In the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn goes through the veterans on the roster in his final Season-In-Review episode for the week. Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope were exactly what the Nuggets needed, but what about the other veterans? Reggie Jackson? Justin Holiday? DeAndre Jordan? Did the Nuggets have enough veteran talent to win a championship? Ryan goes over the details.
Ryan Blackburn goes over the 2023-24 seasons for the Denver Nuggets young guys. Prospects Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, Zeke Nnaji, Julian Strawther, Jalen Pickett, and Hunter Tyson played varying roles for the Nuggets, and all are under contract for next season. Which players impressed? Which players regressed? Is there a future starter among the Nuggets young guys to eventually replace veteran contributors?
Ryan Blackburn begin Season In Review content for Pickaxe and Roll with evaluations for Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. as the team stars. Did the trio meet expectations? Where can they be better? Most importantly of all, can they be the leading trio on a championship team? Ryan discusses it all with a realistic look at Denver's future for their star trio in the modern NBA landscape.
On the latest episode of Weekends with Swipa, Ryan Blackburn and Swipa go over the latest comments from Calvin Booth, Josh Kroenke, and Michael Malone on the future of the Denver Nuggets. Will there be major changes going forward? What's up with the free agency of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope? How do the Nuggets become better prepared for the playoffs in the future? Ryan and Swipa discuss yesterday's press conference before going over the major storylines of the 2024 offseason.
Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the end of the 2023-24 NBA Season for the Denver Nuggets. What were the moments worth remembering? What moments were forgettable? Ryan discusses the plan heading into the season and whether there were problems from the outset. Did Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth do the right thing by going young? Ryan goes over those points and answers questions about the path the Nuggets offseason will take going forward.
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets stunning 98-90 Game 7 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Nuggets led by 20 points early in the fourth quarter before an offensive collapse led to a competitive fourth quarter. The Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, simply made more plays than the Nuggets. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic showed up for Denver, but they weren't perfect, and the Nuggets needed perfection. Ryan discusses what went wrong, how the series was lost, and what to make of De...
Ryan Blackburn previews Sunday's Game 7 matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves. The Nuggets hosted practice on Saturday, and Ryan discusses what was said and what went down. After that, he goes through the Nuggets history of Game 7's. Then, Ryan shares his keys to victory for Sunday night, what Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and the Nuggets can do vs the Timberwolves. Finally, he discusses Nikola Jokic vs Anthony Edwards and why whatever happens, the leagu...
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 115-70 blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 6 as the series evens up at 3-3. Nuggets-Timberwolves will go to Game 7 on Sunday. Ryan discusses the struggles of Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and the bench regressing to the mean on the road. Nikola Jokic was fine, but even a spectacular Jokic wouldn't have saved Denver last night. Ryan goes over what happened and what's next for the Nuggets as they begin preparations for Game 7.
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 112-97 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 to take a 3-2 lead in the playoff series. Nikola Jokic was incredible with 40 points, 13 assists, and zero turnovers after receiving his third MVP award pregame. Jokic attacked Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns, Naz Reid, and every player in front of him with a level of control and excellence rarely seen in NBA history. Ryan discusses the win, Denver's defense against Anthony Edwards, and what to make ...
On the latest episode of Weekends with Swipa, Ryan Blackburn and Swipa react to the Denver Nuggets crucial Game 4 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Nikola Jokic was spectacular, Aaron Gordon was immaculate, and Jamal Murray hit the biggest shot of the game, a halfcourt buzzer beater, to propel the Nuggets to a tied series. What happens next? Can the Nuggets finish the job and complete the series comeback?
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets big 117-90 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves to take Game 3 and make this matchup a series. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic bounced back in a major way, Michael Porter Jr. was back to his efficient shooting ways, and the Nuggets defense contained Anthony Edwards and the T'Wolves nicely. Can Denver use this momentum to get back into the series down 2-1?
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the announcement of Nikola Jokic winning his third MVP of the last four seasons, one of the most dominant runs of any player in NBA history. Ryan discusses Jokic's place among the NBA Greats, then he looks more closely at Game 3 and how the Nuggets can get back into their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the epic meltdown last night as the Denver Nuggets lost 106-80 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jamal Murray was horrible and chucked a heat pack on the floor. Nikola Jokic was flustered all night by the size/physicality of the T'Wolves defense. Michael Malone nearly tried to fight Marc Davis. It was a no good, very bad day for Nuggets Nation. Ryan discusses what happened, who's to blame, and what's next.
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 106-99 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1. Anthony Edwards was incredible. Nikola Jokic was merely good. Jamal Murray was held scoreless in the first half. The Nuggets had chances to win the game at the end, but the Timberwolves outplayed Denver in clutch time decisively. Ryan goes over what happened, expectations for Game 2, and whether a Nuggets home loss shifted his series prediction. Use code MHS to sign up for the best Denver Nuggets fan...
The Denvengers are back! Ryan Blackburn, Swipa, Adam Mares, and Matt Moore combine forces to preview the upcoming playoff series between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves. Will Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray continue to dominate in the two-man game? Can the Nuggets slow down Anthony Edwards? Who will be the X-Factors for each team? The fellas share their thoughts and offer a series prediction for one of the toughest matchups in recent Nuggets history.
Ryan Blackburn shares his final Hangover takes from the Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers playoff series and goes briefly around the NBA with takes on the rest of the playoffs. Then, he does his first deep dive into the Minnesota Timberwolves. Just how dangerous are they? What do the Nuggets need to know heading into the second round series? Are the Timberwolves really the most dangerous West playoff team to the Nuggets? (Spoiler: Yes) AUTOGRAPH: Use code MHS to sign up for the best Denver Nu...
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 108-106 win over the Los Angeles Lakers to take Game 5 and the series. Jamal Murray hit an epic game-winning shot with three seconds left, his second of the series. Michael Porter Jr. was outstanding. Nikola Jokic did enough. Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope filled in the gaps. The Nuggets needed everything to get by LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the Los Angeles Lakers tonight. Now, they will rest before their second round series against th...
Ryan Blackburn and Swipa react to the Denver Nuggets losing Game 4 to the Los Angeles Lakers, prolonging the first round series until at least Game 5. What kind of concerns are there following the loss? Has Jamal Murray's struggles shooting been a big deal or a little deal? What kind of effort should the Nuggets expect from the Lakers in Game 5? Use code MHS to sign up for the best Denver Nuggets fan experience anywhere: https://link.ag.fan/mhs...
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 112-105 win over the Los Angeles Lakers to take Game 3. The Nuggets are now up 3-0 in the series over the Lakers, who are reeling from their ELEVENTH (11) straight loss to the Nuggets. Everyone played a part in this victory for Denver, with Michael Porter Jr, and Aaron Gordon stepping up in a big way. Ryan discusses Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and why this series feels like serious Deja Vu to last season. Use code MHS...
Ryan Blackburn answers mailbag questions for Pickaxe and Roll on a variety of topics surrounding the Denver Nuggets. Can they defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3? What will it take for a SWEEP? What version of Jamal Murray will the Nuggets get? Who can help the Nuggets off the bench? Ryan goes over all of the fun questions before going around the NBA to discuss other playoff matchups. Use code MHS to sign up for the best Denver Nuggets fan experience anywhere: https://link.ag.fan/mhs...
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 101-99 win in which Jamal Murray, after starting the game poorly, ended up the game with an epic buzzer beater over Anthony Davis. The Nuggets were down by as many as 20 points but fought back in the second half for an opportunity to take the lead. Murray was clutch. Nikola Jokic was amazing. Michael Porter Jr. was essential. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Aaron Gordon changed the game defensively. Ryan discusses the game, the shot, and what it means goi...
On the latest episode of Weekends with Swipa, Ryan Blackburn and Swipa break down the Denver Nuggets 114-103 Game 1 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, giving the Nuggets a 1-0 lead in the first round series. Nikola Jokic was incredible. Jamal Murray was a playmaker. Michael Porter Jr. made an impact, and the team did enough to combat great games from LeBron James and Anthony Davis. They also discuss what's going on around the NBA in other playoff matchups. Use code AUTOGRAPH to sign up for the bes...
Anthony Irwin of Lakers Lounge joins Ryan Blackburn to preview the Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers first round playoff series from the enemy perspective. Do the Nuggets really have a mental advantage over the Lakers? What can the Lakers do to counter Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray? What are the most important keys for both sides? Anthony and Ryan break it all down.
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers defeating the New Orleans Pelicans in the Play-In Tournament on Tuesday night, earning the seventh seed. They will face the second seed Denver Nuggets in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Ryan reacts to the game, initial thoughts on the Nuggets and Lakers and how they match up, and discusses the West being so difficult that the Lakers might be a favorable matchup.
Ryan Blackburn and Swipa react to the Denver Nuggets 126-111 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in the final game of the regular season. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray were great. The Nuggets secured the 2-seed after the Minnesota Timberwolves lost their final game, meaning Denver will face the winner of the Play-In Game between the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. Ryan and Swipa go over the games today, react to the playoff bracket, and share their thoughts on the Pelica...
Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets horrible, no-good, very bad loss to the San Antonio Spurs at the buzzer. The Nuggets were up 23 points but lost 121-120 after Devonte' Graham hit a floater over Jamal Murray in transition. Ryan discusses the game, who to blame for the collapse, and what a loss means for Denver. The Nuggets were all set to clinch the 1-seed, but now, that appears to be lost in the final days of the regular season. Who will the Nuggets play in the playoffs now?
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 116-107 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves to reclaim the top seed in the Western Conference. Nikola Jokic was spectacular, scoring 41 points and dominating his individual matchup with Rudy Gobert. Jamal Murray played well and gave the Nuggets a boost. It was Christian Braun and Peyton Watson that sealed the win for Denver though with defense, hustle, and momentum shifting dunks. Ryan goes over the win, Jokic's MVP closing statement, and what this win...
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 111-95 win vs the Utah Jazz. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic were dynamic, and the Nuggets got some help from Christian Braun and Peyton Watson. The win sets up a big matchup tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves for first place in the Western Conference. Both teams are on a back-to-back. Which team will take control of the West in the final game of the season?
On the latest episode of Weekends with Swipa, Ryan Blackburn and Swipa pick every individual NBA award for the 2023-24 NBA Season. From Nikola Jokic for Most Valuable Player, to Victor Wembanyama for Defensive Player of the Year, to All-NBA teams, they go over their official awards ballots of the 2023-24 season.
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets dominating 142-110 win over the Atlanta Hawks in Jamal Murray's return to the floor. Murray had a solid performance, while the entire Nuggets rotation made 23 three-pointers, the most of the season. Nikola Jokic had another triple-double, and the bench played very well. The Nuggets are in control of their own destiny for the top seed in the Western Conference. They just have to win four more games. Can they do it?
