Pickaxe and Roll

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 122-113 win over the Portland Trail Blazers as Nikola Jokić goes for 36 points on 13-of-14 from the field. He also notched a triple-double with 12 rebounds and 10 assists, making it look easy all the time. Damian Lillard had 44 points, but the Nuggets (and the referees) got him rattled in the fourth quarter. Michael Porter Jr. also had 23 points on just 13 shots, finding efficient shooting opportunities in the flow. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, and the current field of playoff matchups in the Western Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 119-116 victory over the Orlando Magic as Nikola Jokić hits the game-winning three-pointer over Franz Wagner with 0.2 seconds remaining. Jokić finished the game with a triple-double, leading the Nuggets to a shaky win that still counts the same. Aaron Gordon hit two clutch free throws after struggling, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope hit a clutch three-pointer to keep Denver in it. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench struggles, and goes over major second half storylines for both the Nuggets and the NBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 115-102 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers as Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. step up in the absence of Nikola Jokić, who rested a sore wrist and didn't make the trip to Los Angeles. Murray and Porter were both great, but it was an entire team effort with AG, KCP, and DeAndre Jordan rounding out the starting lineup with quality play. The bench remained functional as well and helped earn a tough W. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, and the meaning of self-belief for a Nuggets team reaching new heights. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn evaluates the first half of the season by handing out midseason grades to Michael Malone, Calvin Booth, and every Nuggets player on the roster. Who met expectations? Who exceeded expectations? Did anybody have a failing grade? Ryan discusses it all before going over his Two-Man Net Ratings chart at the midseason point as well, sharing takeaways and proclamations along the way. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 126-97 thrashing of the Phoenix Suns, who maaaay have been missing one, two, or seven of their rotation players on the second night of a back-to-back. Still, the Nuggets dominated, from Nikola Jokić's interior presence to Jamal Murray's slick shotmaking to Bones Hyland's firepower. Ryan discusses the starters and the bench before transitioning into trade talk. He shares what he expects the Nuggets do to solidify their roster by the trade deadline in February, which is less than a month away. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn goes over the mid-season media survey released by NBA.com on Wednesday, sharing some interesting content and takes from beat writers across the association. How do the Nuggets fare? How does Nikola Jokić fare? Who represents the West in the NBA Finals. Ryan reacts to some interesting answers before pivoting to Denver's defensive improvement over the last 12 games. What's working well? What's real vs not real? Are the Nuggets capable of this defense for the rest of the season? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 122-109 win over the Los Angeles Lakers as Jamal Murray sets a new season-high with 34 points and Nikola Jokić has a perfect triple-double with just five shot attempts. LeBron James and Anthony Davis didn't play, and the game felt devoid of competition as a result. Ryan discusses the starters continuing their strong performance and the bench finding ways to be positive before transitioning into All-Star discussion. Could Jamal Murray or Aaron Gordon join Joker in Salt Lake City? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 121-108 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers as Nikola Jokić goes for a solid 25-15-10 triple-double against a talented Cavs frontline. Jamal Murray played in his first back to back since tearing the ACL. The starting unit played beautiful basketball around Jokić. The bench was good enough to not be an issue, even if there were some points of contention. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, and how the Nuggets just might be the best team in the NBA now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 122-91 blowout win by the Denver Nuggets over the Los Angeles Clippers as the Nuggets dominated in every aspect of the game, so much so that the Clippers starters packed it up at halftime. Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon got things going in the first quarter, and the bench picked up right where they left off. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, and the parity facing the NBA right now along with how it affects the Nuggets. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn discusses what happened at Wednesday's practice, including notes from Michael Malone, Vlatko Čančar, and Zeke Nnaji interviews. Then he delves deep into the rotation with a listener mailbag. What's going on with the bench rotation? Why isn't Christian Braun playing? Why are Bones Hyland and Jamal Murray playing together so much? Why isn't Christian Braun playing? Also, why isn't Christian Braun playing? The listeners want to know, and Ryan shares his thoughts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on the second night of a back-to-back, one day after defeating the team with the best record in the NBA. Nikola Jokić and Aaron Gordon struggled with a matchup decision the T'Wolves made. Jamal Murray took too long to get into the game. The bench struggled against a bigger, stronger T'Wolves second unit. Ryan goes over what went wrong, what to be concerned about and whether various stats are "something, nothing, or everything" at this point in the season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 123-111 victory over the Boston Celtics as Nikola Jokić pours on another 30-point triple-double, comfortably dominating against a stout Celtics frontline. Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon each had great moments, while Bruce Brown had 21 points filling in for Jamal Murray at point guard. Bones Hyland and the bench were solid as a whole. Ryan discusses an all-around great win from the starters, to the bench, to the 34-minute stoppage, and everything in between. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 124-119 victory over the Miami Heat as Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray absolutely shut the door in clutch time. There were helpful assists from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Aaron Gordon, but Jokić and Murray said goodbye to the Heat with several baskets late, created from a variety of two-man actions. It was poetry in motion. Ryan discusses the starters, a strong bench performance, and shares some New Year's Resolutions for the Nuggets and for himself. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 127-126 loss to the Sacramento Kings. Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets had their chances to win the game, but they certainly didn't get any favors from the officials down the stretch. Bones Hyland had a nice bounceback game, while Michael Porter Jr. had a strong first half. Ultimately though, Denver's defense and clutch play undid them in the end. Ryan reacts to the starters without Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon, the bench without Bruce Brown, and how seriously to take a loss on a back-to-back when as shorthanded as the Nuggets were. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 113-106 win as Michael Porter Jr. pours in an efficient 30 points. Aaron Gordon was held out due to a shoulder strain, so MPJ stepped up and had one of his best nights of the season. Nikola Jokić had a Sombor Double of 20-9-11, and Jamal Murray capped it off with some clutch shotmaking and playmaking down the stretch. Ryan goes over the starters' performances, an interesting bench night, and what it means that the Nuggets are truly finding their stride. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 128-125 overtime win over the Phoenix Suns on Christmas night as Nikola Jokić goes for another historic statline with 41 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists. Aaron Gordon had the dunk of the year over Landry Shamet. Jamal Murray came up clutch in the fourth quarter. The Nuggets locked in defensively when it counted. Ryan discusses the starters finding ways to win, the bench continuing to display major struggles, and the impending weight of great expectations facing the Nuggets in the West playoff picture. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 120-107 win as Michael Porter Jr. makes his triumphant return to the court. MPJ played well on both ends, Jamal Murray played perhaps his best game of the season, and Nikola Jokić closed the deal in the fourth quarter. The Nuggets bench was also a positive (though Christian Braun wasn't out there). Ryan discusses the return of the O G starting five, a new bench unit, and what he's thankful for this Nuggets holiday season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn goes over the news from Thursday's Denver Nuggets practice that Michael Porter Jr. has a serious chance to return as soon as Friday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. Jamal Murray will also likely be back, meaning the Nuggets could have their fully healthy rotation right in the nick of time. Ryan goes over the pros and cons of the healthy rotation and what it means for bench lineups featuring Bones Hyland, Bruce Brown, Jeff Green, Christian Braun, and others. Then, he previews Friday's game against Portland and Sunday's Christmas night game against the Phoenix Suns. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 105-91 win over the Memphis Grizzlies as Nikola Jokić goes for a 13-13-13 triple-double. The Nuggets played their best defensive game of the season, and Christian Braun getting the start in place of Jamal Murray was a big reason why. The Nuggets were clearly ready for this matchup and took it seriously. Ryan goes over the starters, the bench, and why, despite Denver holding the top spot in the West, it's okay to nitpick the details for a championship contender. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn goes over the news and notes of the off day, from Nikola Jokić's Player of the Week award to a growing Nuggets injury report. Then, he hones in on the bench and why none of the regular combinations have worked so far, providing some insight and new ideas. Could Michael Porter Jr. be the answer when he returns? And if not him, then who? Finally, Ryan goes over Denver's next 13 games on the schedule and emphasizes how Denver's currently in an inflection point on the season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 119-115 win over the Charlotte Hornets as Nikola Jokić puts up an incredible 40 points, 27 rebounds, and 10 assists, the sole difference maker on a night when the Nuggets needed absolutely everything from him. Jamal Murray was hobbled by knee soreness, but the rest of the starters each stepped up themselves. Unfortunately, the bench remains horrific. Ryan discusses it all and floats a trade idea for a former backup center at the end of the podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Enver Nuggets 126-108 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers as the team left the D back in Denver. Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray each had fine performances offensively, but the team as a whole continues to suffer for their defensive woes. The starters were the reason the Nuggets lost this game tonight, though the bench remains a disaster in its own right. Ryan discusses both units at length before addressing where the problems currently are and who needs to step up and lead a recovery effort. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.