Ryan Blackburn, SwipaCam, Matt Moore, and Adam Mares band together to give their final series preview of the 2022-23 season, discussing the NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat. They begin by discussing where Denver impressed most last series against the Los Angeles Lakers, then talk about Miami's path through the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics. They discuss positional battles, stylistic differences, and where the Nuggets are most likely better. Can the Heat stop Nikola Jokić...
May 31, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 490
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat in the NBA Finals. He discusses the stats, the matchups, the battlegrounds, and the advantages for each team. Do the Nuggets have enough size and shooting to score on Miami's defense? Do the Heat have enough shooting to space the floor for Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo consistently? Ryan breaks it all down in a series preview between the Nuggets and the Heat.
May 30, 2023•50 min•Ep. 489
Ryan Blackburn and SwipaCam discuss the greatest and most impactful moments of the season for the 2022-23 Denver Nuggets to this point. Ahead of the NBA Finals, it's nice to revisit the moments that had Nuggets fans excited about a possible championship season. Then, they chat about Chris Mannix's Nuggets comments and the state of Nuggets coverage at a local and national level. Finally, preview Game 6 between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat tonight.
May 27, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 488
Ryan Blackburn and Jena Garcia of Clutch Points discuss a variety of talking points from Denver Nuggets media availability on Friday, including juicy quotes from Michael Malone, Jamal Murray, and Bruce Brown. Then, they discuss Carmelo Anthony, who recently retired, and whether the Nuggets legend can make amends with his former team after so many years. Finally, they share some more takes on the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics, including which team Jena says the Nuggets should want to face in the ...
May 26, 2023•59 min•Ep. 487
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Boston Celtics defeating the Miami heat in Game 5 to extend the Eastern Conference Finals. The Denver Nuggets still don't know who they will face, and Ryan shares his thoughts on what each matchup would look like. Then, Ryan discusses the comments made by Chris Mannix of SI about the Nuggets not being "Interesting" enough for the national media to cover. Is Mannix right? How can the NBA change that to feature the best teams more prominently?
May 26, 2023•42 min•Ep. 486
Ryan Blackburn discusses the Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray duo and where it ranks among current and historic duos. Then, he shares his insights on moments throughout the season when the Nuggets proved they were more than just a cute story. Finally, Ryan gives credit to Michael Malone, who has been much more than just a loud head coach in Denver for the last eight seasons. He's an integral part of their culture and success.
May 25, 2023•53 min•Ep. 485
Ryan Blackburn and Michael Ferrero react to the Denver Nuggets Game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers as LeBron James got blocked by Aaron Gordon in the closing seconds to clinch a Nuggets victory. Nikola Jokić was fantastic in the closeout game. Jamal Murray did what he had to do on both ends. The Nuggets role players stepped up at every turn. It was a perfect way to celebrate the Nuggets reaching the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.
May 23, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 484
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 119-108 win in Game 3 to take a 3-0 series lead over the Los Angeles Lakers. Jamal Murray was the best player on the floor and carried the Nuggets with 30 points in the first half alone. Nikola Jokić struggled but played his best basketball in the fourth quarter. The Nuggets got contributions from the entire rotation in what was a true team win. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, and why beating LeBron James and the Lakers is so, so sweet.
May 21, 2023•51 min•Ep. 483
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets Game 2 win over the Los Angeles Lakers as Jamal Murray scores 37 points to carry the Nuggets in the 4th quarter. Nikola Jokić put up another big triple-double and defended Anthony Davis well. Michael Porter Jr. and Bruce Brown stepped up at perfect times during the second half, assisting Murray and the Nuggets to a nice second half comeback. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, and what protecting homecourt means for the rest of the series.
May 19, 2023•48 min•Ep. 482
Ryan Blackburn brings on Harrison Faigen of SB Nation and the Lakers Lounge podcast to discuss Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. They share their takes on adjustments made by the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers, from Rui Hachimura guarding Nikola Jokić to LeBron James seeking out post mismatches. They then share what they expect from Game 2, how a different result would change their perspective on the series, and give updated picks on who will go to the NBA Finals.
May 18, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 481
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets Game 1 win, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 132-126. Nikola Jokić was unstoppable in this game, and Jamal Murray stepped up and provided perfect secondary scoring. Anthony Davis and LeBron James each had strong games, but it wasn't enough for the Lakers to take Game 1 away from Denver. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, and adjustments both teams will make throughout the rest of the series.
May 17, 2023•49 min•Ep. 480
Ryan Blackburn and Shawn Drotar of Mile High Sports discuss the historical significance of the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers battling in the playoffs. They go over previous defeats and why this year will be different. Then, they cover key battlegrounds and questions for each team, as well as X-Factors that will shift the series. Finally, they go over the coaching matchup and give their series predictions.
May 16, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 479
Ryan Blackburn and SwipaCam of Mile High Sports collaborate with Adam Mares and Matt Moore of Locked On Nuggets to produce a Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers Western Conference Finals preview. They discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the Lakers, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and how the Nuggets can win the series. Will Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and the rest of the Nuggets be ready for the challenge?
May 15, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 478
Ryan Blackburn and Michael Ferrero react to the Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 to advance to the Western Conference Finals. LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the Lakers will face Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and the Denver Nuggets. Ryan and Michael share their initial thoughts on the series before doing a Stock Watch of the Nuggets rotation.
May 13, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 477
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets Game 6 blowout win over the Phoenix Suns as Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray outplay Devin Booker and Kevin Durant on their home floor. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope stepped up big time in the first quarter, and the Nuggets had plenty of guys step up throughout the evening to deliver a closeout win. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, and the coronation of the Nuggets and Nikola Jokić if they can ultimately win it all.
May 12, 2023•46 min•Ep. 476
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 118-102 win to take Game 5 of their series against the Phoenix Suns. Nikola Jokić was his usual dominant self with another triple-double, passing Wilt Chamberlain for most in playoff history by a center. Jamal Murray started slow but figured things out in the second half. Michael Porter Jr. started FAST and played one of his best games as a Nugget. Aaron Gordon, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Bruce Brown also balled out on both ends. Ryan discusses the ...
May 10, 2023•51 min•Ep. 475
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 129-124 loss to the Phoenix Suns despite Nikola Jokić's incredible 53-point night. The Suns only answer for Jokić was to outscore the Nuggets, and they did just that with incredible performances from Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and...Landry Shamet? Jamal Murray was good but not great, and the Nuggets struggled once again with Jokić off the floor. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, and adjustments the Nuggets can and should make heading into Game 5...
May 08, 2023•52 min•Ep. 474
Ryan Blackburn and SwipaCam share their final thoughts on Game 3 from Friday night before previewing Game 4 tonight. Can the Denver Nuggets slow down Devin Booker? Will the Phoenix Suns keep firing offensively? Will Jamal Murray bounce back? What does Nikola Jokić have in store?
May 07, 2023•37 min•Ep. 473
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 121-114 loss to the Phoenix Suns in Game 3 as the Nuggets hold onto a 2-1 series lead. Devin Booker was unbelievable, scoring at will against everybody in this one but mostly Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Nikola Jokić was also unbelievable for the Nuggets and probably should have had more shot attempts down the stretch. Jamal Murray scored 32 points but took 29 shots to get there and missed most of his important shots in the fourth quarter. Michael Porter ...
May 06, 2023•52 min•Ep. 472
Ryan Blackburn and SwipaCam discuss Game 3 between the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns coming up on Friday night. What adjustments will the Suns make? How does Chris Paul's absence change things for both teams? Is Denver's defense for real? Are narratives about Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets changing during these playoffs? They discuss it all on the latest episode.
May 05, 2023•51 min•Ep. 471
Ryan Blackburn and Pickaxe and Roll Producer Michael Ferrero share their hot takes about all of the action around the NBA playoffs. Are the Denver Nuggets the best team left standing? Are the Phoenix Suns cooked without Chris Paul? Do you care about the LeBron James vs Stephen Curry debate? Will the real MVP in Philadelphia please stand up? Ryan and Michael discuss all of that and more on the latest episode.
May 04, 2023•41 min•Ep. 470
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets Game 2 win over the Phoenix Suns. A 97-87 rock fight didn't stop Nikola Jokić from dominating with 39 points and 16 rebounds, putting the Nuggets on his back in the second half. Jamal Murray struggled with his shot, but the rest of the Nuggets picked him up with elite defense on Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, the Chris Paul injury, and if Denver can take their defense on the road in Game 3.
May 02, 2023•51 min•Ep. 469
Ryan Blackburn and SwipaCam share their hangover takes from the Denver Nuggets Game 1 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night. Were the great things the Nuggets did repeatable? How will the Suns try to adjust in Game 2? What can the Nuggets do to adjust to those adjustments? Or will those Suns adjustments actually matter? They share their takes on Nuggets-Suns then react to Game 7 between the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings. Finally, they look around at the rest of the Confere...
May 01, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 468
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets Game 1 win over the Phoenix Suns as Jamal Murray lights it up for 34 points and nine assists. He dominated the Suns in his first playoff game against Devin Booker, matching every run the Suns had with a run of his own. Nikola Jokić found his footing in the second half and dominated rebounding the entire night. Aaron Gordon and Bruce Brown also had great moments on both ends of the floor matching up with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
Apr 30, 2023•51 min•Ep. 467
Ryan Blackburn discusses Denver Nuggets practice and the notes and quotes from Michael Malone, Aaron Gordon, and Bruce Brown. Then, he opens up the mailbag to answer questions from Pickaxe and Roll listeners on the Nuggets playoff matchup with the Phoenix Suns. How do the Nuggets guard Kevin Durant and Devin Booker? Who are the X-factors in the series? What can the Nuggets do to make life easier on themselves? Ryan answers all of those questions and more on this episode.
Apr 28, 2023•56 min•Ep. 466
Ryan Blackburn previews the Denver Nuggets second round playoff matchup with the Phoenix Suns from a numbers perspective, sharing his insights on key battlegrounds between the two teams. When the Suns have the ball, will the Nuggets taller rotation give them better chances to contest Devin Booker and Kevin Durant jumpers? When the Nuggets have the ball, will they be able to create efficient shots and not fall into a mid-range batte against an elite mid-range team? Ryan shares the numbers, breaki...
Apr 27, 2023•48 min•Ep. 465
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets Game 5 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves as Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić power the team past Anthony Edwards in impressive efforts from both. Murray led the team with 35 points on efficient scoring, while Jokić put up a big triple-double on uncharacteristically bad shooting. The team played good enough defense as a whole to get past Minnesota, and they will move on to play the Phoenix Suns in the second round. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench,...
Apr 26, 2023•57 min•Ep. 464
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 114-108 loss in overtime to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite Nikola Jokić's 43-point performance, the Nuggets didn't have enough to survive Anthony Edwards' strong play in clutch time. Jamal Murray struggled in his minutes. Michael Porter Jr. wasn't very involved. Aaron Gordon struggled defensively. The Nuggets ultimately didn't have enough to defeat the T'Wolves in Game 4, and Ryan shares what he would do in Game 5 to try and ensure the gentleman's...
Apr 24, 2023•38 min•Ep. 463
Ryan Blackburn and SwipaCam react to the first three games of the series between the Denver Nuggets and Timberwolves. Who's the most interesting player so far? What are Ryan and Swipa most impressed by? Do they agree on Denver's red flags? Then, Ryan and Swipa preview Game 4 before looking aroun the Western Conference at the other playoff series going on.
Apr 23, 2023•52 min•Ep. 462
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 120-111 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 to take a commanding 3-0 series lead. Nikola Jokić and Michael Porter Jr. were both fantastic. Jamal Murray offered all-around impact. Aaron Gordon hit his shots. Bruce Brown and Christian Braun made big plays in the second half. The Nuggets needed it all to get the job done on the road, and their composure/discipline was really impressive in the face of a desperate T'Wolves team. Ryan reacts to the...
Apr 22, 2023•51 min•Ep. 461
