Pickaxe and Roll

Ryan Blackburn and Denver Nuggets YouTuber SwipaCam discuss a number of Nuggets topics, beginning with an extended discussion on MVP candidates around the NBA. Then, Ryan and Cam discuss what Bryn Forbes adds to the rotation as an elite shooter all over the court. Finally, they discuss the eventual returns of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., including the excitement Nuggets fans are allowed to feel again.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 130-128 overtime win over the Los Angeles Clippers as Nikola Jokić goes for a MONSTER triple-double with 49 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 steals, and a block. Aaron Gordon hit the game-winning three on an incredible Jokić pass, and the Nuggets survived a fun and entertaining game. Ryan discusses Jokić's greatness, the starters, the bench, and how Bryn Forbes can help.

Ryan Blackburn reacts live (at about the 28 minute mark) to the Denver Nuggets trading for San Antonio Spurs guard Bryn Forbes in a three-team trade, sending out Bol Bol, PJ Dozier, and a 2028 second round pick. Ryan discusses the benefit of Forbes as a shooter, as well as rotation possibilities and financial ramifications. Before then, Ryan was discussing practice, the positive vibes, and trade speculation on a smaller move. Lo and behold...

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 125-102 loss to the Utah Jazz as Nikola Jokić goes for a massive triple-double in a game where the bench unit had no answer for Rudy Gobert and company. Ryan briefly discusses the loss, including how difficult it would be under the best of circumstances, before transitioning into the topic of reinforcements. The Nuggets had 10 players available tonight, it's clear they need help. Ryan shares his thoughts on when and how could they get the help they need.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 133-96 win over the Los Angeles Lakers as Nikola Jokić goes for an efficient triple-double and the bench dominates once again. Bones Hyland had career highs in points and rebounds, Jeff Green changed roles seamlessly once again, and Davon Reed made LeBron James fall down. Ryan discusses the major points from tonight's game before discussing the state of the Nuggets at the midpoint in the regular season.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 140-108 blowout win as six players each score 16+ points in the best offensive performance of the season. The starters were clicking, led by Nikola Jokić, Will Barton, and Jeff Green. The bench also picked a great time to play well too, led by Facu Campazzo and Bones Hyland (and Jeff Green again!). Ryan discusses both units, what the takeaways are, and ties up some odds and ends around the team.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 87-85 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, a game that Denver led by 25 points in the middle of the third quarter. An inability to find Nikola Jokić, take advantage of the attention he received, and to get stops in the fourth quarter led to a major collapse. Ryan discusses the starters being good overall, the bench being bad overall, and some weird coaching decisions that preceded bad moments for the Nuggets late in the game.

Ryan Blackburn discusses the roster moves the Denver Nuggets have made over the last 72 hours (or will make soon) that should have Nuggets fans excited about the rest of the season. The Nuggets are looking for ways to solve their backup center spot for the regular season, and they're taking fliers on guards and wing defenders that could potentially be useful in the playoffs. Ryan discusses the moves, the updated depth chart, and why Denver may not be done making moves.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 99-95 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder as they Nuggets make several moves (or are rumored to) that will shape their roster going forward, including the signing of DeMarcus Cousins and trading of Bol Bol. First, Ryan discusses the game, where Austin Rivers put up 22 points off the bench, including six three-pointers. Nikola Jokić and Will Barton also helped ice the game with a basket and free throws late. Ryan discusses the game and then discusses the roster moves at the end and why they're a precedent for something bigger.

Ryan Blackburn is joined by Brandon Ewing, deputy site manager of Denver Stiffs, to recap an impressive 121-111 Denver Nuggets win over the Sacramento Kings. Nikola Jokić put together a dominant two-way performance, JaMychal Green and Jeff Green both had strong performance, and the Nuggets trailed after taking the lead at 13-11 in the first quarter. Ryan and Brandon discuss the starters' chemistry, a new bench look that worked wonders, and if the #vibes are back in Ball Arena.