Pickaxe and Roll

Ryan Blackburn discusses the impending returns of Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray and forward Michael Porter Jr., focusing on their returns to the court and the different scenarios the Nuggets will have to prepare for. When will they be back? Do their roles change based on when they return? How do their returns impact the Nuggets rotation? Ryan discusses all of the scenarios for both players as well as a projected playoff rotation.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 127-109 win over the Washington Wizards as Nikola Jokić scores his 10,000th point while leading the Nuggets in every statistical category. He dominated Kristaps Porzingis tonight in just 26 minutes of play. The rest of the starters surrounded him with versatility and quality defense, while the bench was once again led by Bones Hyland. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, and the injury updates to Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. in this one.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 114-110 win over the Philadelphia 76ers as Bones Hyland puts on an absolute show in front of the Wilmington faithful with 21 points and four massive three-pointers. Nikola Jokić and Joel Embiid went toe-toe-toe, but the Nuggets team came to play. Ryan discusses the supporting cast, including major minutes from JaMychal Green, the MVP ramifications, and where the Nuggets go from here.

Ryan Blackburn brings on Bryan Toporek, who covers the Philadelphia 76ers for Forbes and host The NBA Pod, to discuss all things Nikola Jokić and Joel Embiid. The two frontrunners in the MVP race this year have been fantastic, and both Ryan and Bryan celebrate their accomplishments before discussing their MVP cases. Then, they preview Nuggets vs Sixers in what could be an epic game Monday night.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 127-115 loss to the Toronto Raptors as the Raptors grab 23 offensive rebounds and outwork the Nuggets at every opportunity. The Nuggets had some key players missing, but the players in the lineup struggled mightily with Toronto's athleticism. Ryan discusses the starters failure to close another game, the biggest concerns with the bench, and emphasizes Denver's need to be healthy entering the playoffs.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 113-102 loss to the Golden State Warriors as Stephen Curry goes off for 34 points in 38 minutes. Jordan Poole also hurt the Nuggets from the bench with 21 points and 7 assists of his own. Ryan discusses the fatigue the Nuggets were clearly struggling with in their fourth game in five nights, as well as the concerns of bad shooting and communication. Should the Nuggets be concerned? Plus, some thoughts on DeMarcus Cousins in a playoff setting.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 106-100 win as Nikola Jokić puts the team on his back once again with a stat line Wilt Chamberlain would be proud of: 38 points, 18 rebounds, and 7 assists on 15/24 shooting. He is simply on another level right now. Ryan talks about Jokić, Monte Morris stepping up, and the rest of the starters. He then discusses the bench unit and the ups and downs of that group before discussing the West playoff standings in-depth.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 131-124 win over the Golden State Warriors as the Nuggets outscore the Warriors sans Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and others. Jokić had a second 30-point triple-double in two nights, and all four of Monte Morris, Jeff Green, Austin Rivers, and Davon Reed had strong scoring games too. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, and how the Nuggets have discovered their identity at a perfect time.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 138-130 overtime win as Nikola Jokić puts on an absolute masterclass performance when the team needed it most with 30 points in the fourth quarter and overtime. Aaron Gordon and Monte Morris also stepped up where needed with big time performances at different points of the game. Ryan discusses an epic Jokić night, great signs from the starters, good Bones Hyland and JaMychal Green minutes, and much more.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 116-101 win over the Houston Rockets as DeMarcus Cousins dominates in his first start in a Nuggets uniform with Nikola Jokić out due to illness. Will Barton also finally broke the franchise record for three-pointers in the third quarter. Ryan discusses strong performances from the starting and bench units before making an apology.