Pickaxe and Roll

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 122-118 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies as Denver's starters score 101 points and are almost universally positive, other than the minutes where they overlapped with the bench. Nikola Jokić had another triple-double, this time with zero turnovers, and Will Barton added 27 points and eight assists of him own. Unfortunately, the bench just didn't have it tonight. Ryan breaks down what went wrong, what to take away from Bryn Forbes' debut, and what to do with Facu Campazzo.

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.

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.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 108-94 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in which the starters were pulled in the third quarter in embarrassing fashion due to lack of effort. Nikola Jokić wasn't at his best, Aaron Gordon and Will Barton were poor defensively, and the bench didn't have enough firepower to stage a full comeback in the fourth quarter. Ryan breaks down the performance while also discussing why good effort can be difficult to achieve throughout the entire regular season.

In Part TWO of a two-part podcast, Ryan Blackburn brings on Dan Favale, writer for Bleacher Report and co-host of Hardwood Knocks, to discuss Denver Nuggets trade targets in more detail. December 15th has passed, and the Nuggets must bolster their rotation if they want to compete with the best teams in the NBA. Ryan and Dan discuss defensive wings like Justin Holiday and Kenrich Williams, rim protectors like Nerlens Noel and Tony Bradley, along with many others.

In Part 1 of a two-part podcast, Ryan Blackburn brings on Dan Favale, writer at Bleacher Report and co-host of the Hardwood Knocks podcast, to discuss the Denver Nuggets as championship contenders. What are Denver's strengths and weaknesses? How do they match up against the top teams in the Western Conference? How does that change when Jamal Murray returns? They also discuss the biggest holes in Denver's rotation now and going forward.

Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets game against the Brooklyn Nets being postponed, with the Nikola Jokić vs Kevin Durant battle having to wait just a little bit longer. Then, Ryan surveys the Nuggets and where they are as a team right now, from numbers to health to future prospects of playoffs. Finally, he breaks down the Grand Rapids Gold and how they're turning into the stomping ground for players hoping to make an NBA return.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 133-115 win over the Atlanta Hawks as Denver starts out the road trip the right way. Nikola Jokić played just 26 minutes, dealing with some foul trouble but also watching the rest of his team perform well in his stead. Bones Hyland set a new career high with 24 points. Facu Campazzo, Jeff Green, and Aaron Gordon also deserve plenty of credit in what was truly a team win.

Ryan Blackburn discusses the new COVID procedures laid out by the NBA to help prevent an increase in cases during the Christmas holidays, including the high profile players currently sidelined following the Thanksgiving outbreak. Then, Ryan discusses every team in the Eastern and Western Conference. Who are the contenders? Who are the sellers? Which teams in the middle of the pack could join the contenders with improved play or a trade? Which players could be on the move from the bad teams this year?

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 124-107 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in which Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns dominated their respective matchups. Nikola Jokić had a triple-double, but he had very little help against a potent T'Wolves starting unit. Markus Howard also sustained what may be a serious knee injury, details we are still waiting on. Ryan discusses Denver's starters not rising to the occasion, the bench more or less looking the same, and the mounting injuries that may force Denver toward roster additions sooner rather than later.

Ryan Blackburn brings on Denver Stiffs contributor Asher Levy to discuss the Denver Nuggets via mailbag questions. From Twitter questions about Jamal Murray returning, to Bones Hyland comparisons to other young players, to playoff seeding, to trade and free agency candidates going forward, Ryan and Asher discuss a wide array of topics that will affect the Nuggets present and future.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 113-107 win over the Washington Wizards as Nikola Jokić goes full Joker against his former coach Wes Unseld Jr.. Jokić got a near 30-20-10 game before being ejected by eternal enemy Tony Brothers, and though the Nuggets nearly gave away the game without him, they had just enough of a cushion to win in his stead. Ryan discusses the first 30 minutes that saw the Nuggets go up by 30 points, the final 18 minutes that were emblematic of Denver's season, and the duality of Facu Campazzo in Denver's rotation.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 127-112 win over the San Antonio Spurs to wrap up a grueling seven game road trip. Nikola Jokić was fantastic, dominating in his minutes and setting the tone for the Nuggets early and often. Markus Howard, Bones Hyland, and Facu Campazzo were tremendous in their minutes off the bench as well, which included 37 combined points from Howard and Bones. Ryan discusses the win, what it means for Denver, and why Denver shouldn't question where the production comes from but celebrate it anyway.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 123-111 loss to the San Antonio Spurs as the Nuggets drop below .500 once again. It was a back to back at the end of a road trip, and the Nuggets played with a level of energy and attention to detail that represented that fact well.Ryan discusses Denver's perimeter defense, Nikola Jokić, and the bench unit tonight while putting into perspective Denver's long journey this season.

Ryan Blackburn is joined by Tommy Knowlton, a new(er) writer at Denver Stiffs who writes The Sixth Man, to discuss the Denver Nuggets 120-114 overtime win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Nikola Jokić had a 39-point triple-double and was spectacular down the the stretch, and the Nuggets bench did just enough to help the Nuggets get to 3-2 on their current road trip. Ryan and Tommy discuss the game, trends for the Nuggets this year, and which West playoff teams they do or don't fear at the current moment.

Ryan Blackburn shares his initial thoughts on the trade market as December 15th approaches. The Denver Nuggets bench has struggled in every configuration on the roster so far, and it's possible that Denver's solution to their bench issue is a player (or multiple players) on another team. Ryan discusses the availability of backup guards, wings, forwards, and centers that could help the Nuggets, including names like Daniel Theis, Willie Cauley-Stein, Kyle Anderson, and Justin Holiday, along with a slew of other targets.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 109-97 loss to the Chicago Bulls as the bench falls into complete disarray once again. Nikola Jokić had an off night and still broke a record held by Larry Bird. The Nuggets starters had a positive plus-minus for the most part. The bench was still destroyed though, and Ryan discusses JaMychal Green and the rest of the bench options in bitter detail, along with mistakes made this offseason by the Nuggets front office.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 113-99 win over the New York Knicks that saw Nikola Jokić bounce back in a big way. He had 32 points on 19 shots in just 27 minutes, looking like the best player in the NBA once again. Zeke Nnaji also had a career high of 21 points as his three-point shooting continues to impress. Meanwhile, newcomer Davon Reed scored nine points and did bit of everything in his Nuggets debut. Ryan discusses it all, especially Reed, in the latest episode.

Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the Denver Nuggets 108-103 loss to the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. Nikola Jokić had a bad game and a terrible second half. Aaron Gordon's return was spoiled, Facu Campazzo's defense was bad, but the truth is, this game doesn't really matter. Ryan explains why, along with more important concerns. Then, he discusses Zeke Nnaji in more detail and why he deserves to play more going forward.

Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets overall performance through the quarter mark of the season, a 10-10 record marred by injuries to Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and P.J. Dozier, as well as the absence on Jokić that saw the team lose its footing. Ryan breaks down what excites him about the group right now, what concerns him most about the injuries, and what to expect from the Nuggets from now until the midway point.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 120-111 win over the Miami Heat to break the six-game losing streak. Nikola Jokić returned and played to MVP form. Bones Hyland set a career high in his return with 19 points off the bench. The Nuggets made their shots tonight, and everything became easier as a result. Ryan discusses the win, the vibes, Michael Porter Jr.'s back surgery, and more.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 120-109 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, marking their sixth straight defeat and the most since Michael Malone's first season as the Nuggets head coach. Denver appears overwhelmed by the injury bug, and though players continue to have good games here or there, the defense has suffered, the starters are tired, and there's nowhere else to turn until health improves. Ryan discusses the play of Facu Campazzo, Will barton, JaMychal Green, Zeke Nnaji, Vlatko Čančar, and more in Denver's latest defeat on Friday night.

Ryan Blackburn and Gage Bridgford, lead writer for Denver Stiffs, discuss the ACL tear for P.J. Dozier that will force him to miss the rest of the 2021-22 season. They discuss Denver's injury issues before transitioning into Thanksgiving discussion, where Ryan and Gage do a fantasy draft of Thanksgiving dishes while on a budget. They then pour over comments from Nuggets fans on what they're thankful for this year.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 119-100 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers as P.J. Dozier experiences a scary knee injury in the first quarter. The Nuggets battled hard for long stretches of this game, but brief stretches where they played selfishly and stopped playing with effort undid them. Ryan discusses the good, the bad, and the ugly of the win, including Jeff Green's big night, as well as why the Nuggets may be cursed.

Ryan Blackburn shares the 10 biggest reasons why the Denver Nuggets can still win a 2021-22 NBA championship even if Michael Porter Jr. doesn't play another game. With Nikola Jokić still on the roster and Jamal Murray eventually returning, the Nuggets still have a championship foundation in place, and Ryan discusses how Denver can still find that next gear. From the three-point shooting already improving, to the pecking order shifting for the better, to the rest of the West remaining open, there are reasons to remain hopeful in the face of despair.

Ryan Blackburn spends time recapping both Denver Nuggets losses over the weekend, a 114-108 hard-fought games against the Chicago Bulls and a 126-97 blowout at the hands of the Phoenix Suns. Both games were without Nikola Jokić, Michael Porter Jr., and Jamal Murray, and Denver's defense felt the effects just as much as the offense against two very good teams. Ryan then discusses the injury bug that has hit the team, including a scary prognosis for Porter's back injury.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 103-89 loss t the Philadelphia 76ers missing Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Matisse Thybulle. Nikola Jokić had a great game with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, but too few players joined him with good games of their own. Ryan discusses Will Barton's return, Jeff Green's subpar performance, the poor showing from Bones Hyland and the bench, along with the mentality to wipe the slate clean for Friday's game against the Chicago Bulls.

Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the NBA landscape, focusing on the contenders in both the Eastern and Western Conference. Are the Washington Wizards for real? The Chicago Bulls? The Utah Jazz? How do those teams compare to those already established as contenders? Ryan discusses the Lakers, Nets, Bucks, and more before previewing Thursday's injury-riddled Nuggets-Sixers matchup.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the 111-101 Denver Nuggets loss to the Dallas Mavericks on the second night of a back-to-back. The Nuggets were down to 11 players in their rotation, and the bench struggled as a result. Bones Hyland had a down night in the midst of an ankle injury as well, leaving the Nuggets to scratch and claw with Nikola Jokić and not much else. Joker had a great game. Aaron Gordon is pretty good against Luka Doncić. Unfortunately, Kristaps Porzingis had a big game too which was too much for the Nuggets to handle.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 124-95 blowout win over the Portland Trail Blazers to complete a 5-0 home stand. Nikola Jokić was dominant in three quarters. Aaron Gordon and Monte Morris helped the Nuggets get started. The bench, led by Bones Hyland and Facu Campazzo, scored 63 points to close out any hope of a Blazers rally. Ryan shares his thoughts on the starters, the bench, and the character of this Nuggets team in adverse situations.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 105-96 win over the Atlanta Hawks in a game where Aaron Gordon displayed his full value to the Nuggets. He defended Trae Young well, hit his shots, and continues to bring the physicality emblematic of the Nuggets defense. Nikola Jokić returned and had a big triple-double. Jeff Green got in on the action offensively. Bones Hyland has moved from being a piece of the bench unit to the bench leader. Ryan discusses it all and more on this episode.

Ryan Blackburn shares his thoughts on the ten season defining statistics for the Denver Nuggets in the 2021-22 season so far. From Denver's defensive success at the rim, to their shot location data, to the three-point shooting, and much more. Ryan runs through as many statistical aspects of the Nuggets as he can to describe Denver's season so far. Then, he goes around the league to talk about teams at the top and bottom of the Eastern and Western Conference.

Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 101-98 win over the Indiana Pacers as Will Barton leads the way with a season high 30 points, hitting the game-deciding shot in the process. Zeke Nnaji also set a career high of 19 points in 20 minutes off the bench, replacing Nikola Jokić and taking advantage of his moment. Ryan discusses the starters and their excellent defense, the bench now firmly led by Bones Hyland, and a championship caliber mentality helping Denver fight through adversity early in the season.