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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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