Ryan Blackburn goes over the Denver Nuggets big clutch win over the Toronto Raptors. With Jamal Murray out and Aaron Gordon exiting early, the Nuggets were forced to rely on Christian Braun, Julian Strawther, and Peyton Watson in the clutch. Those three made big plays and helped with Denver the game. Ryan discusses them, Russell Westbrook, Nikola Jokic, and a watershed moment in his mind about the youth. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...
Nov 05, 2024•44 min•Ep. 728
Ryan Blackburn shares final thoughts on the Friday/Saturday back-to-back the Denver Nuggets played against the Timberwolves and Jazz. He goes over some initial season takeaways for Nikola Jokic, Christian Braun, and others. Then, he shares how the Nuggets can be successful on a difficult home stand this week that includes Toronto, Oklahoma City, Miami, and Dallas. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
Nov 04, 2024•42 min•Ep. 727
Ryan Blackburn previews the Denver Nuggets anticipated matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. The last time the Nuggets were in Minneapolis for real, they lost by nearly 50 points in Game 6. Will Denver look for some revenge in this matchup? Or do Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves have their number? Ryan breaks down the game and makes some predictions. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
Nov 01, 2024•34 min•Ep. 726
Ryan Blackburn briefly goes over the Denver Nuggets overtime win over the Brooklyn Nets and why it's not great but also understandable why the Nuggets have struggled with the Raptors and Nets wins. Then, Ryan discusses the biggest overreactions to the Nuggets first week of the season and how real those takes will end up being. From Russell Westbrook's up-and-down play to Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. struggling to the Nuggets needing a trade. Finally, Ryan looks around the NBA. BETONLINE: ...
Oct 31, 2024•46 min•Ep. 725
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets OT win over the Toronto Raptors. Nikola Jokic had his second 40-point game in a row. Jamal Murray hit a clutch layup despite struggling to score efficiently. The Nuggets won ugly, but they still won. Ryan breaks down the starting lineup, the bench minutes, and what he expects in the next matchup against the Brooklyn Nets tonight. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
Oct 29, 2024•46 min•Ep. 724
Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets 109-104 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, including what was a truly abhorrent offensive performance until Nikola Jokic took over the game. The Nuggets still lost, but did they figure anything out in the process? Ryan discusses Jamal Murray, Russell Westbrook, Michael Porter Jr., Peyton Watson, and much more. Then, he previews the Nuggets three-game road trip with the Toronto Raptors tonight. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...
Oct 28, 2024•44 min•Ep. 723
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 102-87 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder that wasn't that close. Nikola Jokic played well, and Christian Braun had a solid starting lineup debut, but that was it for Nuggets that played well. Why were the Thunder in another class as a team? How concerning is it for the Nuggets future? What to make of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. struggling? Ryan delves into it. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...
Oct 25, 2024•41 min•Ep. 722
Ryan Blackburn previews the Denver Nuggets Season Opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight. In the first game of the season, will the Nuggets bounce back from a rough preseason? How will they fare against another elite squad? Will the battle of Nikola Jokic vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander be as advertised? Ryan goes over all the details and nuances and makes a prediction. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
Oct 24, 2024•36 min•Ep. 721
Ryan Blackburn goes over the new contract extension Aaron Gordon signed last night with the Denver Nuggets to keep him on the team through the 2028-29 season. It's a 4-year, $133 million deal and surprisingly advantageous to the Nuggets, especially early on. Will Denver take advantage? Ryan also discusses the new construction project around Ball Arena being approved and previews NBA Opening Night. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...
Oct 22, 2024•39 min•Ep. 720
Ryan Blackburn goes over Premiere Week in the NBA and makes Bold Predictions for the 2024-25 Season. Where will the Denver Nuggets finish in the West? Could a surprise team miss the playoffs? Who wins MVP? Ryan breaks it down, discusses what playoff seed the Nuggets need, and shares the teams he's keeping an eye on early. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
Oct 21, 2024•44 min•Ep. 719
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets first preseason win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night. Julian Strawther was dynamic and showed some toughness. Jamal Murray was great in a reminder effort. The Nuggets looked better, and Ryan's a bit more relaxed after this one. He discusses everything from last night's game and more. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
Oct 18, 2024•36 min•Ep. 718
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn shares brief thoughts on the Top 100 Player Rankings for ESPN and The Ringer and where the Nuggets reside. Then, he gets into 10 Reasons why this Nuggets season will be fun and interesting. Ryan's been too negative lately and he knows it, so this is an opportunity to put a more positive spin on the upcoming season. Here's what Nuggets fans have to look forward to! BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...
Oct 17, 2024•41 min•Ep. 717
Ryan Blackburn performs a Stock Watch for some of the Denver Nuggets top rotation players heading into the regular season. How impressive is Michael Porter Jr.? What's up with Jamal Murray? Where does Russell Westbrook fit into the picture? Ryan shares news and notes from Monday's practice about Christian Braun and others as well. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
Oct 15, 2024•45 min•Ep. 716
Ryan Blackburn is joined by Vinny Benedetto of the Denver Gazette to break down the Denver Nuggets 118-114 loss to the Phoenix Suns backups. The Nuggets played their starters and had to work through some tough minutes but ultimately were outscored by 33 points from behind the three-point line. How much of an issue is it? Do the Nuggets have enough shooting to keep up with teams this year? What's up with Jamal Murray? Ryan and Vinny break down last night's matchup. BETONLINE: Play the MegaContest...
Oct 14, 2024•44 min•Ep. 715
Ryan Blackburn continues his 20Q series and discusses the expectations for Jamal Murray in 2024-25. He asks Nuggets fans to turn the page on last season before sharing what he thinks will happen with Murray this year. Can he be an All-Star? Will he stay healthy? Can he lead the Nuggets to a championship next to Nikola Jokic? Ryan delves deep before previewing Sunday's preseason game against the Phoenix Suns. BETONLINE: The game starts here! https://www.betonline.ag...
Oct 11, 2024•43 min•Ep. 714
Ryan Blackburn continues his 20Q series by discussing the most important lineups the Denver Nuggets will play this season. Ryan discusses Michael Malone's trends as a head coach, where he has to improve this season, and why it's important to stagger more starters consistently. Then, Ryan goes through audience suggestions for lineup and predicts their level of success.
Oct 10, 2024•52 min•Ep. 713
Ryan Blackburn continues his 20Q series breaks down the list of biggest threats to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference this season. How does the Julius Randle trade affect the Minnesota Timberwolves? Do the Oklahoma City Thunder have enough to slow Nikola Jokic? Are Nuggets fans underrating the Dallas Mavericks? Ryan breaks it all down. BETONLINE: Play the MegaContest! https://www.betonline.ag
Oct 08, 2024•32 min•Ep. 712
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets losses to the Boston Celtics and whether he's concerned about the bench after a blowout loss on Sunday. He picks a Spicy Nugget of the Week to focus on where Denver can be better before sharing one take on every Nuggets roster player to play in Abu Dhabi.
Oct 07, 2024•46 min•Ep. 711
Matt Brooks of Nuggets.com joins the show to help break down the Denver Nuggets 107-103 preseason loss to the Boston Celtics in Abu Dhabi. The starters played one half, and Nikola Jokic looked good. Russell Westbrook made his debut. There was CONTROVERSY on the scoreboard at the end of the game. Ryan and Matt share their takeaways from the preseason opener and what to look for going forward. BETONLINE: Play the MegaContest! https://www.betonline.ag...
Oct 04, 2024•52 min•Ep. 710
Ryan Blackburn goes into the Pickaxe and Roll Mailbag to answer questions about the Denver Nuggets. From expectations in Abu Dhabi against the Boston Celtics, to Rotation questions, to what happens if things go wrong? Ryan goes in-depth on Nikola Jokic, Russell Westbrook, Jamal Murray, and the rest of the Nuggets roster. BETONLINE: Play the MegaContest! https://www.betonline.ag
Oct 03, 2024•45 min•Ep. 709
Apologies for the echo! Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Karl-Anthony Towns trade to the New York Knicks and how it affects the Western Conference. He discusses the recent days for the Denver Nuggets, including several takeaways from training camp. He discusses expectations for Russell Westbrook, a surprise player excelling at camp, and watching the Nuggets final scrimmage before their trip to Abu Dhabi. Finally, Ryan shares some "Dreamer Takes" for what would make an excellent Nuggets season. BET...
Oct 01, 2024•43 min•Ep. 708
Ryan Blackburn breaks down his takeaways from Denver Nuggets Media Day, discussing the introduction of Russell Westbrook and Dario Saric to the team, the battle for the starting shooting guard spot, Calvin Booth and Aaron Gordon on an extension, some general surliness from Jamal Murray, and more. Ryan also says Nuggets fans should be more excited for this season after hearing from the team. BETONLINE: Play the MegaContest! https://www.betonline.ag...
Sep 27, 2024•43 min•Ep. 707
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn shares his most pressing questions facing the Denver Nuggets heading into tomorrow's Media Day festivities. What's next for Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray? Will Michael Malone offer Christian Braun the starting spot immediately? Which players are on #MuscleWatch ? Ryan asks one question about every player, coach, and even the front office. BETONLINE: Play the MegaContest! https://www.betonline.ag...
Sep 26, 2024•42 min•Ep. 706
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn continues his 20Q series, focusing on Nikola Jokic. Could the Denver Nuggets superstar actually win a fourth MVP award? He would join even more incredible company than he's already in if he did. Should Nuggets fans WANT him to win if it means less of a chance for a championship? Ryan discusses, making a prediction for how long Jokic can keep playing at this level as well. BETONLINE: Play the MegaContest! https://www.betonline.ag...
Sep 25, 2024•42 min•Ep. 705
Ryan Blackburn shares the newest City Edition jersey and NBA Cup Court leaks for the Denver Nuggets. Then, he continues the 20Q Preview Series with a look at Jalen Pickett and Hunter Tyson. Neither played significant minutes last year. Could that change in the 2024-25 season? Ryan shares his thoughts. BETONLINE: Play the MegaContest! https://www.betonline.ag
Sep 20, 2024•39 min•Ep. 704
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn continues the 20Q series with a breakdown of the opponent the Denver Nuggets lost to in the playoffs last season. Are the Minnesota Timberwolves still a dangerous threat? Have the changes the Nuggets made done enough to oust the T'Wolves? Ryan goes over changes for both teams and how it would impact a possible playoff series, then discusses the building rivalry between Denver and Minnesota. BETONLINE: Play the MegaContest! https://www.bet...
Sep 18, 2024•40 min•Ep. 703
Ryan Blackburn continues the 20Q series with a breakdown of Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon. What can Nuggets fans expect from Gordon this season? Will he be a long term piece for the Nuggets? He's eligible for extension on September 27th. Will the Nuggets try to get a deal done? Is he a sneaky trade candidate if the Nuggets aren't willing to pay him? Ryan discusses every scenario. BETONLINE: Play the MegaContest! https://www.betonline.ag
Sep 13, 2024•46 min•Ep. 702
Ryan Blackburn shares additional thoughts on the Jamal Murray extension and how the Denver Nuggets are effectively locked into their current core for the foreseeable future. Then, he turns to Zeke Nnaji and what he can provide to the Nuggets in 2024-25 after a disappointing 2023-24. Could Nnaji find more opportunities than expected? Ryan discusses him and other frontcourt players the Nuggets will go to next year. BETONLINE: Play the MegaContest! https://www.betonline.ag...
Sep 11, 2024•47 min•Ep. 701
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the news that Jamal Murray will sign a new contract extension with the Denver Nuggets through the 2028-29 season. After a longer delay than expected, Murray got his deal, and the Nuggets are set for the 2024-25 season with one fewer question. Was it a good deal? What can the Nuggets expect from Murray for the next five years? Ryan breaks it down.
Sep 07, 2024•44 min•Ep. 700
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the importance of second-year wing Julian Strawther. The Denver Nuggets lost wing players in the offseason, and Strawther almost has to play by default. After shooting under 30% from three and looking uncomfortable as a rookie, can the Nuggets expect consistent production in his second season? Ryan discusses the incoming Strawther leap and whether it will be enough for the Nuggets when the playoffs occur. BETONLINE: Play the MegaContest! https://www.betonline.ag...
Sep 06, 2024•28 min•Ep. 699
