Pickaxe and Roll

Ryan Blackburn brings on Matt Moore, co-host of the Locked On Nuggets podcast and insider for The Action Network, to discuss All-Star rosters for both the Eastern and Western Conference. Will the Chicago Bulls get two starters? Will James Harden make the team? Will Anthony Davis make the team? Ryan and Matt debate and pick their own rosters before discussing the MVP landscape for Nikola Jokić and Stephen Curry, plus other award races.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 115-109 loss to the Utah Jazz as Bojan Bogdanovic and Donovan Mitchell outscore Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets despite the Jazz being without Rudy Gobert and Hassan Whiteside. Ryan discusses the interior vs exterior matchup between both teams, Denver' backcourt issues, and laments Denver wasting another great Jokić game. Then, he discusses the report that Denver is in search of wing and backup center upgrades.

Ryan Blackburn brings on Gordon Gross, senior writer at Denver Stiffs, to help update and inform Denver's injury situation for several players, including Vlatko Čančar, Michael Porter Jr., Jamal Murray, and Markus Howard. He and Ryan also discuss the rotation and how the Nuggets can get more creative with Nikola Jokić's minutes. Finally, they discuss recalibrating expectations for the Nuggets in the 2021-22 season and what fans should be hoping for at the trade deadline in February.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 103-89 loss to the Dallas Mavericks in which the Nuggets committed 26 turnovers and shot 24% from three, which isn't a great combination! Nikola Jokić did his part with 27 points and 16 rebounds while being doubled constantly, but the rest of the Nuggets just didn't show up offensively, outside of Aaron Gordon. Ryan discusses Denver's backcourt dilemma with Will Barton, Facu Campazzo, and Austin Rivers, a bench performance that was mostly subpar, and a weird dynamic for Nuggets fans with Michael Malone and Popeye Jones.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 124-111 win over the Houston Rockets as the shorthanded Nuggets rise to the occasion and take care of business against an inferior team. Facu Campazzo was a magician with the basketball on both ends of the floor, stepping up and leading the team while Nikola Jokić dealt with foul trouble. Ryan recaps Facu's performance, an up-and-down performance for the starters, and a surprise appearance for Bol Bol.

Ryan Blackburn goes over the latest COVID news with the Denver Nuggets before transitioning into a podcast about New Year's Resolutions. From Nuggets resolutions from fans to Ryan's Nuggets resolutions to Ryan's personal resolutions, this is a podcast about reflection, appreciation, and setting goals for the new year to be proud of.

Ryan Blackburn discusses the postponement of the Denver Nuggets versus Golden State Warriors game on Thursday, sharing thoughts on Denver's roster situation. He discusses the additions of Davon Reed and Rayjon Tucker before talking about Denver's upcoming schedule being a barometer for regular season success. Finally, he goes over the tiers of the Western Conference and how they've more or less remained the same.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 89-86 defensive oriented win against the Golden State Warriors, the team with the best record in the NBA. Stephen Curry was held in check until the fourth quarter, and by then, it wasn't enough. The Nuggets and Nikola Jokić did just enough to edge out a road win. Ryan discusses the game, the MVP matchup, and Denver's ability to lock in defensively.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 103-100 win over the Los Angeles Clippers as Nikola Jokić goes bonkers with 26 points, 22 rebounds, and 8 assists. Monte Morris, Will Barton, and Austin Rivers each had their moments as well, but it was 10-day contract Davon Reed who really stood out with his scoring and defense in this one. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, and Denver's apparent need for Davon Reed for the rest of the season.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 115-107 loss to the Charlotte Hornets as Nikola Jokić goes for 29 points and 21 rebounds but also misses 21 shots. The Nuggets bench was fantastic in the first half and abysmal in the second half, and the starters couldn't regain lost momentum as their lead slipped away in the closing minutes. Ryan discusses the starters, the bench, criticism, and Christmas.