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 dow…

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…

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…

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…

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. Rya…

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 ab…

Ryan Blackburn is joined by Denver Nuggets guard Trey Alexander to share his life and journey to the NBA. He discusses the Nuggets start to the season, Nikola Jokic, Russell Westbrook, Creighton, and more.Af Mile High Sports

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-Ma…

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. Fi…

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, Christia…

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 J…

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, Mi…

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…

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 Westbroo…

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…

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 m…

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 M…

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 nuan…

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 Ar…

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…

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. BETO…

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…

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 Ga…

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 …

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…

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 the…

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. BE…

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.…

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 preseaso…

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 MegaCon…

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 …

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 f…

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 …

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 discuss…

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.be…

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 woul…

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 p…

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 …

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 year…

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 …

Ryan Blackburn discusses Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone. The championship winning coach is entering his 10th season with the Nuggets and is one of the longest tenured coaches in the NBA. Malone has good and bad traits all coaches do and shapes Denver's play style with his influences. What can he do to improve in the 2024-25 season so the …

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the fit of newcomer Russell Westbrook to the Denver Nuggets rotation. What should the expectations be for Westbrook in his 17th season? How concerned should fans be about his 2024 playoff performance? What does he provide to the Nuggets bench unit? Ryan goes over the numbers, expectations, and more for Westbrook.…

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the last two seasons of Michael Porter Jr. since returning from his third back surgery. MPJ was long believed to be a future star, but he's merely a solid starter at this stage of his career. Does Porter have more to offer during what should be his prime years? If so, how can the Nuggets help him achieve that level? An im…

Ryan Blackburn is joined by CTFazio for the second installment of 20Q, a Denver Nuggets 2024-25 season preview series. Tonight, they focus on Vlatko Čančar, the Slovenian forward who missed all last season due to a torn ACL. Vlatko appears healthy and ready to go, but what can he actually contribute to the Nuggets next year? Resident Vlatko stan CT…

Ryan Blackburn begins his Season Preview series titled "20Q" to discuss important parts of the Denver Nuggets. On the first episode, Peyton Watson had a strong second season in the NBA. What could the 2024-25 season look like for the 21-year-old forward? Is he a future star for the Nuggets or just a guy? Ryan discusses everything to do with Peyton …

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 2024-25 regular season schedule that came out earlier today. From national games, to back-to-backs, to the most important moments of the season, Ryan takes you through the schedule and shares his 10 elite games of the 2024-25 Nuggets regular season. BetOnline: USE CODE "BLEAV" FOR 50% OFF https://www.be…

In the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn discusses Team USA winning Gold over France in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Serbia won Bronze, led by Nikola Jokic. Ryan shares final Olympic takeaways before pivoting to Jokic: is he already a Top 10 player of all-time? The numbers and accolades say he isn't far off. Ryan discusses Jokic amongs…

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Quarterfinals performances of Nikola Jokic and Serbia as well as Jamal Murray and Canada. Jokic was dominant and helped captain a major comeback over Australia. Murray, on the other hand, struggled to perform against France, and Canada lost to the home country. Ryan discusses how much the performances matter to the Nu…

Ryan Blackburn does a quick Olympics update for Nikola Jokic and Serbia, Jamal Murray and Canada, and Team USA's dominant 2-0 start. Then, he opens up the mailbag and answers questions from Pickaxe and Roll listeners about the Nuggets, contenders, Murray, basketball, and life.Af Mile High Sports

Ryan Blackburn and Swipa go over Team USA's dominant performance against Serbia in the first game of the group stage of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Nikola Jokic played well, but between LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry, there were simply too many answers for Team USA. Ryan and Swipa discuss the game, then they go over some other results f…