Ryan Blackburn evaluates the first half of the season by handing out midseason grades to Michael Malone, Calvin Booth, and every Nuggets player on the roster. Who met expectations? Who exceeded expectations? Did anybody have a failing grade? Ryan discusses it all before going over his Two-Man Net Ratings chart at the midseason point as well, sharing takeaways and proclamations along the way.
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 126-97 thrashing of the Phoenix Suns, who maaaay have been missing one, two, or seven of their rotation players on the second night of a back-to-back. Still, the Nuggets dominated, from Nikola Jokić's interior presence to Jamal Murray's slick shotmaking to Bones Hyland's firepower. Ryan discusses the starters and the bench before transitioning into trade talk. He shares what he expects the Nuggets do to solidify their roster by the trade deadline in Fe...
Ryan Blackburn goes over the mid-season media survey released by NBA.com on Wednesday, sharing some interesting content and takes from beat writers across the association. How do the Nuggets fare? How does Nikola Jokić fare? Who represents the West in the NBA Finals. Ryan reacts to some interesting answers before pivoting to Denver's defensive improvement over the last 12 games. What's working well? What's real vs not real? Are the Nuggets capable of this defense for the rest of the season?...
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 122-109 win over the Los Angeles Lakers as Jamal Murray sets a new season-high with 34 points and Nikola Jokić has a perfect triple-double with just five shot attempts. LeBron James and Anthony Davis didn't play, and the game felt devoid of competition as a result. Ryan discusses the starters continuing their strong performance and the bench finding ways to be positive before transitioning into All-Star discussion. Could Jamal Murray or Aaron Gordon jo...
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 121-108 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers as Nikola Jokić goes for a solid 25-15-10 triple-double against a talented Cavs frontline. Jamal Murray played in his first back to back since tearing the ACL. The starting unit played beautiful basketball around Jokić. The bench was good enough to not be an issue, even if there were some points of contention. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, and how the Nuggets just might be the best team in the NBA now....
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 122-91 blowout win by the Denver Nuggets over the Los Angeles Clippers as the Nuggets dominated in every aspect of the game, so much so that the Clippers starters packed it up at halftime. Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon got things going in the first quarter, and the bench picked up right where they left off. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, and the parity facing the NBA right now along with how it affects the Nuggets.
Ryan Blackburn discusses what happened at Wednesday's practice, including notes from Michael Malone, Vlatko Čančar, and Zeke Nnaji interviews. Then he delves deep into the rotation with a listener mailbag. What's going on with the bench rotation? Why isn't Christian Braun playing? Why are Bones Hyland and Jamal Murray playing together so much? Why isn't Christian Braun playing? Also, why isn't Christian Braun playing? The listeners want to know, and Ryan shares his thoughts.
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on the second night of a back-to-back, one day after defeating the team with the best record in the NBA. Nikola Jokić and Aaron Gordon struggled with a matchup decision the T'Wolves made. Jamal Murray took too long to get into the game. The bench struggled against a bigger, stronger T'Wolves second unit. Ryan goes over what went wrong, what to be concerned about and whether various stats are "something, nothing, or ev...
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 123-111 victory over the Boston Celtics as Nikola Jokić pours on another 30-point triple-double, comfortably dominating against a stout Celtics frontline. Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon each had great moments, while Bruce Brown had 21 points filling in for Jamal Murray at point guard. Bones Hyland and the bench were solid as a whole. Ryan discusses an all-around great win from the starters, to the bench, to the 34-minute stoppage, and everything i...
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 124-119 victory over the Miami Heat as Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray absolutely shut the door in clutch time. There were helpful assists from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Aaron Gordon, but Jokić and Murray said goodbye to the Heat with several baskets late, created from a variety of two-man actions. It was poetry in motion. Ryan discusses the starters, a strong bench performance, and shares some New Year's Resolutions for the Nuggets and for himself....
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 127-126 loss to the Sacramento Kings. Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets had their chances to win the game, but they certainly didn't get any favors from the officials down the stretch. Bones Hyland had a nice bounceback game, while Michael Porter Jr. had a strong first half. Ultimately though, Denver's defense and clutch play undid them in the end. Ryan reacts to the starters without Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon, the bench without Bruce Brown, and how seri...
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 113-106 win as Michael Porter Jr. pours in an efficient 30 points. Aaron Gordon was held out due to a shoulder strain, so MPJ stepped up and had one of his best nights of the season. Nikola Jokić had a Sombor Double of 20-9-11, and Jamal Murray capped it off with some clutch shotmaking and playmaking down the stretch. Ryan goes over the starters' performances, an interesting bench night, and what it means that the Nuggets are truly finding their stride...
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 128-125 overtime win over the Phoenix Suns on Christmas night as Nikola Jokić goes for another historic statline with 41 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists. Aaron Gordon had the dunk of the year over Landry Shamet. Jamal Murray came up clutch in the fourth quarter. The Nuggets locked in defensively when it counted. Ryan discusses the starters finding ways to win, the bench continuing to display major struggles, and the impending weight of great expect...
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 120-107 win as Michael Porter Jr. makes his triumphant return to the court. MPJ played well on both ends, Jamal Murray played perhaps his best game of the season, and Nikola Jokić closed the deal in the fourth quarter. The Nuggets bench was also a positive (though Christian Braun wasn't out there). Ryan discusses the return of the O G starting five, a new bench unit, and what he's thankful for this Nuggets holiday season.
Ryan Blackburn goes over the news from Thursday's Denver Nuggets practice that Michael Porter Jr. has a serious chance to return as soon as Friday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. Jamal Murray will also likely be back, meaning the Nuggets could have their fully healthy rotation right in the nick of time. Ryan goes over the pros and cons of the healthy rotation and what it means for bench lineups featuring Bones Hyland, Bruce Brown, Jeff Green, Christian Braun, and others. Then, he previ...
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 105-91 win over the Memphis Grizzlies as Nikola Jokić goes for a 13-13-13 triple-double. The Nuggets played their best defensive game of the season, and Christian Braun getting the start in place of Jamal Murray was a big reason why. The Nuggets were clearly ready for this matchup and took it seriously. Ryan goes over the starters, the bench, and why, despite Denver holding the top spot in the West, it's okay to nitpick the details for a championship c...
Ryan Blackburn goes over the news and notes of the off day, from Nikola Jokić's Player of the Week award to a growing Nuggets injury report. Then, he hones in on the bench and why none of the regular combinations have worked so far, providing some insight and new ideas. Could Michael Porter Jr. be the answer when he returns? And if not him, then who? Finally, Ryan goes over Denver's next 13 games on the schedule and emphasizes how Denver's currently in an inflection point on the season.
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 119-115 win over the Charlotte Hornets as Nikola Jokić puts up an incredible 40 points, 27 rebounds, and 10 assists, the sole difference maker on a night when the Nuggets needed absolutely everything from him. Jamal Murray was hobbled by knee soreness, but the rest of the starters each stepped up themselves. Unfortunately, the bench remains horrific. Ryan discusses it all and floats a trade idea for a former backup center at the end of the podcast....
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Enver Nuggets 126-108 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers as the team left the D back in Denver. Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray each had fine performances offensively, but the team as a whole continues to suffer for their defensive woes. The starters were the reason the Nuggets lost this game tonight, though the bench remains a disaster in its own right. Ryan discusses both units at length before addressing where the problems currently are and who needs to step up and lead...
Ryan Blackburn briefly recaps the Denver Nuggets offensive domination over the Washington Wizards with Nikola Jokić producing a historic stat line. Ryan also discusses December 15th, Jokmas, and what makes it special for Nuggets fans to celebrate. He also touches on Denver's pitiful defensive effort vs the Wizards, debating how much it matters when Denver scores the way they do. Finally, Ryan goes over December 15th from a trade perspective and what the trade season may look like for the Nuggets...
Ryan Blackburn reacts (briefly) to practice, then goes around the league to discuss the teams at the top of the Eastern and Western Conference. From there, Ryan shares stats and notes on the Denver Nuggets offense, painting a far rosier picture than the defense. From home-road splits, to strength of opponent, to individual performers, Ryan dives deep to answer whether the Nuggets offense is strong enough to be their championship pillar.
Ryan Blackburn discusses the happenings of Denver Nuggets practice on Monday as Michael Malone and Aaron Gordon preach the need for defense and consistency. Malone also offered an MPJ injury update. From there, Ryan takes a deep dive into Denver's defensive numbers, discussing where the Nuggets are struggling most. He offers some solutions for defensive improvement as well, which isn't as crazy as some might believe.
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 115-110 win over the Utah Jazz as Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić dominate in their minutes. Murray put up an efficient 30 points and 5 assists. Jokić put up a mean 31-point triple-double with four blocks and some clutch plays. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, the clutch defense vs normal defense, and where the Nuggets currently sit in the West standings.
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 121-120 win in Portland over Damian Lillard and the Trail Blazers as Jamal Murray hits a game-winning three-pointer with 0.9 seconds left. Murray gets to have his moment after plenty of struggles, while Nikola Jokić dominates, Aaron Gordon continues to impress, and the bench unit takes another big step forward. Ryan discusses the big shot, the starters, and the bench unit.
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 116-115 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Luka Dončić was held below his standard, but the Mavericks made up for it with 17 three-pointers. The Nuggets played better defense, but it still wasn't good enough. Ryan discusses the starters and Jamal Murray's struggles, a new bench unit, and why this loss wasn't necessarily as bad as some may think.
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 121-106 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans as Nikola Jokić clearly showed up ready to play while the majority of Nuggets did not. Jamal Murray had an up and down game that was mostly down. Aaron Gordon matched up well with Zion Williamson. Unfortunately, the bench was horrendous, leading to some major questions about Denver's second unit going forward. Can Michael Malone get good performances out of Denver's bench?
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 117-109 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. The Nuggets gave poor effort to begin this game, likely assuming they could win against a team missing Trae Young, John Collins, and Deandre Hunter among others. Unfortunately, Dejounte Murray was still present, and he eviscerated Denver's pick and roll defense. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, the effort, the focus level, and more.
Ryan Blackburn opens up the mailbag, discussing various storylines around the Denver Nuggets and the questions listeners may have. From Michael Malone's tendencies, to seeding vs development, to Bruce Brown's impending free agency, and much more. Then, Ryan spends an extended time discussing the playoff rotation and what he believes the Nuggets are still searching for.
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 120-100 win over the Houston Rockets as Nikola Jokić posts a near triple-double, Jamal Murray finds scoring rhythm again, Aaron Gordon bounces back, and the Nuggets bench finds some success with Ish Smith at the helm. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, and why Denver has trouble playing hard for all 48 minutes at this stage of the season.
Ryan Blackburn shares data insights from his Denver Nuggets two-man Net Rating chart posted to Twitter on Tuesday. Ryan discusses the combinations that work, the ones that don't, and what to make of Denver's bench woes early on. Then, Ryan expands upon the Western Conference and posits why the West standings have been so condensed to begin the season.
