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The Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat are going to be carried by their stars Nikola Jokic and Jimmy Butler. – AFP/REUTERS PHOTOS

Local basketball players from the UAAP, NCAA and the PBA weighed in on the upcoming NBA Finals 2023 series between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat, in what is expected to be a classic showdown between two scrappy teams.

There was no consensus among Inquirer Sports’ respondents on who they think will win the Larry O’Brien NBA championship trophy this season.

The Heat, led by Filipino-American coach Erik Spoelstra and star player Jimmy Butler, are looking for a fairytale ending to their Cinderella campaign so far in the 2023 NBA Playoffs, going from a play-in team to a title contender.

Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets, meanwhile, are favored to go all the way for their first franchise title after coming off a masterful performance against the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Western Conference Finals.

The best-of-seven NBA Finals series tips off on Friday (PH time) in Denver.

Magnolia coach Chito Victolero (Heat in 6)

Magnolia coach Chito Victolero. -PBA PICTURES

I think in order for Miami to win they need double time to stop or limit Jokic.

Converge Jerrick Balanza (Heat in 6)

Jerrick Ballanza. -PBA PICTURES

[Miami] needs to stop Jamal and Jokic but they’re unstoppable. Let’s see what adjustments they’ll do. It’s good to watch those levels of play because it’s enjoyable.

Magnolia forward Rome Dela Rosa (Nuggets in 6)

Magnolia’s Rome Dela Rosa. – INQUIRE PHOTO FILE

They’re deeper and they’re more well rested at the moment. With Jokic playing at a high level, he gets everyone involved. Jokic is going to be key as always.

Magnolia guard Mark Barroca (Heat in 7)

Magnolia guard Mark Barroca. -PBA PICTURES

For me I ride with underdogs, they’ll bring the dog fight. They have to contain Jokic. He’s the best player now in the NBA, any schemes he can read, his IQ is like 1,000. It’s like he can’t be stopped. For me, you can’t really do much so you have to stop other players as well like Jamal Murray and others.

Magnolia guard Paul Lee (Nuggets in 6)

Magnolia guard Paul Lee. -PBA PICTURES

It’s about time to win the championship for them. They’re a very solid team, they have a very deep bench but it’s hard to choose between them because Miami’s heart is different.

Gilas women coach Pat Aquino (nuggets in 7)

Gilas Pilipina’s women coach Pat Aquino. – INQUIRE PHOTO FILE

Became a big fan of Jokic this season especially his tandem with Murray. I also like how the Nuggets play even on their journey to the Finals.

But don’t count out the heat with their amazing coach, our very own coach Spo. [They] have a very good defensive team. The matchups will be great this NBA finals and I will be excited to watch it through the whole series.

St Benilde coach Charles Tiu (Nuggets in 6)

St Benilde Blazers coach Charles Tiu. – INQUIRE PHOTO FILE

[Denver Nuggets have] too much firepower offensively.

Denver is a great team and would likely win the series but I’m rooting for the heat to win it. I like their mentality of never giving up until the final buzzer. It shows the winning culture that they have and being underdogs they show the world what they can also win against stronger teams with teamwork.

Former UP guard Ricci Rivero (Heat in 7)

Former UP Fighting Maroons Ricci Rivero -UAAP PHOTO

First, I wanted the Lakers to be there, that’s why I don’t want Denver to win. I like how Jimmy [Butler] leads his team. I believe in Coach Spo and his system.

UP guard Harold Alarcon (Nuggets in 5)

UP Fighting Maroons’ Harold Alarcon. -FILOIL PHOTO

The Nuggets are stronger and more complete compared to Miami. I expect Miami to fight, but Jimmy [Bulter] will get tired.

Former Letran guard Brent Paraiso (Heat in 7)

Train Letran guard Brent Paraiso. —NCAA PHOTO

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