Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 129-113 win over the Houston Rockets as Jamal Murray sets a new season-high of 31 points, scoring in a variety of ways and showing confidence in his game. Nikola Jokić kicked it into gear in the third quarter to give the Nuggets a lead, and the bench sealed the deal. Ryan discusses Denver's dynamic duo, a new bench lineup with Ish Smith, and various odds and ends of Denver's win streak and schedule.
Nov 29, 2022•38 min•Ep. 370
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 114-104 win over the Los Angeles Clippers as Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokić, and Jamal Murray all found ways to dominate different parts of the game. The Clippers shot the ball well, but without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, they really had no chance to stick with the Nuggets. Ryan breaks down the starters, Vlatko Čančar and the bench, and how Denver can now move on after a road-heavy schedule to begin the year.
Nov 26, 2022•44 min•Ep. 369
Ryan Blackburn powers through COVID to recap the Denver Nuggets 131-126 overtime win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on the second night of a back-to-back. Nikola Jokić was unbelievable, Aaron Gordon was the X-factor, and Bruce Brown played with all around excellence...but the story of the night was certainly Vlatko Čančar. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, and why the last four games highlight Denver's identity as well as any four-game stretch so far.
Nov 24, 2022•35 min•Ep. 368
Ryan Blackburn recaps the improbable Denver Nuggets 98-97 win over the Dallas Mavericks as Bones Hyland sets a new career high with 29 points. Michael Porter Jr. hit a game-winning three. Even DeAndre Jordan got in on the action. Ryan discusses the play of the starters and the bench before sharing some fun stats for each Nuggets rotation player to tell the story of their season.
Nov 21, 2022•50 min•Ep. 367
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 127-99 blowout loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Luka Dončić went for a 30-point triple-double and destroyed everything in his path. None of Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, or Aaron Gordon played, so it was difficult for Denver to do anything about it. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, and focuses in on MPJ's struggles as a creator with the ball in his hands.
Nov 19, 2022•47 min•Ep. 366
Ryan Blackburn discusses the newest injury report for the Denver Nuggets that has both Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray OUT for Friday's game due to health and safety protocols. Can the Nuggets survive without their stars? Denver plays the Dallas Mavericks on both Friday and Sunday. Can the Nuggets steal at least one win? Ryan discusses the matchup with Luka Dončić and Co. before doing a title contender check-in around the NBA for teams like Golden State, Los Angeles (Clippers, duh), Philadelphia, ...
Nov 18, 2022•46 min•Ep. 365
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 106-103 loss to the New York Knicks that Nikola Jokić and Aaron Gordon both missed due to sickness. Jamal Murray played well for three quarters but struggled in the final frame. Michael Porter Jr. didn't play well in any of the quarters. The Nuggets struggled to match New York's intensity to close the game, and Ryan discusses why that matters (and doesn't matter) in a matchup without their superstar.
Nov 17, 2022•42 min•Ep. 364
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the first Denver Nuggets practice after their 3-1 road trip, sharing quotes from Michael Malone, Christian Braun, and Michael Porter Jr. on Denver's performance so far. Then, Ryan revisits his "best bets" from the over-under podcast during preseason, discussing whether the early trends for teams like Denver, Washington, Miami, Los Angeles, and Toronto are real or not real.
Nov 15, 2022•39 min•Ep. 363
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 126-103 win over the Chicago Bulls, wrapping up a 3-1 road trip. Michael Porter Jr. had a fantastic game on both ends of the court. Nikola Jokić was dominant without having to score. Jamal Murray worked through some early struggles but settled down later, helping bolster the second unit. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, and why this road trip helped build some championship level character early in the year.
Nov 14, 2022•42 min•Ep. 362
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 131-112 loss to the Boston Celtics as the defense struggles to get stops against an elite unit. Nikola Jokić found his way to some baskets offensively, but Jamal Murray and especially Michael Porter Jr. struggled to score efficiently tonight. The Nuggets just couldn't keep up. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, and how the defense looks much different when facing a strong offensive attack.
Nov 12, 2022•42 min•Ep. 361
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 122-119 win over the Indiana Pacers. Nikola Jokić got into foul trouble early and often but the Nuggets stayed the course, finding ways to be effective even without their superstar on the court. Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope deserve a lot of credit for that, stepping up in their own ways. Ryan discusses, the starters, the bench, and Denver's newfound resiliency to begin the season.
Nov 10, 2022•40 min•Ep. 360
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the first 10 games of the season for the Denver Nuggets, using both numbers and rhetoric to explain Denver's 7-3 start. Ryan discusses Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., the bench lineups, and much more. Then, he gives an overview of the rest of the NBA and where Denver stands among contenders to begin the 2022-23 season.
Nov 09, 2022•51 min•Ep. 359
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 115-109 win over the San Antonio Spurs to improve their record to 7-3 through 10 games. Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray are finding their synergy again, and the Nuggets won a game in the clutch because of it. Michael Porter Jr. didn't close the game, but it turns out he didn't need to. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench coming back down to earth, and why it's so important Jokić and Murray are finding their stride together.
Nov 08, 2022•41 min•Ep. 358
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 126-101 beatdown against the San Antonio Spurs as just about everybody got involved with Denver's elite offensive attack. Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray were in complete control. Bones Hyland put on an absolute show. Shocker, but Michael Porter Jr. shot 50% from three again. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, and a personal goal to enjoy the journey of what should be a really fun Nuggets season.
Nov 06, 2022•38 min•Ep. 357
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 122-110 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder as Jamal Murray rises to the occasion and takes over in the fourth quarter. The Nuggets needed his energy, and combined with some strong defense to close the game, the Nuggets won by double digits. Ryan discusses Murray, Nikola Jokić, and the starters before discussing some interesting bench rotations and configurations from Michael Malone. Then, he closes by discussing whether it actually matters if a win feels ...
Nov 04, 2022•45 min•Ep. 356
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the news and quotes of Denver Nuggets practice, including thoughts from Michael Malone and Nikola Jokić on the process of becoming a great team. Then, he shares seven numbers Nuggets fans should be familiar with, ones that Ryan will track throughout the regular season. Finally, Ryan previews the November schedule and what he thinks will happen to the Nuggets in those 14 games.
Nov 03, 2022•47 min•Ep. 355
Ryan Blackburn shares his observations from Tuesday's practice as both Michael Malone and Michael Porter Jr. spoke to the media. Malone answered many questions about Denver's defense and where they must improve. Porter answered several questions about his three-point shooting. Ryan discusses both pressers, his thoughts on Denver's defense, and why the Nuggets will become a better team when they decide they want to be better.
Nov 01, 2022•39 min•Ep. 354
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 121-110 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers as the starters can't overcome a disastrous night for the bench unit. Without Bones Hyland and after Ish Smith went down in the first half, the Nuggets bench appeared rudderless and long stretches and couldn't hang with Russell Westbrook and the Lakers. Ryan discusses the lineups, the lack of effort, good Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon performances, and whether the Nuggets can find the will to win in what will be a di...
Oct 31, 2022•34 min•Ep. 353
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 117-101 victory over the Utah Jazz as Bones Hyland, Michael Porter Jr., and Christian Braun lead the bench unit to the best version of themselves. The starters were merely okay, but the bench won this game going away. Ryan takes a closer look at that unit, as well as why the starters were a bit worse tonight. Then, Ryan looks around the league at a topsy turvy Western Conference playoff picture.
Oct 29, 2022•39 min•Ep. 352
Ryan Blackburn recaps Wednesday night's 110-99 win over the Los Angeles Lakers that was much more definitive than the final scored indicates. Nikola Jokić dominated offensively and held up defensively vs Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Bruce Brown and Kentavious Cadlwell-Pope contributed nice nights. Aaron Gordon played a good defensive game against LeBron. Ryan discusses, the starters, the bench, and what to make of this Nuggets team through five games.
Oct 27, 2022•42 min•Ep. 351
Ryan Blackburn and Jeff Morton, host of the CSG podcast and the King of Thornton, discuss the underwhelming start to the Denver Nuggets season. They look at where the Nuggets are struggling the most, discuss the returns of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., and take a closer look at Michael Malone's role in Denver's defensive struggles.
Oct 25, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 350
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 135-110 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Nikola Jokić attempted just four shots, Jamal Murray missed his final nine shots in a row, and the Nuggets bench once again looked lost offensively. Those issues pale in comparison to Denver's defense though, which has been atrocious for four straight games. Ryan discusses the starters, bench, and takeaways from Denver's ugly defeat on Monday night.
Oct 25, 2022•37 min•Ep. 349
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 122-117 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder at the home opener on Saturday night. Nikola Jokić tied Wilt Chamberlain for triple-doubles, Jamal Murray found some success, Michael Porter Jr. continued his hot shooting, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope introduced himself to Nuggets faithful. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench struggles, and the general takeaways from Saturday night before previewing Monday's game at Portland.
Oct 24, 2022•47 min•Ep. 348
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 128-123 road win over the Golden State Warriors. Jamal Murray didn't play, but Bruce Brown, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Michael Porter Jr. helped pick up the slack. Nikola Jokić picked up his first triple-double of the year. Christian Braun had a major defensive impact off the bench. Ryan discusses the starters, an improved bench unit, and his biggest takeaways from Denver's encouraging performance.
Oct 22, 2022•44 min•Ep. 347
Ryan Blackburn, from Salt Lake City, recaps the Denver Nuggets 123-102 loss to the Utah Jazz in the regular season opener. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. made their returns, playing more minutes than expected. Unfortunately, the effort was lacking, the rust showed, and the bench really struggled. Ryan breaks down what happened, why Murray and Porter's debuts matter more, and where the Nuggets go from here.
Oct 20, 2022•36 min•Ep. 346
Ryan Blackburn reacts to Tuesday's practice and various comments by Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić. Then, he previews the season opener matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz. Though Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell are out, there are still enough quality Jazz veterans to upset the Nuggets on opening night. Finally, Ryan makes award predictions for MVP, DPOY, MIP, and more.
Oct 18, 2022•36 min•Ep. 345
Ryan Blackburn opens up the mailbag to answer some of the questions he couldn't get to in an article on MHS. From Zeke Nnaji's status, to load management, to biggest strengths and weaknesses, Ryan discusses a lot. Then, Ryan predicts the records, playoff fields, and winners of both the Western and Eastern Conferences before giving a Finals pick.
Oct 18, 2022•51 min•Ep. 344
Ryan Blackburn shares his observations of Denver Nuggets practice and several quotes from Michael Malone, Nikola Jokić, and Ish Smith. He discusses the health of Denver's three stars, Denver's rotation questions, and a version of Jokić that's very serious and no nonsense. Finally, Ryan previews Denver's early season slate and gives a win-loss prediction.
Oct 17, 2022•43 min•Ep. 343
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 119-112 win over the Golden State Warriors as Michael Porter Jr. continues to offer reasons to be excited. Bones Hyland played a strong game. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown defended the perimeter well. Ish Smith once again showed up. Even Nikola Jokić scored! Ryan breaks down minutes from the starters and bench before giving his general Nuggets preseason takeaways.
Oct 15, 2022•41 min•Ep. 342
Ryan Blackburn uses the off day to share three predictions for every Denver Nuggets player (plus Michael Malone) for the 2022-23 regular season. Ryan makes one statistical prediction, one individual game prediction, and one season long prediction for all 17 players. Will there be surprises in the rotation? A trade? A new second option for Nikola Jokić? Ryan shares all of his takes and then some.
Oct 13, 2022•44 min•Ep. 341
