Pickaxe and Roll - podcast cover

Pickaxe and Roll

Mile High Sports, Bleavbleav.com
Ryan Blackburn from MileHighSports.com brings you the latest news and analysis for the Denver Nuggets on every episode, including some of the best guests from around the NBA.
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Episodes

Breaking down a disappointing season for Jamal Murray

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn shares his final thoughts on the Denver Nuggets split series against the San Antonio Spurs, including Nikola Jokic winning Player of the Week for his efforts. Then, he does a deep dive on Jamal Murray and the numbers he's put up this season. What should Nuggets fans make of Murray's ongoing inconsistency? Then, Ryan previews the Nuggets vs Boston Celtics matchup Tuesday night and how it's a measuring stick game for Denver. BETONLINE: The ...

Jan 07, 202543 minEp. 758

Jokic vs Wembanyama is a HISTORIC center matchup

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets clutch time loss to the San Antonio Spurs with Nikola Jokic committing a late turnover and Michael Malone failing to call timeout at the end. Jokic vs Victor Wembanyama was a spectacle, and Nuggets fans were treated to an incredible show, regardless of the result. Ryan discusses the game, the matchup, Jamal Murray missing shots, and how the Nuggets change things up for tonight's matchup against the same squad....

Jan 04, 202533 minEp. 757

Denver Nuggets begin New Year with big win over Hawks

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn brings in the New Year with a recap of the Denver Nuggets 139-120 win over the Atlanta Hawks. Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook continue to find chemistry. Maybe the Nuggets could find some defense at some point soon? Ryan breaks down the game, discusses concern levels for the lacking defense, and shares some Nuggets New Year's Resolutions. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...

Jan 02, 202543 minEp. 756

Jokic, Westbrook shine in final game of 2024

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets comfortable win over the Utah Jazz on Monday night with both Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook going for impressive triple-doubles. The Nuggets set some records and got back on track against a bad team. Ryan discusses the game, Westbrook's fit with the team, and 2024 in review. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag

Dec 31, 202439 minEp. 755

Jamal Murray and the Peaks and Valleys of the Nuggets

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn discusses the small renaissance of Jamal Murray over the last few weeks, what the numbers say, and whether the Nuggets can officially say he's back or not. Ryan discusses the lineup choice to start Russell Westbrook over Peyton Watson and what that says about the team, and then previews Nuggets vs Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City tonight. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...

Dec 30, 202440 minEp. 754

Suns spoil Christmas! Jokic, Nuggets lose in frustrating matchup

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets loss to the Phoenix Suns on Christmas. Nikola Jokic started the game well, but he was the only one to truly play well. Jamal Murray returned, and the Nuggets starting lineup bogged down. Michael Porter looked uncomfortable. Christian Braun looked unsure of himself. Aaron Gordon got hurt. Ryan discusses Denver's Christmas flub and more. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...

Dec 26, 202438 minEp. 753

Nuggets DOMINATE Suns, MPJ responds to trade rumors

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets dominating win over the Phoenix Suns. Nikola Jokic was impressive in his matchups against Jusuf Nurkic and Mason Plumlee, while Michael Porter Jr. came out and matched Kevin Durant. Ryan discusses the game, Jalen Pickett taking advantage of his opportunities, and Porter's postgame press conference addressing the trade rumors. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...

Dec 24, 202443 minEp. 752

What's Wrong with the Denver Nuggets?

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets overtime win over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Nuggets trailed by as many as 17 points, except unlike against the Portland Trail Blazers, they completed the comeback. Ryan discusses the game, the body language, what's wrong with the team, and more. He also previews the Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns matchup tonight. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...

Dec 23, 202442 minEp. 751

Is Zach LaVine right fit for Denver Nuggets trade?

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets interest in Chicago Bulls wing Zach LaVine and why it makes sense. Why are the Nuggets interested in Zach LaVine if defense is their primary issue? What are the pros and cons of such a move? Ryan shares his thoughts, discusses what else could happen if not a LaVine trade, and then previews tonight's Nuggets game vs the Portland Trail Blazers. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...

Dec 19, 202443 minEp. 750

Jamal Murray Game Winner! Nuggets win clutch game vs Kings

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets big win over the Sacramento Kings in which Jamal Murray hit a game-winning jumper over De'Aaron Fox. Murray and Nikola Jokic weren't great for the Nuggets through the first three quarters, but both found a way to win in the fourth. Russell Westbrook and Aaron Gordon made an impact. The Nuggets bench was...okay, not great. Ryan breaks it all down and answers the question everyone wants to know: is Jamal Murra...

Dec 17, 202435 minEp. 749

Nuggets Active on Trade Market? Can they DO anything?

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn goes other some thoughts on the current trade market landscape around the NBA and where the Denver Nuggets will fit into that discussion. Will they target the available Jimmy Butler or Zach LaVine, or will they go a different direction? Ryan breaks it down, then he previews tonight's game against the Sacramento Kings and Denver's upcoming week. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...

Dec 16, 202433 minEp. 748

Nuggets-Clippers preview | Three-point shooting woes

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn previews tonight's Denver Nuggets game vs the Los Angeles Clippers, Denver's third matchup with James Harden and Norman Powell this season. Can the Nuggets slow them down this time around? Will Jamal Murray return to the lineup? What else is important about tonight's game? Ryan goes over the details before discussing Denver's three-point shooting issues. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...

Dec 13, 202436 minEp. 747

The Perfect Trade for the Denver Nuggets

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn goes into the Pickaxe and Roll mailbag, answering questions asked by viewers about the Denver Nuggets 2024-25 NBA season. Ryan discusses Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and others, including trade conversations. Could the Nuggets make a trade that keeps them in the championship contenders circle? BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...

Dec 11, 202444 minEp. 746

Nikola Jokic is playing ALL-TIME basketball right now

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets 141-111 win over the Atlanta Hawks, breaking down Denver's recovery performance after an ugly loss to the Washington Wizards the night before. He goes over Nikola Jokic's night, Michael Porter, Russell Westbrook, and surprisingly...Jalen Pickett! Can the Nuggets participate in their own recovery? BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag

Dec 09, 202440 minEp. 745

Can the Nuggets get Nikola Jokic some help?

Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets 126-114 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Nikola Jokic had 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 11 assists, but because he only shot 50% from the field, the Nuggets lost. Jokic is being asked to do too much, and even though Michael Porter Jr. was very good and Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon were solid, it wasn't enough. Ryan discusses the game, the differences between the Cavs and Nuggets, and where Calvin Booth fits in to this problem. BETONLINE: The Game Starts...

Dec 06, 202439 minEp. 744

The Nuggets spoil Aaron Gordon's return

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets close loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. James Harden and Norman Powell combined for 67 points. While Nikola Jokic had 28 points and a triple-double, no other Nugget had more than 18. Ryan discusses what happened, why the concerns are real, Aaron Gordon returning to play, and more. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...

Dec 02, 202431 minEp. 742

Nuggets get back on track, Thanksgiving episode!

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 122-103 win over the Utah Jazz. Nikola Jokic had an easy 30 points, Jamal Murray scored efficiently (just not from three), and Michael Porter Jr. got going in the second half. The Nuggets needed an easy win after the New York Knicks matchup, and they got it. Ryan discusses the game.

Nov 28, 202431 minEp. 741

Nuggets Humiliated by Knicks: Michael Malone Sounds Off!

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets ugly loss to the New York Knicks. Denver couldn't stop New York, and that led to an epic press conference from Michael Malone. Did what he, Jamal Murray, and Nikola Jokic have to say change anything about last night? How concerned should Nuggets fans be? BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...

Nov 26, 202433 minEp. 740

Nikola Jokic is becoming the NBA's Overlord...

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn shares final thoughts on the Denver Nuggets win over the Los Angeles Lakers this weekend, focusing on the dominance of Nikola Jokic and what he's doing this year. Then, he focuses in on Russell Westbrook and Michael Porter Jr. finding their way with the Nuggets this season. Finally, he previews the Nuggets game against the New York Knicks tonight. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...

Nov 25, 202437 minEp. 739

Jokic Returns, Murray Struggles, Nuggets Lose to Mavericks

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 123-120 loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the return of Nikola Jokic. It was a physical game, and Jokic handled it about as well as he could have. Unfortunately, Jamal Murray didn't. He's really struggling right now and in a self-proclaimed slump. Ryan breaks down what happened last night, why Russell Westbrook closed over Christian Braun, and what's next for tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers. BETONLINE: ...

Nov 23, 202438 minEp. 738

The gap between Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic

Ryan Blackburn breaks down tonight's matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks. He discusses the injury to Vlatko Cancar, and he also discusses Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic potentially missing the game. Can the Nuggets slow down Kyrie Irving? BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...

Nov 22, 202431 minEp. 737

What to Make of Nuggets Bench so far

Ryan Blackburn shares some insights on the Denver Nuggets bench and how they're playing to begin the 2024-25 season. Russell Westbrook, Julian Strawther, Peyton Watson, and Dario Saric were expected to be in Denver's Top 9 at the beginning of the year. Will they finish the season there in a playoff rotation? Ryan breaks it down before talking about Nikola Jokic and Denver's matchup tonight against the Grizzlies. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...

Nov 19, 202433 minEp. 736

Murray struggles again, Nuggets lose to Grizz

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 105-90 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in what was another poor performance without MVP Nikola Jokic. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. both struggled in this one, and the Nuggets simply didn't have enough scoring to keep up with the Grizzlies. Ryan breaks down the issues, discusses the Murray concerns, and asks how much these games without Jokic actually matter.

Nov 18, 202444 minEp. 735

No Jokic, Big Problem, Nuggets fall to Pelicans in NBA Cup

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 101-94 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA Cup. It didn't matter that the Pelicans were missing Zion Williamson and five other rotation players, or that they had lost six games in a row. The Nuggets were missing Nikola Jokic, and that was clearly enough. Ryan discusses Jamal Murray struggling to step up, Denver's center issues, and how Denver lost last night. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.b...

Nov 16, 202433 minEp. 734

NBA CUP SZN - Nuggets could be without Nikola Jokic

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn previews the first Denver Nuggets NBA Cup game, a matchup with the injured New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. Are the Nuggets true contenders for the Cup? What happens if Nikola Jokic misses the game? Ryan goes over the details of the Emirates NBA Cup and what Nuggets fans need to know about tonight's matchup. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag

Nov 15, 202434 minEp. 733

Nikola Jokic DOMINATES, Nuggets win vs Mavericks at buzzer

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 122-120 win over the Dallas Mavericks in which Michael Porter Jr. hit a game-winning floater. Nikola Jokic had 37 points, 18 rebounds, and 15 assists. Kyrie Irving had 43 points, and Luka Doncic was dynamic, but it wasn't enough to stop Denver from an undefeated home stand. Ryan discusses the Nuggets-Mavericks game, Jokic's greatness, and more. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...

Nov 11, 202437 minEp. 731

What to Expect from Jamal Murray After His Return from Concussion

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the impending return of Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray. How has his absence impacted the Nuggets, and what can he do to fit in to what the Nuggets have accomplished since he left? Then, Ryan previews Nuggets matchups this weekend against Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat and Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. Finally, he goes over the standings around the NBA and surprising placement for Nikola Jokic on early MVP ballots. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! http...

Nov 08, 202444 minEp. 730

Jokic Shines! Nuggets Secure Big Win Over OKC Thunder

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn discusses the incredible win from the Denver Nuggets over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Without two starters, the Nuggets fought back and made it work anyway, with Nikola Jokic leading the way. Russell Westbrook also had a good game though he didn't close again. Denver's young players, Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and Julian Strawther, all played a part, with Watson making the game-saving block on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Are the Nuggets ...

Nov 07, 202448 minEp. 729
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