Ryan Blackburn shares some insights on the Denver Nuggets bench and how they're playing to begin the 2024-25 season. Russell Westbrook, Julian Strawther, Peyton Watson, and Dario Saric were expected to be in Denver's Top 9 at the beginning of the year. Will they finish the season there in a playoff rotation? Ryan breaks it down before talking about Nikola Jokic and Denver's matchup tonight against the Grizzlies. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 105-90 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in what was another poor performance without MVP Nikola Jokic. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. both struggled in this one, and the Nuggets simply didn't have enough scoring to keep up with the Grizzlies. Ryan breaks down the issues, discusses the Murray concerns, and asks how much these games without Jokic actually matter.
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 101-94 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA Cup. It didn't matter that the Pelicans were missing Zion Williamson and five other rotation players, or that they had lost six games in a row. The Nuggets were missing Nikola Jokic, and that was clearly enough. Ryan discusses Jamal Murray struggling to step up, Denver's center issues, and how Denver lost last night. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn previews the first Denver Nuggets NBA Cup game, a matchup with the injured New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. Are the Nuggets true contenders for the Cup? What happens if Nikola Jokic misses the game? Ryan goes over the details of the Emirates NBA Cup and what Nuggets fans need to know about tonight's matchup. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
Ryan Blackburn is joined by Denver Nuggets guard Trey Alexander to share his life and journey to the NBA. He discusses the Nuggets start to the season, Nikola Jokic, Russell Westbrook, Creighton, and more.
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets 122-120 win over the Dallas Mavericks in which Michael Porter Jr. hit a game-winning floater. Nikola Jokic had 37 points, 18 rebounds, and 15 assists. Kyrie Irving had 43 points, and Luka Doncic was dynamic, but it wasn't enough to stop Denver from an undefeated home stand. Ryan discusses the Nuggets-Mavericks game, Jokic's greatness, and more. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the impending return of Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray. How has his absence impacted the Nuggets, and what can he do to fit in to what the Nuggets have accomplished since he left? Then, Ryan previews Nuggets matchups this weekend against Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat and Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. Finally, he goes over the standings around the NBA and surprising placement for Nikola Jokic on early MVP ballots. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn discusses the incredible win from the Denver Nuggets over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Without two starters, the Nuggets fought back and made it work anyway, with Nikola Jokic leading the way. Russell Westbrook also had a good game though he didn't close again. Denver's young players, Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and Julian Strawther, all played a part, with Watson making the game-saving block on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Are the Nuggets back? BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
Ryan Blackburn goes over the Denver Nuggets big clutch win over the Toronto Raptors. With Jamal Murray out and Aaron Gordon exiting early, the Nuggets were forced to rely on Christian Braun, Julian Strawther, and Peyton Watson in the clutch. Those three made big plays and helped with Denver the game. Ryan discusses them, Russell Westbrook, Nikola Jokic, and a watershed moment in his mind about the youth. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
Ryan Blackburn shares final thoughts on the Friday/Saturday back-to-back the Denver Nuggets played against the Timberwolves and Jazz. He goes over some initial season takeaways for Nikola Jokic, Christian Braun, and others. Then, he shares how the Nuggets can be successful on a difficult home stand this week that includes Toronto, Oklahoma City, Miami, and Dallas. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
Ryan Blackburn previews the Denver Nuggets anticipated matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. The last time the Nuggets were in Minneapolis for real, they lost by nearly 50 points in Game 6. Will Denver look for some revenge in this matchup? Or do Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves have their number? Ryan breaks down the game and makes some predictions. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
Ryan Blackburn briefly goes over the Denver Nuggets overtime win over the Brooklyn Nets and why it's not great but also understandable why the Nuggets have struggled with the Raptors and Nets wins. Then, Ryan discusses the biggest overreactions to the Nuggets first week of the season and how real those takes will end up being. From Russell Westbrook's up-and-down play to Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. struggling to the Nuggets needing a trade. Finally, Ryan looks around the NBA. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets OT win over the Toronto Raptors. Nikola Jokic had his second 40-point game in a row. Jamal Murray hit a clutch layup despite struggling to score efficiently. The Nuggets won ugly, but they still won. Ryan breaks down the starting lineup, the bench minutes, and what he expects in the next matchup against the Brooklyn Nets tonight. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
Ryan Blackburn discusses the Denver Nuggets 109-104 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, including what was a truly abhorrent offensive performance until Nikola Jokic took over the game. The Nuggets still lost, but did they figure anything out in the process? Ryan discusses Jamal Murray, Russell Westbrook, Michael Porter Jr., Peyton Watson, and much more. Then, he previews the Nuggets three-game road trip with the Toronto Raptors tonight. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
Ryan Blackburn recaps the Denver Nuggets 102-87 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder that wasn't that close. Nikola Jokic played well, and Christian Braun had a solid starting lineup debut, but that was it for Nuggets that played well. Why were the Thunder in another class as a team? How concerning is it for the Nuggets future? What to make of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. struggling? Ryan delves into it. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
Ryan Blackburn previews the Denver Nuggets Season Opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight. In the first game of the season, will the Nuggets bounce back from a rough preseason? How will they fare against another elite squad? Will the battle of Nikola Jokic vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander be as advertised? Ryan goes over all the details and nuances and makes a prediction. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
Ryan Blackburn goes over the new contract extension Aaron Gordon signed last night with the Denver Nuggets to keep him on the team through the 2028-29 season. It's a 4-year, $133 million deal and surprisingly advantageous to the Nuggets, especially early on. Will Denver take advantage? Ryan also discusses the new construction project around Ball Arena being approved and previews NBA Opening Night. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
Ryan Blackburn goes over Premiere Week in the NBA and makes Bold Predictions for the 2024-25 Season. Where will the Denver Nuggets finish in the West? Could a surprise team miss the playoffs? Who wins MVP? Ryan breaks it down, discusses what playoff seed the Nuggets need, and shares the teams he's keeping an eye on early. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
Ryan Blackburn reacts to the Denver Nuggets first preseason win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night. Julian Strawther was dynamic and showed some toughness. Jamal Murray was great in a reminder effort. The Nuggets looked better, and Ryan's a bit more relaxed after this one. He discusses everything from last night's game and more. BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn shares brief thoughts on the Top 100 Player Rankings for ESPN and The Ringer and where the Nuggets reside. Then, he gets into 10 Reasons why this Nuggets season will be fun and interesting. Ryan's been too negative lately and he knows it, so this is an opportunity to put a more positive spin on the upcoming season. Here's what Nuggets fans have to look forward to! BETONLINE: The Game Starts Here! https://www.betonline.ag
Mark Thomas
Agree with your assessment of Zeke. I have been half afraid that his playing time lately was an effort to showcase him and raise his trade value. But I like him for the next few years because he is working on his game and is improving, if not by leaps and bounds at least steadily and perceptibly. There is no guarantee of a championship this year even if we have the capability. But there is also no reason that we can't be championship competitive for the next 3-4 years, given the ages of key players. No need to mortgage a bright future.