On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the ramifications of Julian Strawther suffering an injury and being sidelined for a month. His absence coincides with the return of Peyton Watson from a similar injury, meaning the Nuggets should have some reinforcements. Ryan goes over the Strawther-Watson dynamic, some notable Two-Man Net Ratings 3/4 of the way through the season, and previews the matchup vs the Sacramento Kings tonight. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! http...
Mar 05, 2025•37 min•Ep. 788
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 110-103 loss to the Boston Celtics. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray showed up, but the Celtics caused confusion with their game plan that forced the ball into the hands of Christian Braun and Russell Westbrook. Michael Porter Jr. also struggled once again vs a great team. Ryan breaks down what happened, the good and bad, and highlights a possible solution to Denver's issues that hasn't been tried before. BETONLINE:...
Mar 03, 2025•47 min•Ep. 787
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 121-112 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in which very little went right for Denver. Nikola Jokic was great offensively and good enough to win, but he didn't get enough help from the supporting cast. Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon especially struggled, while Jamal Murray was subpar. Add in some poor fourth quarter defense and the Nuggets couldn't keep up. Ryan discusses the loss, what are real and not real concer...
Feb 28, 2025•34 min•Ep. 786
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn goes over a lengthy Q&A from Denver Nuggets fans about a variety of Nuggets topics. From the playoff rotation, to possible first round opponents, to specific thoughts about Russell Westbrook, Peyton Watson, and Zeke Nnaji. Ryan discusses it all before previewing tonight's matchup between the Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks, a Nikola Jokic vs Giannis Antetokounmpo special. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...
Feb 27, 2025•47 min•Ep. 785
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets impressive 125-116 win over the Indiana Pacers. Nikola Jokic set the table for the entire team with a career-high 19 assists. Aaron Gordon had 25 points in 24 minutes. Michael Porter Jr. dominated inside the arc. Jamal Murray went 4-of-4 from three. Even Zeke Nnaji locked in. Ryan breaks down the all-around team win, Gordon's improved shotmaking, Nnaji's new role, and more on today's show. BETONLINE: The Gam...
Feb 25, 2025•37 min•Ep. 784
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn shares his final thoughts on Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers over the weekend, including Denver's inability to match up with the best teams on a consistent level. Ryan goes over the 40-20 rule, one thing he still needs to see from Denver in their final 25 games, and previews the upcoming four-game road trip. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
Feb 24, 2025•35 min•Ep. 783
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 129-115 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night. Jamal Murray had an efficient 34 points, Nikola Jokic had 29 points, 17 rebounds, and nine assists, and the Nuggets took care of business against an inferior team. Ryan breaks down Murray's performance, starting Christian Braun over Russell Westbrook, and the power and pain of win streaks. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...
Feb 21, 2025•36 min•Ep. 782
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets injury report and the implications of Russell Westbrook returning to the floor. How will Michael Malone and the Nuggets handle starting spots? What can Denver learn in the final 27 games? Ryan discusses the health of the roster, some numbers behind Denver's post All-Star break schedule, and previews tonight's game against the Charlotte Hornets. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...
Feb 20, 2025•40 min•Ep. 781
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn returns after the All-Star Break to discuss what happened in the NBA over All-Star weekend and why it was so disappointing. Then, he goes in-depth on just how good the Nuggets actually are compared to their last two seasons and if there's anything to learn from those years. Finally, Ryan discusses how many wins the Nuggets should be trying to achieve in the post All-Star portion of the regular season. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! http...
Feb 18, 2025•46 min
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down last night's Jamal Murray masterclass, 55 points in a 132-121 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Nikola Jokic also had his 25th triple-double of the season. The Nuggets won their eighth game in a row heading into the All-Star break. What have we learned about the Nuggets so far? Can they win a title? Ryan discusses Murray's big night, the Nuggets win streak, the All-Star break, and more. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! http...
Feb 13, 2025•39 min•Ep. 779
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets winning their seventh game in a row, this time in blowout fashion against the Portland Trail Blazers. Nikola Jokic dropped 40 points in just three quarters, making insane shots along the way. Jamal Murray played well before getting ejected in the fourth quarter. The biggest story was Jalen Pickett though, who had 14 points and nine assists off the bench in a career night. Ryan breaks down the game, Pickett's e...
Feb 11, 2025•40 min•Ep. 778
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets playing consistent basketball over the last few games, taking care of business and never truly being in trouble. Can they keep their six-game winning streak through the All-Star break? Ryan breaks down whether the Nuggets are an elite team, how long this winning streak can last, and then previews Nuggets vs Portland Trail Blazers tonight (and Wednesday). BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.a...
Feb 10, 2025•36 min•Ep. 777
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 112-90 win over the Orlando Magic on Thursday night. Denver rolled, and both Michael Porter Jr. and Nikola Jokic continued to dominate, this time against a very good defense. Ryan goes over the win before discussing the events of yesterday's NBA trade deadline. The Nuggets made no trades while other teams did. Calvin Booth addressed the media as well, and Ryan went over some highlights as well as Booth's think...
Feb 07, 2025•42 min•Ep. 776
For the NBA Trade Deadline, Ryan Blackburn is joined by Jeff Morton of CSG Posdcast and Jake Shapiro of Denver Sports. They go live to discuss all the NBA Trades around the league, the Denver Nuggets NOT getting involved, and break down any deals (or non-deals) that are happening.
Feb 06, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 774
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 125-113 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. It wasn't a perfect game, but the Nuggets were comfortable throughout, especially with 36 points from Michael Porter Jr. last night. Zeke Nnaji also started in place of Aaron Gordon and gave Denver surprisingly great minutes vs Zion Williamson. After the game, Michael Malone also declared the Nuggets would not trade Michael Porter this deadline. Ryan discusses the win...
Feb 04, 2025•44 min•Ep. 774
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the crazy Luka Doncic trade to the Los Angeles Lakers sending Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. Ryan breaks down the deal, what was so crazy about it (everything) and what this means for the Denver Nuggets. He also discusses how the De'Aaron Fox trade to the San Antonio Spurs and Zach LaVine trade to the Sacramento Kings shift the Western Conference playoff picture. Finally, Ryan asks a simple question: do these trades ma...
Feb 03, 2025•43 min•Ep. 773
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 137-134 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Nikola Jokic had an odd game but came up clutch at the end. Jamal Murray was excellent throughout. Michael Porter Jr., Christian Braun, and Julian Strawther shot efficiently. Denver won with offense only, but they snapped their losing streak. Ryan discusses the defensive struggles, Denver overcoming them, and if that losing streak was just a blip on the radar or somet...
Feb 01, 2025•38 min•Ep. 772
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets loss to the New York Knicks, their third in a row on this road trip. Aaron Gordon was reinserted into the starting lineup...for Christian Braun. The Nuggets are doing what they can to add some defense back in. It didn't happen last night. Ryan reacts to the Nuggets loss, Jamal Murray's 33 points, the starting lineup change that emphasizes Russell Westbrook, and the trade deadline being just one week away. BETO...
Jan 30, 2025•42 min•Ep. 771
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 129-121 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Monday night. Christian Braun set a new career high in points, and Nikola Jokic once again put up video game numbers. Denver's defense wasn't good enough though, and the Nuggets gave up a second half lead because of it. Ryan breaks down the loss, Denver's inattention to detail, and how it's hard to replicate urgency. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline....
Jan 28, 2025•35 min
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn discusses Denver's strength as a team, where they have to get better, and what positions they can improve. He goes over names of different players that might be available at the NBA Trade Deadline and if the Nuggets would seriously consider a move. Finally, he previews Denver Nuggets vs Chicago Bulls tonight. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...
Jan 27, 2025•48 min•Ep. 769
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 132-123 win over the Sacramento Kings. Nikola Jokic went absolutely insane with 35 points, 22 rebounds, and 17 assists, something that's never been done before. His fullcourt shot also left Ball Arena speechless. Ryan discusses the win, Jokic's greatness, and previews Denver's upcoming five-game road trip. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...
Jan 24, 2025•36 min•Ep. 768
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 144-109 beatdown of the Philadelphia 76ers. Nikola Jokic dominated once again with a triple-double in three quarters. Julian Strawther had a career high 23 points. Aaron Gordon was as efficient as possible. Christian Braun and Michael Porter Jr. filled in nicely. It was a tremendous game for the Nuggets. Ryan discusses the dominant offense and how the Nuggets have started to level up their game ever since th...
Jan 22, 2025•38 min•Ep. 767
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 113-100 win over the Orlando Magic. Nikola Jokic had another 3rd quarter triple-double, Jamal Murray had a flurry in the second half, and Christian Braun got going downhill and in transition. Ryan discusses the Nuggets win, how the Nuggets are getting into rhythm at the right time, and looks around at the Western Conference. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag...
Jan 20, 2025•37 min•Ep. 766
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 133-113 win over the Miami Heat. Nikola Jokic returned to the floor healthy and looked fantastic vs Bam Adebayo. Jamal Murray had another great all-around game. Jimmy Butler made his return, but the Nuggets made this game about them and how dominant they were. Ryan discusses the dynamic duo of Jokic and Murray, the Nuggets rotation coming into focus, and shares his midseason thoughts. BETONLINE: The Game Start...
Jan 18, 2025•41 min•Ep. 765
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 128-108 loss to the Houston Rockets on the second night of a back-to-back. The Nuggets defense was poor, and the Nuggets offense committed too many turnovers early, fueling the Rockets fast break. In addition, Nikola Jokic didn't play and was a late scratch with an elbow injury suffered in pregame warmups. Ryan breaks down the loss, discusses Jokic's injury, and what the Nuggets can do if Jokic misses extended...
Jan 16, 2025•34 min•Ep. 764
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 118-99 win in which Jamal Murray racked up an impressive 45 points, the most in a game for him since 2021. Murray was unstoppable, and the rest of the Nuggets moved aside for him to have his moment, including Nikola Jokic. Ryan discusses the game and its implications, some history made by Jokic and Murray, and then pivots to tonight's matchup between the Nuggets and Houston Rockets. BETONLINE: The Game Starts ...
Jan 15, 2025•33 min•Ep. 763
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 112-101 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Aaron Gordon returned to the floor and played 18 minutes off the bench. His presence helped the bench lift the Nuggets starters on a bad day. Nikola Jokic was okay, Jamal Murray struggled, and Michael Porter shot 1/8 from 3. Fortunately, Russell Westbrook picked them up, as did Peyton Watson and the Nuggets defense. Ryan discusses the win, AG's return, and his thoughts on...
Jan 13, 2025•37 min
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 124-105 win over the Brooklyn Nets in which Nikola Jokic returned from illness. He wasn't at peak form according to him, but a 30-point triple double spoke otherwise. Russell Westbrook ALSO had a triple-double and continues to make his impact known in Nuggets uniform. Ryan discusses the new Triple-Duo, Jamal Murray's early injury exit, good minutes for the young players, and more. BETONLINE: The Game Starts He...
Jan 11, 2025•38 min•Ep. 761
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 126-103 blowout win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Russell Westbrook played a central role in the win, taking it to the Clippers on every possession and making sure they knew it. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. each had efficient games. Peyton Watson and Julian Strawther were both good. Even DeAndre Jordan was great. Ryan discusses it all, as well as how a win without Jokic can galvanize the team. BETONLIN...
Jan 09, 2025•40 min•Ep. 760
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets loss to the Boston Celtics that happened without Nikola Jokic in the lineup due to illness. Jamal Murray, Russell Westbrook, Peyton Watson, and Julian Strawther all had their moments, but Denver simply didn't have enough without Jokic and Aaron Gordon. Ryan breaks down the hard-fought loss, discusses what was missing for Denver, and previews tonight's back-to-back against the Los Angeles Clippers. BETONLINE: T...
Jan 08, 2025•34 min•Ep. 759
