Nuggets Ink

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat reporter Bennett Durando is joined by editor Matt Schubert to discuss the upcoming season on the cusp of banner night at Ball Arena. Among the topics discussed: + Zeke Nnaji and the Nuggets agreed to a four-year, $32 million extension over the weekend. What was the motivation behind the deal? And what are the chances he spends all four years in Denver? + Will Nikola Jokic win his third MVP award? Will Jamal Murray be named to the All-NBA team? How many games will Michael Porter Jr. play this season? Can the Nuggets win more than 52 games? Who will play the most minutes off the bench? Durando and Schubert dig into that and several other questions. + Media beef: Who is coming for the Nuggets from the world of media this season? And why isn't it Kendrick Perkins? + Best banner in arena history? Will the NBA world champs banner have much shelf life if the Nuggets win the mid-season tournament?

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat reporter Bennett Durando is joined by editor Matt Schubert to discuss training camp in San Diego, Denver's first preseason game and all things NBA. Among the topics discussed: + A trio of rookies are looking to crack coach Michael Malone's notably veteran-heavy lineup. Who has risen to the challenge early on in preseason and who still has some maturing to do? + The annual NBA general managers poll was released this week. Where does Nikola Jokic rank according to the GMs? Is Jamal Murray now flirting with All-NBA status based on recent polls? + A remembrance of Brendan Malone, NBA legend and father of current head coach Michael Malone. + Is it Benny, Benito, Ben? And how do you even pronounce Durando in modern America?

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat reporter Bennett Durando is joined by editor Matt Schubert to discuss the team's media day as well as the first couple days of training camp in San Diego. Among the topics discussed: + Is Jamal Murray making the right call betting on himself to make All-NBA team instead of signing an extension? + There was a flurry of trade activity just before the start of training camp. Who rules the NBA power rankings after big moves from Phoenix, Milwaukee and Boston, among others? + Beef? What beef? Can the Los Angeles Lakers spoil the Nuggets' banner ceremony ahead of their season-opening game at Ball Arena in Denver? The boys discuss what was said by whom leading to the pseudo-beef that has Laker Nation heated. + What is the most likely outcome of the point guard position after the departure of Bruce Brown to Indiana? Reggie Jackson hopes his first full season on the roster is his time to shine and an opportunity to prove why so many in Los Angeles Clippers lan

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, departing beat reporter Mike Singer is joined by editor Matt Schubert and new beat reporter Bennett Durando to discuss the passing of the torch, the Nuggets' return to form and the Western Conference pecking order. Among the topics discussed: + Is Jamal Murray betting on himself to make an All-Star team or All-NBA team before signing an extension? Is that the right decision? + With Bruce Brown off to Indiana to collect his bag, how will the Nuggets replace their malleable bench piece? Which of their three rookies is most likely to become a contributor in Year 1? Did the Nuggets make a mistake letting Jeff Green walk? + Nikola Jokic and Murray both elected to opt out of playing for their countries in the World Cup. No doubt that's welcome news for the Nuggets, but basketball heads around the world are disappointed. + The boys discuss the return of the Western Conference as the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers improve their rosters, while the Golden State

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat reporter Mike Singer is joined by sports editor Matt Schubert to discuss the first ever championship in Denver Nuggets history after a gritty 94-89 win over the Miami Heat in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Among the topics covered: + Nikola Jokic. No jokes here. What is left to say about the 41st overall draft pick after one of the most dominant postseason runs in NBA history? Has he crept into the discussion as one of the league's top 20 players of all time? Just how long can he lead the Nuggets to title contention? + Schubert and Singer discuss the team's future, including that of key role player Bruce Brown. Will Brown stick around for a shot at another title? Or will he chase the big contract that would inevitably come his way in free agency? + What did an emotional Jamal Murray have to say in the wake of a career-altering postseason run? Did Michael Porter Jr. prove something with his gutty Game 5 performance? + Should the Denver faithful have booed L

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat reporter Mike Singer is joined by sports reporter Bennett Durando to break down Game 3 of the NBA Finals and to discuss the remaining games in the series as the Nuggets hold a 2-1 lead over Miami.  Among the topics covered: + How impressive is the double triple-double posted by Nuggets star players Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray? + Durando and Singer discuss the emergence of Christian Braun, who morphed into an offensive playmaker in Game 3. With 15 points in 17 minutes, has the young defensive hound proven himself as a legitimate piece on a title contender? + Durando and Singer also looks ahead to the Nuggets' pathway to securing the 2023 NBA title.

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat reporter Mike Singer is joined by sports reporter Bennett Durando to break down Game 1 of the NBA Finals and preview Game 2 between the Nuggets and Heat. Among the topics covered: + How did the Nuggets fare against the Heat's famed zone defense? Can Denver again stifle Miami's offense, which saw star Jimmy Butler struggle despite a terrorizing run through the Eastern Conference Playoffs? + Durando and Singer are joined by Broncos beat reporter Parker Gabriel, who weighs in on the sights and sounds of Ball Arena, which like Los Angeles' Crytpto.com Arena, was filled to the brim with local celebrities including Peyton Manning, Sean Payton and Ken Jeong. + The trio look ahead at the likelihood that the Nuggets have already faced their toughest foe in the second round, the Phoenix Suns, much like their local NHL counterparts the Colorado Avalanche, who faced their stiffest competition in round two against the St. Louis Blues in last season's Stanley Cup Pl

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat reporter Mike Singer is joined by sports reporter Bennett Durando to break down the biggest win in Denver Nuggets history: + Mike and Bennett share scenes from the floor and inside the locker room as the Nuggets celebrated their first trip to the NBA Finals after a sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers + Why Mike’s Western Conference Finals MVP vote swung from Jamal Murray to Nikola Jokic during the course of Game 4. (And which is the defining Jokic moment of the close-out game: his circus 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter or his game-winning Euro step through Anthony Davis?) + While LeBron James’ 20th season ends with a vintage 40-point performance that wasn’t quite enough, Denver’s trip to the NBA Finals guarantees new blood this year at the end of the road. Who will it be: Jokic or Jimmy Butler? (Or Jayson Tatum, but not really.) A brief look ahead.

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat reporter Mike Singer is joined by sports reporter Bennett Durando to break down the first two games of the Western Conference Finals and preview Game 3 between the Nuggets and Lakers. Among the topics covered: + Michael Malone is raising the political spice level against the national "narrative." The latest domino to fall in Denver's war on ESPN was Lisa Salters' comment about not previously covering Nikola Jokic. Mike Singer shares his thoughts on the Nuggets' fight for "respect," even with a 2-0 series lead. And on the topic of fighting words, what to make of Bruce Brown's comments about D'Angelo Russell? + Durando and Singer marvel at the timing of Jamal Murray's electrifying fourth quarter and discuss the importance of Denver's transition game as the series moves to Los Angeles. Was altitude actually a problem for LeBron James and the Lakers in crunch time of Game 2? + What adjustments will the Nuggets make to try stealing a win in Los Angeles? Bro

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat reporter Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert are joined by sports reporter Bennett Durando ahead of the Western Conference Finals. Among the topics discussed: + Back from his first week as a dad, Mike Singer shares his thoughts on fatherhood, what he missed after the Nuggets dispatched the Phoenix Suns in six games and Nikola Jokic's personal shout-out after Game 3. + Durando reflects on the scene for the Game 6 closeout in Phoenix and his impressions as a newcomer to the Nuggets locker room environment in the postseason. And what exactly was it that he said that make Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic chuckle? + With a Nuggets-Lakers matchup now set in stone for the Western Conference Finals, the fellas dig into the matchups and what makes this series more challenging for Denver than the others. Can Aaron Gordon continue his defensive mastery against LeBron James? Is Jamal Murray set to have another big series against a less talented Lakers

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, deputy sports editor Matt Schubert is joined by sports reporter Parker Gabriel after the Nuggets lost a pair of games in Phoenix to even up their Western Conference semifinal series at 2-2. Among the topics discussed: + With Nuggets beat writer Mike Singer out on newborn baby duty, Matt and Parker break down a classic Game 4 in what's already been a fantastic four-game series. + Somehow, the biggest story to come out of Game 4 wasn't even what happened on the court. Instead, much of the focus was on an incident involving Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and Suns owner Matt Ishbia that saw the two make contact with each other and Jokic get assessed a technical foul. What happened? What was the tenor postgame? And who's ultimately to blame for what happened courtside? + On the court, Jokic submitted an all-time masterpiece with 53 points and 11 assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome the dual brilliance of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant combined with better bench

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after the Nuggets took a 2-0 lead on the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference semifinals. Among the topics discussed: + Nikola Jokic, the MVP who wasn't, carried the Nuggets in Game 2 against the Suns with a 39-point masterpiece. Mike and Matt discuss the Joker's big game, coming on the eve of his runner-up finish to Joel Embiid in the NBA MVP race. + With Michael Porter Jr. struggling from the field, head coach Michael Malone opted to bench the Nuggets' sharpshooter. A one-off in a defensive slugfest? Or a sign of things to come in this playoff run? + Kevin Durant and Devin Booker struggled to keep the paper-thin Suns roster afloat in the first two games, especially the former. What are the Nuggets doing defensively to limit the Suns' superstar duo? + On the other side of the bracket, the Warriors and Lakers are getting ready for a knock-down, drag-out series. Who is the better mat

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after the Nuggets eliminated the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round to set up a showdown with the Phoenix Suns. Among the topics discussed: + Don't call him Bubble Jamal. That's Playoff Jamal to you. Jamal Murray once again rose to the occasion under the bright lights of the NBA Playoffs. Nikola Jokic called him the best player in the series against Minnesota. If this is the Murray the Nuggets get all postseason, is it time to start planning the championship parade? + Up next is the Phoenix Suns and their star-driven, yet thin lineup led by Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Chris Paul. What advantages can the Nuggets exploit in this series? Which team has the better starting five? How much will the Nuggets' relative depth advantage play a role? + Nothing has been decided on the other side of the bracket, where Lakers-Grizzlies and Warriors-Kings are now headed for Game 6s. Of the f

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after the Nuggets put the smackdown on the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of their first-round series. Among the topics discussed: + Denver absolutely manhandled Minnesota without even getting an A-plus game from superstar center Nikola Jokic. What does this say about the T-Wolves' chances? Will Jokic be held below 20 points again in this series? + Jamal Murray got his playoff legs in the second half after a slow start in Game 1. What did Murray have to say about the game afterward? What does this mean for the Nuggets going forward? + Christian Braun is already flexing his muscle as a playoff irritant, gutting under Kyle Anderson's skin in the waning moments of Sunday night's blowout. Singer gives his thoughts on the dust-up and what makes Braun such a nuisance for opposing teams. + Singer and Schubert react to the opening three days of the NBA playoffs, as things appear to be break

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer is joined by longtime NBA journalist Howard Beck days before the start of the playoffs. Among the topics discussed: + Are the Nuggets legit NBA title contenders? What are their vulnerabilities? What are outsiders underestimating about the team with the top record in the Western Conference? And why does it feel like they are being overlooked? + What is the national perception of Jamal Murray two years removed from tearing his ACL in the Bay Area? Is he a worthy No. 2 on a team that has expectations of chasing the NBA title? + Mike and Howard talk about a deep dive Howard did on Nikola Jokic prior to him hitting superstardom back in 2017, when the two sat down for lunch together in downtown Denver. What has changed about Jokic over time? + How much does the noise factor into the MVP race? Has Jokic done himself a disservice by not lobbying more for the award?

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert are joined by ESPN NBA reporter Ohm Youngmisuk in the wake of the Nuggets-76ers showdown that wasn't. Among the topics discussed: + The much-anticipated face-off between MVP front-runners Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid turned out to be a dud, with Embiid unable to play due to a calf injury. What impact does Embiid's DNP have on the MVP race? Is the award now Jokic's to lose? Or will this come down to how things shake out over the next two weeks? + The MVP debate has become increasingly toxic in recent weeks — a development that appears to be grating on both Jokic and Embiid. Do both players care more about winning the award than they let on? + The Western Conference standings remain incredibly tight below the top three seeds. Which teams do the Nuggets want to avoid most in the first round? Should Denver really want to avoid the Lakers? Can the Mavs get it together soon enough to be a threat? Is G

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene with the Nuggets struggling through a losing streak during the dog days of the NBA schedule. Among the topics discussed: + The Nuggets have lost four games in a row, with some concerning trends popping up. What's the concern level with the team? Are they tired? Bored? Is there a chance they could lose their grip on the top spot in the Western Conference? + Michael Porter Jr. was benched at the end of the Nuggets' home loss to the Brooklyn Nets in favor of Christian Braun. Are we really doing this again? Hasn't MPJ earned the right to have a bad quarter without there being repercussions? + The bench continues to scuffle, with trade deadline additions Reggie Jackson and Thomas Bryant struggling to establish themselves. Do the Nuggets have enough time to incorporate their new pieces? Who will coach Michael Malone trust come playoff time? + ESPN commentator Kendrick Perkins had some contr

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene as the Nuggets gear up for the stretch run of the regular season. Among the topics discussed: + Nikola Jokic is now the prohibitive favorite to win a third consecutive MVP award... despite being picked second to last in the All-Star Game. How surprising is it that the margin has grown so wide between him and Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo? Is it deserved? The boys debate that and dig into Jokic's time at All-Star weekend. + Bones Hyland was greeted by boos in his return to Ball Arena as a Clipper last weekend. Was that reaction from the Nuggets fans fair? What do we make of his comments, and the comments of Michael Malone and Calvin Booth, in the weeks following his trade to L.A.? + Michael Porter Jr. has come on of late, including a couple of big baskets late against the Clippers last week. What's clicking for MPJ? + Mike fields questions from his Twitter followers, including on

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer chats with former Nuggets guard Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf following the release of his Showtime documentary "Stand." Among the topics discussed: + Abdul-Rauf talk about his rise above meager beginnings in Gulfport, Miss., and what basketball did for him as a young man who grew up in poverty in a single-family home. + Mike and Abdul-Rauf explore the circumstances around his exile from the NBA after declining to stand for the national anthem prior to games, including his interactions with the league, teammates, fans and media. + Abdul-Rauf reflects on his time in Denver, both in the community and on the court, as well as his relationship with the Nuggets franchise. He also addresses what he thinks would be an adequate apology from the league given the abrupt end to his career.

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after a wild NBA trade deadline that saw Denver send away Bones Hyland and acquire Thomas Bryant. Among the topics discussed: + After weeks of speculation, Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth finally pulled the trigger on a deal sending Hyland to the L.A. Clippers. With the team getting back just two second-round picks, it's now evident the team felt it needed to remove Hyland from the equation. Was that calculation correct? How did it get to this point? And did the team inadvertently depress his value by not playing him the last couple of weeks? + In another deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Nuggets turned Davon Reed and three second-round picks into backup center Thomas Bryant. What will the young post player add to Denver's roster? What will his role be with the Nuggets? Does this improve the team's championship hopes? + The Nuggets weren't the only team making moves at the dea