Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 105-100 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. Yes, it was without Nikola Jokic, but the Thunder have now defeated the Nuggets three separate times. Are the Thunder a bigger threat to the Nuggets than we may have realized? Ryan goes over the game, what makes OKC a tough challenge for Denver, and discusses the final two weeks of the regular season before All-Star Break.
Feb 01, 2024•47 min•Ep. 610
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 113-107 win over the Milwaukee Bucks in an impressive clutch performance for Denver. Jamal Murray got buckets, Nikola Jokic did everything else, and the Nuggets played great defense against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Peyton Watson was also spectacular off the bench. Ryan gives credit to the defense, talks Jokic vs Giannis, and also Michael Malone's 400th career regular season win with the Nuggets franchise.
Jan 30, 2024•44 min•Ep. 609
Ryan Blackburn and Swipa react to yesterday's Denver Nuggets win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Joel Embiid was a late scratch on the injury report, and Nuggets fans were incredibly disappointed not to see the big man play despite being active 20 minutes before the game. Ryan and Swipa react to the Nuggets winning an ugly game, Embiid's ducking, have an MVP debate, and much more.
Jan 28, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 608
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 122-84 loss to the New York Knicks to end a five-game road trip. The Knicks are a good team, but they aren't 38 points better, even if Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and OG Anunoby dominated. The Nuggets struggled mightily, including Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., though Nikola Jokic did his best to keep the Nuggets afloat. Ryan discusses what went wrong, what Nuggets fans hope to improve, and looks back at Denver's 3-2 road trip as a whole....
Jan 26, 2024•44 min•Ep. 607
Ryan Blackburn reacts to Denver Nuggets 114-109 win over the Indiana Pacers as Nikola Jokic hit a game-clinching dagger three-pointer in the closing seconds. Jokic and Jamal Murray were each excellent in this game, and the Nuggets were able to win despite a staunch effort from TJ McConnell, Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam, and the Pacers. Ryan goes over the game, the Jokic-Murray minute patterns, and the upcoming battle for the 1 seed in the Western Conference between the Nuggets, Minnesota Timbe...
Jan 24, 2024•42 min•Ep. 606
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 113-104 win over the Washington Wizards as Nikola Jokic goes for 42 points in a near triple-double effort. The Wizards chose to single cover Jokic, and the Nuggets obliged by having Jokic cook for the first three quarters, ultimately reaching 40 points by the end of the game. Ryan discusses Jokic's dominance, Jamal Murray's inefficient shooting on Sunday, and where the NBA MVP race stands as of today.
Jan 22, 2024•43 min•Ep. 605
On the latest episode of Weekends with Swipa, Ryan and Swipa break down last night's epic matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics in which Denver handed Boston their first home loss of the season. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray were spectacular in a Finals Throwback performance, and the Nuggets had just enough around them to get the job done. Ryan and Swipa go over the game, discuss Denver's matchups against Western Conference contenders, and preview next week.
Jan 20, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 604
Ryan Blackburn shares his final takes from the Denver Nuggets loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday before transitioning to Friday's matchup with the Boston Celtics. The Celtics are undefeated at home, and the Nuggets are coming off a tough loss. Can anything the Nuggets do stop the Celtics from winning on Friday? Ryan goes over the matchup and why it could be an NBA Finals preview in June.
Jan 19, 2024•36 min•Ep. 603
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 126-121 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in the much anticipated battle of Nikola Jokic vs Joel Embiid. Jokic had a strong performance with 25 points and 19 rebounds, but Embiid ultimately got the better of the matchup while earning the win. Ryan discusses what happened, how the Sixers broke Denver's defense, where Jamal Murray and the Nuggets bench much improve, and more on the latest Pickaxe and Roll episode.
Jan 17, 2024•39 min•Ep. 602
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 117-109 win over the Indiana Pacers as Nikola Jokic shot 12-of-13 from the field and had himself a Sombor Double. Jamal Murray set the table well for himself and his teammates, including Michael Porter Jr., who had perhaps his best all-around game of the season. Ryan goes over the win, Bruce Brown returning to Denver for the ring ceremony, and Denver's upcoming five-game road trip.
Jan 15, 2024•39 min•Ep. 601
Ryan Blackburn reacts to Denver Nuggets win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night as Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. all contribute great games to get the job done. It's been a while since all three played great at the same time. Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson each offered impressive contributions of their own helping limit Zion Williamson's efficiency in the middle of the game. Ryan discusses Denver's response to adversity and how impressive the Western Conference rea...
Jan 13, 2024•46 min•Ep. 600
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 124-111 loss to the Utah Jazz. The Nuggets didn't play with a ton of effort on the defensive end, and the Jazz capitalized almost every single time. Nikola Jokic shot the ball well but struggled defensively, while everybody else on the roster struggled to do either. What should fans make of this defensive performance? Is it a blip on the radar or something more?
Jan 11, 2024•32 min•Ep. 599
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the 37-point outburst from Jamal Murray in the Denver Nuggets 131-114 win over the Detroit Pistons. Murray bounced back from a touch game against the Orlando Magic and cooked every Pistons player in front of him. Nikola Jokic had just four points, but he had 16 assists, including some to Peyton Watson, who continues to impress. Ryan discusses Murray, Jokic, Watson, and more on the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll.
Jan 08, 2024•41 min•Ep. 598
In the latest Pickaxe and Roll Podcast, Ryan and Swipa break down the Denver Nuggets 122-120 loss to the Orlando Magic. How concerning was the loss? Did Jamal Murray go too far with his shot selection? Ryan and Swipa share their thoughts on postgame comments made by Michael Porter Jr., as well as some numbers on Denver's offense in clutch situations. Then, they look ahead to next week's opponents as well as tonight's game vs the Detroit Pistons.
Jan 07, 2024•46 min•Ep. 597
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 130-127 win over the Golden State Warriors as Nikola Jokic hits an epic buzzer beater just past halfcourt. The Nuggets were down by as many as 18 points heading into the fourth quarter, but Jokic and the Nuggets willed themselves back into this game, and Jokic made an incredible shot. Ryan discusses the win, Jokic, and everything in between.
Jan 05, 2024•40 min•Ep. 596
Ryan Blackburn discusses Denver Nuggets practice today and does a quick preview of the Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors on Thursday night. Then, he goes over Denver's goals as the NBA Trade Deadline inches closer. Will the Nuggets make a trade? Will they explore the buyout market? Ryan goes over some names that might interest Nuggets fans.
Jan 04, 2024•42 min•Ep. 595
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 111-93 win over the Charlotte Hornets that saw a similar game flow to the matchup in Charlotte just over a week ago. The Nuggets used a 30-6 run to begin the third quarter to put the game away, with Nikola Jokic coming to life as a scorer and Denver locking in on both ends. Ryan discusses Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. scoring well, the return of Aaron Gordon, Ish Smith's ring night, and much more.
Jan 02, 2024•44 min•Ep. 594
In the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Weekends with Swipa edition, Ryan Blackburn and Swipa rank the best moments of the 2023 Calendar for the Denver Nuggets and Nuggets fans.
Dec 31, 2023•37 min•Ep. 593
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 142-105 blowout win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Nikola Jokic put together a dominant performance with 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists, shooting a perfect percentage from the field and the free throw line. Jamal Murray dominating in his minutes as well, showing mastery of the two-man game. Peyton Watson started for Aaron Gordon and had a career high in points. Ryan discusses the game the Nuggets played (without Ja Morant) and what to expect ton...
Dec 29, 2023•35 min•Ep. 592
Ryan Blackburn discusses the injuries Aaron Gordon sustained from a dog bite injury over Christmas. Gordon will be out for at least a week, possibly longer. Ryan discusses Gordon's impact, how the Nuggets will handle his absence, and shares some stats on different lineup combos. Then, Ryan previews the Thursday/Friday back-to-back against Ja Morant's Memphis Grizzlies and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Oklahoma City Thunder.
Dec 28, 2023•35 min•Ep. 591
Ryan Blackburn and Swipa break down the Denver Nuggets perfect 3-0 road trip, focusing on Denver's most recent win over the Charlotte Hornets and the Jamal Murray performance vs the Brooklyn Nets. They go over their Christmas Wish Lists for the Nuggets heading into a matchup against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day. Finally, they preview the other four Christmas games, focusing on the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Dec 24, 2023•42 min•Ep. 590
Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets 113-104 win over the Toronto Raptors as Nikola Jokic goes off for 31 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists. Jokic and Jamal Murray dominated down the stretch, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope made game-winning plays of his own. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench led by the quick developing Peyton Watson, and the top five contenders in the NBA right now.
Dec 21, 2023•35 min•Ep. 589
Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets 130-104 win over Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. Nikola Jokic didn't score a ton of points, but the rest of the Nuggets did, including Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Reggie Jackson. Ryan discusses the game, why the Nuggets are (hopefully) getting ready for a big run with a favorable schedule, and where the current playoff tiers stand in the Western Conference.
Dec 20, 2023•46 min•Ep. 588
On the latest episode of Weekends with Swipa, Ryan and Swipa discuss the Denver Nuggets loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander buzzer beater and whether it matters that the Nuggets lost another game at home. They go over statistical trends for the Nuggets season, ask when Denver will reach their next level, and go over the next week of games with some predictions.
Dec 18, 2023•41 min•Ep. 587
Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets 124-101 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night, from Nikola Jokic visiting the free throw line regularly to Peyton Watson providing the extra gear on the second unit. Ryan discusses the starters competing hard defensively, the bench playing well (including a Christian Braun poster dunk) and why the Nuggets are in a great position league wide, especially around JOKMAS on December 15th.
Dec 15, 2023•44 min•Ep. 586
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Nikola Jokic ejection vs the Chicago Bulls in the Denver Nuggets 114-106 win. Ryan discusses the game, the ejection, and whether the Denver Nuggets have a referee problem they need to address.
Dec 14, 2023•33 min•Ep. 585
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 129-122 win over the Atlanta Hawks as Julian Strawther breaks out with a strong 22 points and five steals on the road. Jamal Murray had 29 points and played great defense, while Nikola Jokic was back to his ever efficient self. Ryan discusses the win, the Trae Young ejection, Bogdan Bogdanovic's 40 points, and then previews Denver's game tonight against the Chicago Bulls.
Dec 12, 2023•39 min•Ep. 584
On the newest episode of Weekends with Swipa, Ryan Blackburn and Swipa discuss the Denver Nuggets three-game losing streak, including the shooting slump of Nikola Jokic. They discuss Jamal Murray's return and why the Nuggets need his best now more than ever. Then, they discuss the In-Season Tournament championship winning Los Angeles Lakers before previewing the upcoming week and what's in store on the Nuggets schedule.
Dec 11, 2023•49 min•Ep. 583
Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets comeback attempt on Friday night, though ultimately losing to the Houston Rockets. Nikola Jokic struggled with his shooting, and Jamal Murray was ejected late in the game. The Nuggets are now on a three-game losing streak. What's gotten into the Nuggets? Should fans be concerned? Or is this just Denver's pathway to success this time around?
Dec 09, 2023•44 min•Ep. 582
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 111-102 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. Nikola Jokic had a triple-double but shot just 9-of-32 from the field, missing more shots in a game than he ever has in his NBA career. Ryan discusses what happened with Jokic, how concerned everyone should be, and what Denver's next steps should be as a team after their first loss in LA in a while.
Dec 07, 2023•37 min•Ep. 581
