has some new moves in mind to checkmate the Nuggets and their deadly duo.

"Those two guys can manipulate your defense in different ways," he said. "Whatever you do, you just can't do it all the time.

"Understanding what they're trying to get to, we try to get them out of their comfort zones as much as possible. They really got to that two-man action quite a bit.

"Game four could be different. They may go to a different part of their menu. Whatever it is, we have to find a way to get the job done."

That puts the load on Heat stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.

"We got some of the great two-way players in this game, Jimmy and Bam. We're going to figure it out," vowed Miami's Haywood Highsmith. "We'll be ready for them."

Murray benefits from picks and passes from 7-footer Jokic as he works his versatile magic.

"He's strong. He has got amazing touch, IQ, passing. He does a great job of just picking his spots," Murray said. "He's up there with the greats.

"To be able to pick teams apart with his passing and scoring and timely passing is really tough to stop."

Nobody knows that more than Butler.

"He's a hell of a player. He has been very dominant everywhere on the floor," Butler said. "You've just got to do everything you can to stay between him and the basket."

Backs against the wall

Jokic's ability to weaponize teammates is more crucial than his ability to shoot 3-pointers or dominate inside, Nuggets coach Michael Malone said.

"It's not just the three points that he is making, but the pressure and added layer he is putting against that defense," Malone said. "It's really fun to watch him pick, pop, drive to layup or make a play for somebody else.

"That's what defines him for me as a truly great player, his ability to make every one of his teammates better."

The Heat, however, have made a hobby of upending expectations, winning a play-in game just to reach the playoffs, then ousting NBA wins leader Milwaukee, New York and, after squandering a 3-0 series lead, Boston.

"Tomorrow we're going to come out with a lot more energy," Butler said. "We're going to compete at a high level. We're going to get one at home."

The Nuggets are chasing the first title since the team joined the NBA in 1976. The Heat seek a fourth crown and first since 2013.

"We know our backs are against the wall," Miami's Kevin Love said. "If we play our game, stay true to our concepts, we're going to give ourselves a chance to win. If anybody is capable of it, we are."

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© Agence France-Presse

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UAAP: Shai Nitura, Adamson brace for La Salle test

UAAP: Shai Nitura, Adamson brace for La Salle test

ABS-CBN News

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Adamson rookie Shaina Nitura during their game against Ateneo in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament, February 16, 2025 at the Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP MediaAdamson rookie Shaina Nitura during their game against Ateneo in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament, February 16, 2025 at the Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP Media

MANILA -- After a historic debut in the seniors division, Adamson rookie Shai Nitura will be up for a major test when the Lady Falcons take on De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament.

First serve is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, with Adamson seeking to join defending champion National University and the University of the Philippines at the top of the standings.

All eyes will be on Nitura, a former high school Most Valuable Player who dropped 33 points in her very first game at the collegiate level.

Nitura not only became the league's new record holder in scoring among rookies but also matched Adamson's mark set by Angela Benting in 2009 in a come-from-behind 21-25, 20-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12 victory over Ateneo last Sunday.

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"I am grateful kasi grabe yung talent ng mga batang ito," said Lady Falcons coach JP Yude on Nitura. "Kahit na maraming nawala last year, ngayon, may pupuno rin naman sa mga nawala last year."

Aside from Nitura, Adamson drew huge games from Nigeria's Frances Mordi and setter Fhei Sagaysay, making a good impression in their collegiate debut.

"And what we’ll say as the years go by, maging better pa sila and maging best pa sila sa kanilang tatahakin. I am really grateful talaga sa mga bata ito, grabe yung mga talent na meron sila. Hindi lang talent, kundi on how they respond every time to each challenge and situation," said Yude.

They will be up against a La Salle team that is raring to bounce back from a rare opening day loss. The Lady Spikers' 10-match winning streak on opening day ended after the Lady Spikers were swept by the Lady Bulldogs, 23-25, 21-25, 18-25, also last Sunday.

Coach Ramil de Jesus, who has never experienced a 0-2 start in his decorated 28-year career with De La Salle, is looking forward for his troops to respond from the season-opening defeat.

The Lady Spikers lost key players Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel, and Maica Larroza who have all turned pro, leaving Shevana Laput, Angel Canino, and Amie Provido to take the cudgels to carry the tradition.

"Siguro wake up call sa kanila. Lahat naman kapag bagong team, kapag bagong generation mataas 'yung expectations sa La Salle pa lagi eh. Dahil nandoon 'yung may Shevannah Laput ka, may Angel Canino, so mataas 'yung expectations," De Jesus said.

La Salle's Angel Canino during their game against National University in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament, February 16, 2025 at the Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP MediaLa Salle's Angel Canino during their game against National University in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament, February 16, 2025 at the Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP Media

The key for the Lady Spikers on how Jules Tolentino, who became the starting playmaker, will come out with a better performance.

"Pero syempre 'yung tibay naman ng team, lalo 'yung spikers, nasa setter 'yun eh. Siya 'yung driver kasi ng team, so kung medyo rookie 'yung team mo, medyo shaky 'yung team, dapat talaga bigyan mo ng mahabang oras 'yung setter mo," De Jesus said.

University of Santo Tomas and University of the East seek to rebound from their opening-day defeats in the other women's match at 11 a.m.

In the men's division, all four teams that dropped their season openers will see action. The Golden Spikers play the Red Warriors at 9 a.m., while the Green Spikers take on the Falcons at 3 p.m.

UE interim coach Allan Mendoza liked what he saw of his Lady Warriors after giving the Fighting Maroons fits before falling short of a reverse sweep, 18-25, 24-26, 26-24, 25-13, 13-15, in the opener.

"Sabi ko nga sa kanila, sobra sobra yung ginawa nila. It is more than what I expected sa ilalaro nila. We’re very happy kasi despite what happened to us in the past few months and weeks, hindi kami naging down. Mas naging motivated kami," said Mendoza.

Khy Cepada, Van Bangayan, Riza Nogales, Tin Ecalla, and libero Ange Reyes left everything on the floor for UE on opening day as it tried to pick up the pieces from the abrupt departure of Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero and Kizzie Madriaga.

UST, last season's runner-up, opened its campaign with a 19-25, 25-16, 14-25, 20-25 defeat to Far Eastern University on opening day.

Still reeling from the loss of Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula, the Tigresses hope to regroup right away behind Angge Poyos, Reg Jurado, Cassie Carballo, and libero Detdet Pepito. Rookie Marga Altea showed promise for UST as its starring middle blocker.

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