Ryan Blackburn discusses the first quarter of the Denver Nuggets season and hands out grades for all of the rotation players, Michael Malone, and Calvin Booth. Who outperformed expectations so far? Who's still getting into the flow of the season? Ryan grades Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and other Nuggets. Then, Ryan discusses Murray's impending return to the rotation and the In-Season Tournament bracket results.
In this episode, Ryan and Swipa go over the win vs the Phoenix Suns, the loss vs the Sacramento Kings, and why the Denver Nuggets are doing just fine at this stage of the season. They credit Peyton Watson and Michael Porter Jr., discuss Jamal Murray's injury status, and Ryan goes on a Nikola Jokic monologue to appeal to the people. Finally, they discuss whether the Nuggets can go on a big win streak in the next few weeks.
Ryan discusses the Denver Nuggets impressive 134-124 win over the Houston Rockets. Jamal Murray returned from his hamstring injury that sidelined him for 12 games only to roll his ankle two minutes into the game. Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. had strong games, and even though the Nuggets couldn't defend a chair, the offense was simply too dominant. Ryan discusses the game, Murray's return, and what to expect moving forward.
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 113-104 road win over the Los Angeles Clippers that happened without Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, AND Aaron Gordon. It was Reggie Jackson and DeAndre Jordan that put on a show, and the Nuggets found enough ways to win over a Clippers team that should frankly be embarrassed.
Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets 132-120 win over the San Antonio Spurs, including the much anticipated matchup between Nikola Jokic and top overall draft pick Victor Wembanyama. Jokic vs Wemby was awesome, and Ryan discusses all of the layers of the matchup. Ryan also breaks down strong performances from Michael Porter Jr., Peyton Watson, Reggie Jackson, and others. Then, he previews the Nuggets matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers tonight before discussing a new injury report about...
Ryan Blackburn and Swipa break down the Denver Nuggets 1-4 road trip all without Jamal Murray. They discuss why the Nuggets are so much better at home, what's going on with Aaron Gordon and others in the rotation, and what the Nuggets can/should do to get right.
Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets loss to the Orlando Magic, their fourth in six games. The Nuggets are now 1-3 on their road trip, and the only win has come against the Detroit Pistons. Should their be cause for concern? Ryan discusses the game and also shares some Thanksgiving thoughts.
Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets 107-103 win over the Detroit Pistons, including the ejections of Michael Malone and Nikola Jokic in the first half. Ryan gives credit to the starters and Christian Braun for continuing to fight. He also discusses the ejections and Jokic's feud with the referees. Finally, Ryan does STOCK WATCH on Denver's rotation players.
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 121-109 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers that wasn't as close as the score. Nikola Jokic was frustrated by the foul calls and committed some egregious fouls as a result. Are Nuggets fans right to be upset by Tony Brothers? Ryan discusses what happened, why the Nuggets are struggling, and whether it's fair to be concerned about the Nuggets after three losses in four games.
Ryan Blackburn and Swipa break down the Denver Nuggets loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night, their first of the In-Season Tournament. They share what they've learned from the first 12 games of the season about the Nuggets bench. They also discuss what to expect from the Nuggets on the rest of their road trip, including games in Cleveland, Detroit, Orlando, and Houston.
Ryan Blackburn and Swipa discuss the great season Nikola Jokic is having thus far, from the numbers to the narratives. Can anyone challenge the Nuggets center for MVP with the way he's performing this year? Then, they discuss the In-Season Tournament so far and how NBA teams are taking it way more seriously than expected.
Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets 111-108 clutch win over the Los Angeles Clippers, including impressive performances from Nikola Jokic and Reggie Jackson. Kawhi Leonard struggled, Paul George shot a wedgie in the clutch, and James Harden was good but no longer great. Ryan discusses the clutch defense led by Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, an elite quote from Reggie, and what to make of the In-Season Tournament so far.
Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets 107-104 loss to the Houston Rockets on Sunday night to drop to 8-2. Nikola Jokic was dominant, but it didn't end up mattering by the end. The Nuggets bench struggled tremendously, scoring just eight points all game. Ryan talks about what happened, what it means, and how the Nuggets can bounce back on Tuesday.
Ryan Blackburn and Swipa discuss the credit head coach Michael Malone deserves, the newest Nikola Jokic dominance, Reggie Jackson improving, the bench being a work in progress, and preview Sunday's game against the Houston Rockets.
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 108-105 win over the Golden State Warriors. Nikola Jokic had some miscues late, but he was still dominant. Stephen Curry hit a clutch three but missed the ensuing layup to tie the game. The Nuggets survived a tough game from their bench unit and played the starters heavy minutes. Ryan breaks it all down, as well as an intro to the MVP conversation.
Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets 134-116 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans to improve to 7-1 on the season, the best record in the NBA. Nikola Jokic was dominant once again, while Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Julian Strawther all stepped up to fill the gaps left by the injury to Jamal Murray. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, and what we learned from Denver's first game without their All-Star caliber point guard.
Ryan and Swipa discuss Nikola Jokic, Michael Porter Jr. finding his groove, the injury to Jamal Murray, and more from the 6-1 Denver Nuggets. Who steps up for the Nuggets in place of Jamal Murray? Why is Michael Porter Jr. a Scottie Pippen clone all of a sudden? What should Nuggets fans expect next week?
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 125-114 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in their first ever In-Season Tournament game. Michael Porter Jr. and Nikola Jokic were the stars of the show, with Porter's defense on Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic a big reason why the Nuggets won the game. Ryan discusses that, Jamal Murray's pass-first mentality, the Nuggets bench, and previews tonight's matchup against the Chicago Bulls.
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 110-89 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves and why the Nuggets, specifically Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray, struggled to score so much. Then, Ryan goes over the details of the In-Season Tournament and what Nuggets fans need to know, including when the games are, who the Nuggets are playing, and why this matters at all.
Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets 110-102 win over the Utah Jazz to remain undefeated at 4-0. Ryan also credits Nikola Jokić for his triple-double feat and discusses whether he can break the all-time record. Then, he shares his perspective on why the Nuggets are so deadly compared to the rest of the league at the moment.
Ryan Blackburn and SwipaCam break down the Denver Nuggets 128-95 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. From Nikola Jokic and his interior dominance, to Jamal Murray and his improved playmaking, to Peyton Watson and Christian Braun showcasing elite tools on the wing, Ryan and Swipa are excited about the present and the future of the Nuggets. Then, Ryan and Swipa preview next week's full slate of games, including the first game of the NBA's In-Season Tournament.
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 108-104 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray found ways to with clutch shotmaking even if they weren't perfect throughout. Ryan discusses the starters, why Jaren Jackson Jr. and Xavier Tillman give Jokic so much trouble, and gives credit to Reggie Jackson and the Nuggets bench.
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets ring night ceremony and subsequent win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and the Nuggets starters were dominant. LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the Lakers had no answers for Jokić, though they kept the game close until the end. Ryan breaks down the events, the rotations, and the vibes from an awesome night at Ball Arena.
Matt Brooks of the Denver Nuggets and nuggets.com joins Ryan Blackburn to preview and discuss the Denver Nuggets season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. They chat about the budding rivalry, how the Nuggets are approaching the game, who will play, and whether the Nuggets will end up with a win. Then, they bounce around the NBA with some bold predictions for the NBA season.
Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the Zeke Nnaji contract extension and what he learned at Denver Nuggets practice on Sunday. Then, he went through the entire NBA and their Over-Unders on Superbook Sports, picking the best bets in the Western and Eastern Conference. Ryan isn't a gambling professional, but he knows the NBA preeeetty well.
Ryan Blackburn and SwipaCam answer the 10 biggest questions about the Denver Nuggets prior to the 2023-24 NBA Season. From Nikola Jokić dominating, to Jamal Murray becoming an All-Star, to Michael Porter Jr. expanding his role, to other contenders around the NBA, Ryan and Swipa break down all of the pressing questions facing the Nuggets.
Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets 103-90 win over the Los Angeles Clippers in which Nikola Jokić dominated and Bones Hyland got some revenge before spraining an ankle late. Then, Ryan discusses all of the rotation options once again and where he sees the Nuggets bench on opening night. Finally, he discusses some of the contenders around the league before deciding whether the Nuggets should be NBA title favorites this season.
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets preseason matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers, a 116-103 loss in which none of Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. suited up. Ryan goes over his concerns with the Nuggets bench unit and takes stock of the options nearing the end of preseason. Then, Ryan discusses the comments made by Calvin Booth regarding Michael Porter Jr. and Bones Hyland stemming from an article written by Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer.
Ryan Blackburn introduces his new national podcast "The Alley-Oop with Ryan Blackburn" to the audience and explains what the show will be. None of the Nuggets coverage on Pickaxe and Roll will change, but you should definitely sucscribe to the new show too! Then, Ryan breaks down the three-man game of Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokić, and Aaron Gordon and how it's already strong. He discusses the Julian Strawther bench dynamic and how his emergence can make life easier for those around him. Finally, h...
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets double overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls by discussing the starters, the bench, and various Nuggets lineups throughout the evening. The starters looked good, namely Nikola Jokić who had 17 points on 10 shots and looked like he hadn't missed a beat. Julian Strawther continues to excel with the Nuggets bench as a floor spacer. Ryan goes through all of the details before discussing ESPN's ranking of Jokić as the second best player in the world.
