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Encore’s Production team is seeking Audio, Video, Lighting & Projection Specialists across major markets. Relocation assistance PLUS a sign-on bonus of $1500!  US positions only. *Restrictions apply!

Search “ Technical Specialist ” below to apply. Questions? Email the Recruitment Team at [email protected] .

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We see your future as our greatest event.

Working at Encore

Since 1937, Encore has been connecting and inspiring people around the globe with impactful meeting and event experiences. Working closely with our customers, Encore’s talented professionals deliver strategic planning, creative production, advanced technology and staging services for meetings and events of all sizes – always with an unwavering focus on our customers.

What’s it like to be a part of the Encore team? When you’re helping create unique event solutions for customers around the world, each day is filled with new and exciting challenges. It could be anything from full-production product launches to presidential speeches to annual corporate conventions. And every step of the way, you’re surrounded by talented people who have your back – artistic visionaries, meticulous managers and technical wizards. The opportunities here – and the cutting-edge technology at your fingertips – make going to work inspiring.

Explore all of the ways that we focus on you.

We’ve worked hard to create a company and a culture that’s truly in support of our people, their careers and their life. One that’s filled with opportunities to grow, advance and thrive. We call it our focus on you. And it makes all the difference. Discover how our entire organization is invested in your future and your success. Follow #EncoreFocusOnYou on social media.

Building World-Class Talent

We identify the best talent, evaluate them against success factors, and create positive onboarding experiences to connect with the organization.

Work that Matters

Our global footprint provides team members the opportunities to work on a variety of events that inspire and make a difference.

Community and Industry Involvement

We encourage and support team member involvement at the local level - both with professional organizations/associations that support our industry and in the communities in which we operate.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are a Pillar

Our global DE&I strategy supports equity and inclusion throughout the team member experience, and advocates for equally represented groups.

Live the Values

Our core values drive behavior at all levels in the organization and guide the behaviors of all team members, including all people-related initiatives and programs.

Celebrate Success

Team members can recognize each other for day-to-day achievements and key work anniversaries through our CenterStage rewards platform.

Experience Encore University

Our learning platform provides access to learning academies that lead to new skills, certifications and career development.

Develop as a Leader

Every team member has the opportunity to grow their leadership skills through our leadership academy and several leadership development programs.

Demonstrate Your Capabilities

We evaluate team members against proven success measures and then use the information we collect to select team members for promotions, succession, special projects and participation in development programs.

Your Well-Being Matters

We create an environment that values the well-being of our team members through several wellness programs, health insurance options and our MeetSAFE™ guidelines.

Your Financial Security Matters

We build a meritocracy utilizing several compensation and incentive programs where our best and most successful team members are rewarded for their dedication and results.

Your Life Outside Matters

We understand the importance of work-life balance whether it is providing time off to celebrate meaningful holidays, planning for retirement or spending time at home. We have programs and benefits that support our team members beyond their work schedule.

Take your career anywhere in the world.

Our global footprint, combined with the diverse talents of our people around the world, allows us to produce inspiring events. Approximately 1.7 million in-person, virtual and hybrid events are produced annually. Join our growing global team and explore opportunities in more than 20 countries across North America, Europe, United Arab Emirates, Australia and Asia. Discover why we’re a leading global provider of event production services and help us turn ordinary meetings into extraordinary experiences.

Expand your potential.

At Encore we invest in our team with unmatched training and career development within functions such as Creative Services, Sales, Rigging, IT, Finance, Marketing, HR, Product Management and more. No matter where you begin at Encore, you’ll find so many ways to grow personally and professionally, advancing your career.

Encore helped me understand how important it is for me to be the right fit for the team, just as much as the team should fit me. It’s not only about who you work with every day, but also the company as a whole.

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Encore is always looking for talented people who are passionate about creating memorable experiences that inspire change. Find out how you can jump-start your career in our dynamic industry.

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You’ll find some of the best rewards in the industry – from comprehensive insurance options and generous PTO to a company-matching 401(k).

Travel smarter. Find opportunities. Build a better business.

CORE is the end-to-end travel management solution that gives you the answers you need, ensures your program runs smoothly, and improves your bottom line .

Leave your travel management in the hands of experts.

Here’s a quick glimpse of what will happen when you use  CORE .

Simplify communication

One point of contact for all your needs.

Personalize data

Timely, personalized, and relevant industry updates curated just for you.

Access exclusive hotel rates

Thousands of the best possible rates at your disposal from day one.

Discover opportunities

The visibility on travel behavior that let’s you make smarter choices and improve your bottom line.

Delight your team

Frequent, measurable data on your travelers’ satisfaction and engagement.

Get expert advice

Expert analysis of your programs history and recommendations on its future.

More than just "handling" your travel program.

An extension of your travel team to help your program stand out..

Leave your program management in the hands of capable experts with Encore’s CORE Management, the end to end account management solution that gives you the answers you need, ensures your program runs smoothly, and improves your bottom line.

Through trusted Account Executives, CORE Management allows your organization to travel smarter, understand opportunities, and continually improve your travel program to lead better business.

More than 35 years of vendor relations at your disposal.

Core preferred members see as high as 15% in savings after their first year..

Get recognition for the dollars you spend with airlines, hotels, and car rental companies by letting our team get you discounts, upgrades, amenities, and perks that only come with expert vendor management.

Our team uses industry experience, analytics, and our global network to make sure that your travel program benefits from consolidated spend and loyalty to vendors.

The ultimate unused ticket management solution.

Expiring unused credits not on our watch..

Never let an unused airline credit expire again . Encore’s CORE Credits management system combines visibility, communication and automation to make sure that every single credit in your organization gets applied toward the right ticket – every time.

Keeping your people safe.

Stress-free travel in a stressful world..

Every company has a duty to keep its travelers safe. Our Duty of Care Platform and mobile application combine to give you and your travelers peace of mind year round.

With two-way SMS, panic button functionality, live status alerts and analytics, CORE Security gives you all the tools to keep travelers safe , and take action when needed.

Stay ahead of trouble with flight interruption updates, weather alerts, geopolitical information, and risk warnings – tailored for your program and based on travelers’ actual itineraries.

Add travel expertise to your next business event.

We'll bring your vision to life..

Let’s face it – event planning can be time-consuming and stressful. Fortunately, you have a secret weapon to help you accomplish these tedious tasks: Encore Corporate Travel’s CORE Unite team.

We offer personalized group services that complement your skills and knowledge, enabling you to focus on what you do best.  

This includes sourcing venues, entertainment, food and beverage, audio visual, and of course travel and accommodations for every one of your guests.

Get the travel program you and your team deserve.

A completely white-glove, hands-free, VIP travel management program for your business.

20+ years of stellar business travel management.

Hear from our long list of ecstatic customers:

“The personalized service I receive is above and beyond and the accuracy level of the individuals that work at Encore is beyond excellent. It always feels as if you have a partner .”

Anthony Spina

“Encore’s service has been fantastic from beginning to end. They have managed our contracts with airlines, hotels, and car rental companies ensuring we are always getting the best price possible , even through COVID when our trips were limited.”

Jennifer Colasanti

“Thanks to Encore, they pride themselves on top notch, white glove service for every level of travelers, Exec or not. Their online booking portal, Zii, is incredibly easy to navigate.”

Stefanie Stamadianos

“Encore’s deep involvement and understanding of our unique business needs meant that our travellers felt their voices were heard and overall satisfaction went up. Encore makes it happen, when it counts the most.”

Robert Wiebe

Encore combines 35+ years of experience in travel program management with an innovative attitude.

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WELCOME TO EXCEPTIONAL BUSINESS TRAVEL MANAGEMENT

An experienced team to help you navigate these uncertain times and get your travel program better and, above all, safer., optimize travel spend and enjoy top quality service.

Encore combines 30+ years of experience in travel program management with an innovative attitude.

Mixing tech and top consultants to develop the ultimate travel program management services. From online booking to compliance audits and automated reconciliation, you benefit from the best team and the best technological tool.

What Is A Travel Program?

A complete travel program gives you top quality service, insights and control over your travel spend and peace of mind that everything is running smoothly.

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Is your travel program doing everything it can for you?

Take control of your spending

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Enjoy top quality service

About Encore

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Encore is the leader in the corporate travel industry.

Our best-in-class technological tools and the quality of our multidisciplinary team have earned us the highest Net Promoter Score in the entire industry.

15 In-Demand Jobs for Seniors

Here's where retirees can find new jobs at age 65 or older.

In-Demand Jobs for Seniors

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There are many opportunities for seniors to find a position that utilizes their skills and offer flexible hours.

If you’re looking for a job at age 65 or older, think about these career options. These careers have larger numbers of older employees, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Here are 15 in-demand jobs for seniors:

• Health services.
• Professional and business services.
• Wholesale and retail trade.
• Manufacturing.
• Construction.
• Transportation.
• Finance and insurance.
• Real estate.
• Hospitality.
• Land-related work.
• Animal care.
• Information.

Read on for more information about each career opportunity.

Health Services

Those working in health care and social assistance who were 65 years old or older numbered nearly 1.5 million in 2022, according to the BLS. If you’re interested in medicine or want to advise others on their well-being, this could be a great option. Registered nurses bring in a median salary of $77,600 annually. And there may be opportunities to work part-time or as a home health aide .

Professional and Business Services

Carrying out administrative tasks might be a nice change of pace if you spent many years in a different line of work. You might be asked to keep records, make phone calls and organize activities. There were 1,443,000 seniors in positions related to professional and business services in 2022, according to the BLS. You could earn a median of $19 an hour if you work as an administrative assistant .

Wholesale and Retail Trade

Knowing how to get along with co-workers and handling customers can go a long way in the job market. During 2022, more than 1.3 million individuals who were at least 65 years old participated in wholesale and retail trade, according to the BLS. The average wage for a retail salesperson is $14 an hour. It's often possible to ask for a part-time position, especially if you want some flexibility in your schedule. Check with local grocery stores, clothing shops or small businesses to see if they need a hand. 

If you’ve always loved teaching or had a passion to help others learn, a job in education could be the right match. In 2022, there were 898,000 older workers in this field, per BLS data. If you don’t have a degree in education, you could look at getting certifications to advance your skills. Some jobs might include training sessions as part of the onboarding process. High school teachers earn an average of $61,820 a year, but the exact amount you earn will depend on your background and experience.

Manufacturing

Companies often need help with the production of goods, and 843,000 seniors worked in this industry in 2022, according to the BLS. Fabricators , who assemble products and the parts that go into them, earn a median salary of $45,480. If you live near an industrial area that’s growing, there could be a strong demand for this type of work.

Construction

Among those involved in building projects, there were 669,000 workers who were 65 or older in 2022, per the BLS. For some, continuing with manual labor even as they age could be necessary due to income needs. Construction workers earn a median of $18 an hour, and part-time opportunities may exist.

Transportation

Taking a job as a driver might be appealing to those who enjoy spending time on the road. In 2022, there were 546,000 seniors who worked in transportation and warehousing, as reported by the BLS. A delivery truck driver can earn an average of $18 an hour. You might be able to choose your own hours, depending on the company that hires you.

Finance and Insurance

Banks, financial institutions and insurance carriers often need reliable help and trustworthy employees. Seniors held 441,000 finance- and insurance-related jobs in 2022, according to the BLS. You might be able to carry out some of this work remotely or ask to work part-time. If you prefer to be with people and want to socialize, you might look for in-person opportunities at local branches. The average rate for a bank teller is $17 an hour.

Real Estate

It may be rewarding to help others buy and sell homes or businesses. Among workers aged 65 and older, 390,000 participated in real estate during 2022, according to the BLS. Real estate agents earn a median of $48,340 a year. If you’re a self-starter, you might pick up this gig on your own. If you prefer to work with others, you could check local offices to see if they are hiring.

Hospitality

Assisting travelers might come naturally if you were involved in a service industry during your career. Among seniors, 359,000 worked in the accommodation and food services segments in 2022, per the BLS. You may enjoy the chance to engage with others and stay active during your hours on the job. Hotel, motel and resort desk clerks earn a median of $15 an hour.

Working at a theater or performing arts center might give you the chance to see shows for free. Getting involved at a recreation facility or museum may yield discounts too. There were 317,000 seniors involved in the leisure industry in 2022, according to the BLS. Ushers, lobby attendants and ticket-takers earn a median of $14 an hour.

Land-Related Work

In 2022, there were 212,000 workers age 65 or older involved in crop production, according to BLS data. The median agricultural worker salary is $29,680 per year. If you held an office job for decades, you might appreciate the chance to work outside.

Animal Care

If you have a passion for creatures great and small, you might find meaningful work in animal care. There were 171,000 seniors involved in animal production and aquaculture in 2022, per BLS data. Animal care and service workers earn an average of $14 an hour. If you live in the city, you might check nearby veterinarian offices or animal shelters to see if positions are available. You could ask about training sessions too, as you may be able to learn on the job.

Information

If you’re skilled in media or enjoy storytelling, you might find fulfillment in a broadcasting position. There could also be opportunities for quiet work at a library and editing in the publishing realm. Seniors who were 65 or older accounted for 188,000 information jobs in 2022, according to the BLS. Librarians and library media specialists earn a median of $29 an hour.

Helping with repairs might be a good fit if you have a passion for fixing appliances or have always maintained your own home. You could look for a company that is hiring part-time workers, and ask to come in on certain days if the schedules are flexible. During 2022, seniors who worked in utilities numbered 70,000, according to the BLS. Utility meter readers earn a median of $24 an hour.

10 Retirement Lifestyles Worth Trying

Emily Brandon May 1, 2023

Tags: retirement , money , careers , employment

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Norwegian cruise employee arrested for allegedly stabbing multiple people on board

A Norwegian Cruise Line employee was arrested Tuesday after allegedly stabbing multiple people during an Alaska cruise.

Personnel onboard Norwegian Encore saw Ntando Sogoni trying to deploy a lifeboat late on Sunday evening, according to an affidavit signed by Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Matthew B. Judy.

Sogoni, a South African citizen, had joined the ship that day in Seattle.

Ship security officers took him to the medical center for evaluation. When he was taken to an exam room he “became irrational and attempted to leave,” attacking a security guard and a male nurse, the affidavit said.

He then ran to another exam room, grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed a 75-year-old woman there for a medical assessment “several times in the arm, hand, and face.” The woman was a U.S. citizen.

“Security guards intervened and Sogoni stabbed two guards with the scissors before they could subdue and detain him,” the affidavit said. He allegedly stabbed one in the head and the other in the back and shoulder. The injuries were not life threatening. 

The attack occurred shortly before 2 a.m. PDT on Monday, according to the document. The ship was west of Vancouver Island and roughly 16.5 miles from land at the time.

Sogoni was held in the ship’s jail until Encore reached Juneau, Alaska, on Tuesday.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Alaska said in a news release that he is charged with assault within maritime and territorial jurisdiction. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each count.

An attorney for Sogoni was not listed.

A Norwegian spokesperson told USA TODAY that a "newly employed crew member was observed exhibiting unusual and irrational behavior."

"The ship’s security team escorted the crew member to the medical center for evaluation and assessment, where he became violent without provocation, attacking two other crew members and a guest," the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. "The security team quickly detained him, and the onboard medical staff treated those involved for non-life-threatening injuries."

Relevant law enforcement authorities were "immediately" contacted and took custody of the employee upon the ship's arrival in Juneau. "We condemn violent behavior of this nature and are committed to the safety and security of all crew members and guests on our ships," the spokesperson added. "We commend the onboard security team for their brave actions."

Senior ship leadership has been monitoring the situation, and senior company executives traveled to Juneau to meet and help the passenger. "We will continue to assist the relevant authorities in the ongoing investigation," the spokesperson said.

The news comes after a Carnival Cruise Line guest pleaded guilty in February to assaulting a fellow passenger and smashing a glass in their face.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

Travel soars even as ‘leisure for longer’ gets popular : Mastercard “Travel Trends 2024” Report

The travel sector in 2024 is breaking boundaries. Through March 2024, consumer spending on travel is robust with significant increases in passenger traffic, according to the latest global report from the Mastercard Economics Institute. Released “Travel Trends 2024” provides comprehensive insights into the evolving landscape of the travel industry across 74 markets.

Despite fluctuating exchange rates and varying levels of affordability, the desire to travel remains stronger than ever. In 2024 the travel sector is flourishing, with nine out of the last 10 record-setting spending days in the global cruise and airline industry occurring this year. Further, travellers are also extending their trips by an extra day compared to pre-pandemic.

Drawing on a unique analysis of aggregated and anonymized transaction data, including Mastercard SpendingPulse, and third-party data sources, the report takes a deep dive into key travel trends globally for the year and beyond, including:

Record traveling.  An all-time high of 15.9 million Americans traveled internationally in Q1 2024, while Japan welcomed over 3 million passenger arrivals in March 2024 2  alone. The surge in travel reflects greater activity, fueled by a strong labor market and a stronger desire to travel.

Leisure for longer.  Tourists worldwide have spent an extra day on vacation on average – those from Europe and the Middle East and Africa roughly two – with the trend driven by affordable destinations and warmer climates. For each extra 6 degrees Celsius of temperature, the estimated increase in length of stay is approximately 1 day.

Experience economy on the go.  Consumers have prioritized meaningful experiences over material goods, even when traveling. Spending on experiences now totals 12% of tourism sales, according to SpendingPulse Destinations which measures in-store and online retail sales across all forms of payment – the highest point in at least five years as of March 2024. Ahead of the pack, Australians tend to spend one of every five dollars on experiences and nightlife compared to the global average, which is closer to one in every 10.

Cruising full steam ahead.  Cruises are making a remarkable comeback with the count of global cruise passenger transactions roughly 16% above 2019 levels in Q1. Booming cruise demand is also seen at key ports. Over the last 12 months, The Bahamas has welcomed an additional 2.9 million passengers arriving by sea versus 2019 levels. For many travelers, the widening price difference between cruises and hotels has made cruises a more budget-friendly option for a getaway.

Top 10 trending destinations — and dupes.  While Japan has emerged as the global frontrunner for top destination in the last 12 months 3 , Munich ranks as the top trending destination for this summer (June-August 2024) 4 . Notably, Albania ranks third in the list of top trending destinations this summer according to the Mastercard Economics Institute, driven largely by savvy travelers seeking authentic Euro-vibes à la neighboring Italy and Croatia, but for less.

“The resilience and adaptability of the travel sector paired with persistent consumer demand has translated to a strong tourism rebound,” said Michelle Meyer, chief economist and head of the Mastercard Economics Institute. “Just like at home, travelers are prioritizing experiences over goods while abroad. Yet, today’s travelers are discerning, choosing destinations that offer both value and authenticity. They are savvy enough to stretch their funds and extend their stays, immersing themselves fully in the experiences and wonders of each locale.”

Comprehensive support to travelers and tourism sector

Mastercard is dedicated to helping the global tourism sector welcome travelers through a range of services, from market analysis and high-frequency data insights that help make sense of changing consumer trends to customer engagement strategies that personalize the travel experience and drive brand loyalty. And with comprehensive travel benefits and convenience, cardholders can enjoy their travel experiences and everyday purchases with peace of mind.

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Denver Nuggets | Nuggets vs. Timberwolves: 5 themes to watch for…

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Denver nuggets | nuggets vs. timberwolves: 5 themes to watch for in game 7 of an odd nba playoff series, will the nuggets get an encore in the western conference finals, or will it be curtains.

I’ve been at all six games of this peculiar NBA playoff series between the Nuggets and Timberwolves. Here are five themes I think might be important Sunday (6 p.m. MT) at Ball Arena. Game 7 will either end with a roaring ovation for the Nuggets and an encore in the Western Conference Finals — or it’ll be curtains.

1. Jamal Murray isn’t Denver’s only erratic scorer

I’ve already devoted a separate story to the importance of Murray’s offense in deciding Game 7 , so let’s treat that as a given and use this space to focus on Denver’s third option.

Michael Porter Jr. was lethal in the first round, shooting 48.8% from three. He entered this matchup expecting Anthony Edwards to guard him and Jaden McDaniels to start on Murray. Instead, the Timberwolves have committed the lengthier McDaniels to MPJ for a surprising amount of time.

“He’s so tall that most people can’t block him, so for me, I’m just gonna not let him get the ball,” McDaniels said between the first two games, after that hand was shown. “Try to, at least.”

Consider it a success. Porter’s field goal attempts per game are down from 15.2 in the first round to 9.7 in the second round. His points per touch are down dramatically from 0.481 to 0.255. According to the NBA’s tracking data, Porter has attempted 10 shots in 29:55 with McDaniels matched up on him, as opposed to 16 in 22:08 with Edwards as his matchup. He’s not getting opportunities to attack close-outs as much (dribbles per touch are also down from 1.11 to 0.81). And when he does find clean 3-point looks, they’re just not falling at the same rate (35.3%).

How creative can Denver get with off-ball action to get Porter back in a rhythm with the season on the line?

2. Can Nuggets afford to swarm Anthony Edwards?

This has been a series defined by living with the results of tactical gambles.

The Timberwolves’ defensive coverage against Nikola Jokic inherently involves leaving Aaron Gordon open if he spaces to the corners. They were resigned to the consequences, if exasperated by them, when Gordon started making 3s.

The same goes for the domino effect of any double-teaming Denver cares to enforce against Edwards. After four games of declaring the Nuggets were content to let Edwards “get his” if it meant limiting the role players, coach Michael Malone suddenly flipped philosophies in Game 5 after a 44-point Ant showing. The Nuggets threw bodies at Edwards.

They were willing to guide the ball into Rudy Gobert’s hands on the short roll. They were passive to close out on McDaniels around the perimeter. Edwards had his worst game of the series. Then point guard Mike Conley returned in Game 6, and Minnesota’s offense rediscovered a state of calm. Edwards navigated the traffic much better.

“They knew it was coming,” Malone said, “and they did a really good job moving the ball.”

It helped that McDaniels went Gordon Mode. He shot 80% and established confidence that Denver has to hope won’t carry over to Game 7. If it does, Edwards coverage will get tricky.

Which defensive doctrine will Malone commit to, and at what cost?

3. How will Timberwolves guard Nikola Jokic?

One game after Denver’s adjustment to neutralize Ant Man, Chris Finch responded by applying the same philosophy to the Joker.

Game 5 was arguably the greatest of Jokic’s playoff career. It seemed he had solved the Karl-Anthony Towns primary matchup with Gobert roaming the baseline. So in lieu of — nay, in addition to — the usual game plan, Minnesota frequently sent a double-team from the perimeter in Game 6 whenever Jokic had an opportunity to post up.

The adjustment was reminiscent of the Lakers’ first-round scheme, with rotations to the nearest shooter often springing into action as the entry pass went to Jokic. The Nuggets’ subsequent execution was sloppy, and when it wasn’t, they shot 19.4% from 3-point range.

“There are gonna be things we can do differently from a game plan standpoint,” Malone said, “but to me, the much bigger issue is we have to do a lot better job of being locked in.”

With the Game 5 masterpiece still in the not-so-distant past, will Minnesota replicate its Game 6 wrinkle? Or stick to the original plan, which once upon a time helped build a 2-0 series lead? And what actions can the Nuggets dial up to isolate Jokic against Gobert?

4. Cross-matching on Karl-Anthony Towns, Naz Reid

Scoring four points fewer than his regular-season average will cause pundits to say otherwise, but KAT has had a largely positive impact on this series for Minnesota. He’s shooting 50% from the floor and 44% from three, and he’s averaging 9.6 rebounds the last five games.

When Denver has moved Gordon onto Edwards, Towns has often found himself guarded by a smaller defender. The Nuggets’ cross-matching efforts can have consequences against Minnesota’s size, such as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope or Porter stuck in the paint against KAT. Or Murray or Justin Holiday trapped in a similar situation against Naz Reid during the second-unit minutes. Reid attempted five shots inside the arc against Murray in Game 6.

Denver has to monitor the Timberwolves’ efforts to exploit those potential mismatches. In Towns’ case, it might help for Jokic to tag him with a couple of early fouls at the other end.

5. Transition and second-chance scoring

These are broad ideas that apply to every game, but they’re especially important in a must-win situation against a half-court defense this good.

In the first half of Game 6, the Timberwolves converted 11 offensive rebounds into 15 second-chance points. The Nuggets haven’t gotten a boost like that all series. In the regular season, they attempted 80 or fewer shots in only three of 82 games. In the second round, they’ve been held to 80 or fewer shots in four of the six games. A team that ranked 13th in offensive rebounding this season was limited to single-digit offensive boards in all four of those games. Jokic is the king of recovering his own misses for easier shots, but even those points have been shut off for extended stretches.

The Nuggets’ offense has been sporadic enough that they need to capitalize on any chance they get for an easy bucket against disorganized defense. Hence the emphasis on transition as well. Denver’s bench was scoreless for three quarters in Game 6. The previous game was evidence that fast-break points are the key to unlocking Christian Braun in particular.

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Dallas Cowboys News

Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson eyeing encore following 2023 breakout

In 2023, Jake Ferguson became the Dallas Cowboys' top tight end. However, don't expect him to sit back heading into his third season.

"To me, I think I'm not even scratching my surface," Ferguson told ESPN's Todd Archer. "There's so many things that I want to get better at and I know I can get better at. We watch film every day of different games, even the practices we're doing now and I'm like, 'OK, I can get a lot better still.'"

Ferguson is intensifying his offseason regimen to raise his game. Archer noted he's bulking up from 252 pounds to improve his run blocking and attending throwing sessions with quarterback Dak Prescott. 

He also participated in Tight End University, a program founded by former NFL player Greg Olsen, San Francisco's George Kittle and Kansas City's Travis Kelce. 

"Obviously, you see the jump he made from Year 1 to Year 2," Prescott said, via Archer. "And he's improved his intensity in his preparation just in this offseason — the way he's treated his body, the way that he's been communicating with me throughout the offseason, whether it's catching and throwing, he's a big-time playmaker for this team, this offense."

In 17 games last season, Ferguson logged 71 receptions for 761 yards and five touchdown catches, earning his first Pro Bowl nod. If the 25-year-old generates better numbers in 2024, it will make the Cowboys passing attack — which finished third in the league in passing yards last season (4,397) — even stronger.

Jake Ferguson on a LBer down the seam is lunch without safety help. Dak releases the ball with a hand in his face in time to get it over the LB but too quickly for safety to tap in. Fergy full extension + soft hands. Touchdown. EXECUTION, folks. pic.twitter.com/zQ6ZE1381H — Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) October 30, 2023

The Cowboys have been looking for a star TE since the franchise's all-time receptions leader , Jason Witten, retired in 2021. The future Hall of Famer seems to believe Ferguson is on the right track.

"I think he can do it all," Witten said of Ferguson, per Archer. "He's a willing blocker. He can bend. ... Looks like he's smart. He's got great chemistry with Dak. Good charisma. He can run. He understands separation. So I think now seeing himself do it, here's where the growth comes."

More must-reads:

• Micah Parsons makes history with new Bleacher Report deal
• Cowboys OC shows little concern over WR CeeDee Lamb's holdout
• The 'Dallas Cowboys with 1,000 receiving yards in a season' quiz

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