Pickaxe and Roll
Episodes
Nuggets Rotation Mailbag + Practice Notes
05 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn discusses what happened at Wednesday's practice, including notes from Michael Malone, Vlatko Čančar, and Zeke Nnaji interviews. Then ...
Nuggets drop game at Minnesota on back-to-back
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Rim Stoppage can’t slow down Jokić, Nuggets win over Celtics
02 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 123-111 victory over the Boston Celtics as Nikola Jokić pours on another 30-point triple-double, comforta...
The most clutch duo in the NBA today does it again
31 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Shorthanded Nuggets drop tough back-to-back vs Kings
29 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
MPJ finds his rhythm, Nuggets win 5th in a row vs Kings
28 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 shou...
OT Win over Suns, Dunk of the Year caps off incredible Christmas Night
26 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 s...
MPJ back! Nuggets roll over Blazers
24 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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, ...
MPJ nearing return, previewing Christmas game vs Phoenix Suns
23 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 nig...
Nuggets get best win of the season over Memphis
21 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 play...
Let’s see if we can fix the bench unit
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Jokić goes rebounding crazy vs Charlotte
19 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Enver Nuggets because the D has gone missing
17 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 Murra...
Merry Jokmas to all, it's December 15th!
16 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn briefly recaps the Denver Nuggets offensive domination over the Washington Wizards with Nikola Jokić producing a historic stat line. R...
Is there any stopping the Nuggets offense?
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn reacts (briefly) to practice, then goes around the league to discuss the teams at the top of the Eastern and Western Conference. From t...
Is there hope for the Nuggets defense?
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn discusses the happenings of Denver Nuggets practice on Monday as Michael Malone and Aaron Gordon preach the need for defense and consis...
Murray and Jokić shine, Nuggets lock in late on defense to beat Utah
11 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 115-110 win over the Utah Jazz as Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić dominate in their minutes. Murray put up an ...
Jamal Murray hits game-winning three, saves the day in Portland
09 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets 121-120 win in Portland over Damian Lillard and the Trail Blazers as Jamal Murray hits a game-winning thre...
Better effort, more painful loss vs Dallas
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 116-115 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Luka Dončić was held below his standard, but the Mavericks made up fo...
Michael Malone, Nuggets have some questions to answer after bad loss in New Orleans
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 121-106 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans as Nikola Jokić clearly showed up ready to play while the majority ...
Nuggets lay egg in Atlanta, lose to shorthanded Hawks
03 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 117-109 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. The Nuggets gave poor effort to begin this game, likely assuming they coul...
Mailbag + Bench Playoff Rotation thoughts
02 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn opens up the mailbag, discussing various storylines around the Denver Nuggets and the questions listeners may have. From Michael Malone...
Nuggets stomp Rockets (again) with first half effort
01 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 120-100 win over the Houston Rockets as Nikola Jokić posts a near triple-double, Jamal Murray finds scoring ...
The lineups that actually work + West playoff update
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn shares data insights from his Denver Nuggets two-man Net Rating chart posted to Twitter on Tuesday. Ryan discusses the combinations tha...
Jamal Murray dominates, Nuggets cruise to first victory over Houston Rockets
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 129-113 win over the Houston Rockets as Jamal Murray sets a new season-high of 31 points, scoring in a variet...
Nuggets earn dominant win vs Clippers to cap off road-heavy trip
26 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 114-104 win over the Los Angeles Clippers as Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokić, and Jamal Murray all found ways to ...
Vlatko the hero! Nuggets OT win in OKC emphasizes who they are
24 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn powers through COVID to recap the Denver Nuggets 131-126 overtime win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on the second night of a back-to-b...
Nuggets Dreams DO come true in Dallas
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the improbable Denver Nuggets 98-97 win over the Dallas Mavericks as Bones Hyland sets a new career high with 29 points. Michael...
MPJ + Nuggets M.A.S.H. unit no match for Luka and the Mavs
19 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 127-99 blowout loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Luka Dončić went for a 30-point triple-double and destroyed ev...
Can the Nuggets survive without Jokić and Murray?
18 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn discusses the newest injury report for the Denver Nuggets that has both Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray OUT for Friday's game due to hea...
Nuggets struggle with physicality in loss to Knicks
17 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 106-103 loss to the New York Knicks that Nikola Jokić and Aaron Gordon both missed due to sickness. Jamal Mu...
Practice Diary: The Denver Nuggets are growing up
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the first Denver Nuggets practice after their 3-1 road trip, sharing quotes from Michael Malone, Christian Braun, and Michael...
MPJ puts on a show, Nuggets roll in Chicago
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 126-103 win over the Chicago Bulls, wrapping up a 3-1 road trip. Michael Porter Jr. had a fantastic game on b...
Nuggets defense falls apart in Boston
12 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 131-112 loss to the Boston Celtics as the defense struggles to get stops against an elite unit. Nikola Jokić...
Nuggets pull win out of thin air vs Indiana Pacers
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 122-119 win over the Indiana Pacers. Nikola Jokić got into foul trouble early and often but the Nuggets stay...
Where the Nuggets stand after 10 games
09 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the first 10 games of the season for the Denver Nuggets, using both numbers and rhetoric to explain Denver's 7-3 start. Rya...
Jokić-Murray two-man game looks better than ever
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 115-109 win over the San Antonio Spurs to improve their record to 7-3 through 10 games. Nikola Jokić and Jam...
The Nuggets like to party on Saturday night
06 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 126-101 beatdown against the San Antonio Spurs as just about everybody got involved with Denver's elite offen...
Jamal Murray looks like Jamal Murray again
04 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 122-110 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder as Jamal Murray rises to the occasion and takes over in the fourth...
7 key Nuggets Numbers through 7 games
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the news and quotes of Denver Nuggets practice, including thoughts from Michael Malone and Nikola Jokić on the process of ...
Malone speaks, and the Nuggets must listen
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn shares his observations from Tuesday's practice as both Michael Malone and Michael Porter Jr. spoke to the media. Malone answered many ...
Bench caves in without Bones, Nuggets lose to winless Lakers
31 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 121-110 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers as the starters can't overcome a disastrous night for the bench unit. ...
Nuggets beat Jazz, Bones + MPJ + Bench Mob = Profit
29 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 117-101 victory over the Utah Jazz as Bones Hyland, Michael Porter Jr., and Christian Braun lead the bench un...
Jokić, Nuggets make it look easy vs Los Angeles Lakers
27 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps Wednesday night's 110-99 win over the Los Angeles Lakers that was much more definitive than the final scored indicates. Nikola J...
Jeff Morton on MPJ, Murray, Malone, and early season trends
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn and Jeff Morton, host of the CSG podcast and the King of Thornton, discuss the underwhelming start to the Denver Nuggets season. They l...
Nuggets can’t defend a chair in Portland
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 135-110 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Nikola Jokić attempted just four shots, Jamal Murray missed his ...
Nuggets beat Thunder in home opener
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 122-117 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder at the home opener on Saturday night. Nikola Jokić tied Wilt Cham...
Nuggets defeat Warriors for first win of the season
22 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 128-123 road win over the Golden State Warriors. Jamal Murray didn't play, but Bruce Brown, Kentavious Caldwe...
Nuggets lose to Jazz in season opener
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn, from Salt Lake City, recaps the Denver Nuggets 123-102 loss to the Utah Jazz in the regular season opener. Jamal Murray and Michael Po...
Previewing Nuggets season opener + Award predictions
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn reacts to Tuesday's practice and various comments by Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić. Then, he previews the season opener matchup betwee...
Mailbag + West and East playoff predictions
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn opens up the mailbag to answer some of the questions he couldn't get to in an article on MHS. From Zeke Nnaji's status, to load managem...
Fascinating practice + Previewing Denver’s early season schedule and rotation
17 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn shares his observations of Denver Nuggets practice and several quotes from Michael Malone, Nikola Jokić, and Ish Smith. He discusses t...
Nuggets wrap up preseason in style vs Golden State
15 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 119-112 win over the Golden State Warriors as Michael Porter Jr. continues to offer reasons to be excited. Bo...
Three season predictions for every Denver Nuggets player
13 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn uses the off day to share three predictions for every Denver Nuggets player (plus Michael Malone) for the 2022-23 regular season. Ryan ...
Nuggets win over Clippers a sign of things to come
13 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 126-115 preseason win over the Los Angeles Clippers as Nikola Jokić returns to the floor. The Nuggets go wit...
Welcome to Denver Ish Smith!
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets first preseason win of the year as the Nuggets beat the Suns 107-105. Ish Smith was the hero, scoring two iso...
Murray/Jokić Injury Update + Adjusting Preseason Expectations
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn shares his insights from Sunday's Denver Nuggets practice. The Nuggets held a free throw competition, Michael Malone offered Jamal Murr...
MPJ and Bones score, Jamal exits, Nuggets defense looks lost
08 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 131-113 loss to the Chicago Bulls, dropping to 0-2 in the preseason. Nikola Jokić missed the game with a wri...
Win Total Over/Unders for EVERY NBA team with Aniello Piro
07 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn and Aniello Piro of Mile High Sports break down the entire NBA, going over win totals for every NBA team during the 2022-23 season. The...
The push and pull between Malone and MPJ
05 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn reacts to Tuesday's Denver Nuggets practice, including brief pressers with Michael Malone, Nikola Jokić, and Bones Hyland. Malone had ...
Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. looked fantastic
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the first Denver Nuggets preseason game of the season, a 112-101 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. This game was all about the ...
Calvin Booth signs extension, Nuggets starters are healthy
03 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the news that Calvin Booth and several members of the Denver Nuggets front office are receiving contract extensions. Ryan als...
Andre Miller and the power of veteran leadership
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn breaks down Day 3 of Denver Nuggets training camp in San Diego, beginning with a shooting competition and ending with some great quotes...
Acai Bowls and Chemistry Questions
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the sights and sounds of Day 2 at Denver Nuggets training camp in San Diego. Michael Malone, Nikola Jokić, and Ish Smith a...
Jamal Murray is feeling and playing better at Training Camp
28 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the sights and sounds of Day 1 of Training Camp in San Diego. Michael Malone shared some interesting tidbits abo...
Media Day reactions and Training Camp excitement
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the festivities of Monday's Media Day, from the returns of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. to the proclamations of improv...
Asher Levy on homophobia, Nuggets media day, and new Statement jerseys
22 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn is joined by Asher Levy, lead writer at Denver Stiffs, to discuss his recent article about homophobia in the NBA and why actions taken ...
Reacting to horrible player rankings
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn discusses the ESPN (and CBS) top 100 player rankings list that emerged on Tuesday, which sparked plenty of controversy. The Denver Nugg...
One Month Away
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the Denver Nuggets being one week away from media day and exactly one month away from their regular season debut...
What are the Denver Nuggets title odds next season?
16 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn goes through the mailbag to answer burning questions from Nuggets fans. Can the Nuggets get three 20+ point per game scorers next seaso...
Nikola Jokić, Serbia lose in EuroBasket upset
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn recaps the unfortunate loss the Serbian national team sustained in the Round of 16 to Italy behind an incredible shooting display from ...
A Nuggets smorgasbord + a Jamal Murray rant
09 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on Nikola Jokić, Team Serbia, and how the elimination bracket in EuroBasket sets up for a difficult but rewarding ...
Is Luka Dončić the actual future face of the NBA?
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn reacts to Serbia's two most recent wins at EuroBasket, including a masterpiece game from from Nikola Jokić against Israel. Ryan discus...
Nikola Jokić and Serbia are really, really good
05 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the first two Serbia games in EuroBasket and how Nikola Jokić has performed thus far. Then, Ryan ranks the team...
Mitchell trade, EuroBasket preview, and MPJ hype session
02 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the Utah Jazz trading Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers in an overarching conversation about the Centr...
The first projected Denver Nuggets rotations of the 2022-23 season
31 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the Denver Nuggets projected 2022-23 rotation, focusing on the projected minutes for each starter and primary ba...
One Hot Take for every NBA team in 2022-23
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn looks around at the entire league and the teams that are setting up for success or failure, even if they don't know it yet. Ryan shares...
SwipaCam on Jokić, Giannis, and a Team Serbia victory
26 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn and Cameron Friend - aka 'SwipaCam' - break down a huge overtime win for the Serbian National Team against Greece as Nikola Jokić and ...
Can the Nuggets get revenge on the Pacific Division?
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the five teams in the Pacific Division: Golden State, LA Clippers, LA Lakers, Phoenix, and Sacramento. He discusses their o...
Bones Hyland and the future of the Nuggets PG position
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the awesome first season from Bones Hyland and what he meant to the Denver Nuggets and their fans last season. Then, he pro...
Harrison Faigen on Lakers drama and GOAT video games
19 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn and Harrison Faigen, editorial director for SB Nation, discussed what's going on with the Los Angeles Lakers. From the Westbrook disast...
Breaking down the Nuggets 2022-23 schedule
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Blackburn discusses the full release of the Denver Nuggets 2022-23 regular season schedule. From opening night against the Utah Jazz, to the most...