Pickaxe and Roll

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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 back?

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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.

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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.

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