Nuggets Ink

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Bennett Durando and sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after Jamal Murray's buzzer-beating game-winner over Anthony Davis and the Lakers. Among the topics discussed: + Jamal Murray has an all-time postseason resume that keeps growing. Is the killer over Davis the best of his shots to date? + Down 20 with 10 minutes to play in the third quarter, the Nuggets erupted to beat the Lakers for the 10th straight time. Will the Nuggets sweep or can L.A. muster something, anything to push the series to five games? + Do the Nuggets need to make any adjustments for Game 3 to avoid another double-digit deficit or is the game plan simply: Win by any means necessary? + Matt asks, yet again, who can challenge the Nuggets in the West? Bennett gives a revealing answer, while also shedding light on his mysterious NBA season awards ballot. + Bennett trolls loyal listeners, yet again, as he goes inside baseball and talks about a Toronto Blue Jays game. Produce

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Bennett Durando and sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after the Los Angeles Lakers beat New Orleans in the play-in round to set up another playoff series with Denver. Among the topics discussed: + The Lakers held on to beat Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans, setting up a third playoff series in five seasons.  With the series tied 1-1, can the Nuggets ride their eight-game win streak against the Purple and Gold to the second round? + With the No. 1 seed on the line and almost in the bag, the Nuggets blew a 23-point lead to the Spurs en route to ending the season at No. 2. Does the seeding matter in a stacked Western Conference? + Victor Wembanyama is here and it’s official. Has his second-half emergence moved Jokic's projected titles line? + Will Bennett reveal his NBA awards ballot? Or will it remain shrouded in mystery? + Bennett and Matt hand out Nuggets team awards for the 2023-24 season.

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Bennett Durando and sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene following Denver's win over Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs in a down-to-the-wire classic. Among the topics discussed: + As expected, San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama put on a show against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets on Tuesday night. Are the Nuggets and the rest of the NBA just living on borrowed time? Could Wemby actually win eight defensive player of the year awards? + Jamal Murray has now missed six straight games, and it's not apparent when exactly he will return to the lineup. At what point does this start to become a concern? + The Nuggets are locked in a three-way battle with Minnesota and Oklahoma City for the top seed in the Western Conference. What do they have to do to lock it down? Is it really worth expending extra energy to make it happen? + Luka Doncic is making a late run at the MVP award. Does he have any chance of overtaking Nikola Jokic? Or is t

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Bennett Durando and sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene following a 3-1 road trip for the defending NBA champions. Among the topics discussed: + Do the Nuggets need to fear the Celtics or the Bucks more? Is there another team coming out of the Eastern Conference that should give Nuggets fans pause? + The fellas catch up and rehash Kyrie Irving's miraculous left-handed hook shot that took down the Nuggets in Dallas and why Anthony Edwards should be feared by anyone who encounters him. + The gold standard for Nuggets fame is securely owned by Nikola Jokic, but when recently paired with fellow Serbian great Novak Djokovic in L.A., did Denver's big man take a back seat? Bennett talks about his encounter with the tennis GOAT. + Nuggets are roaring after the All-Star break sporting a 12-2 record. Is the playoff form or are they just warming up ahead of next month's tournament? + Matt learns about rizz, emojis and admits to not having seen Dune 2.

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, Denver Post beat writer Bennett Durando is joined by USA Today national NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt to talk about Denver and the NBA. Among the topics discussed: + The Western Conference appears to be loaded. Where do things stand in the hierarchy around the Nuggets? Bennett and Jeff give their thoughts. + Lebron James gave Jeff a special shout out at the All-Star Game. The two talk about that and LeBron reaching 40,000 career points against the Nuggets in a prime-time showdown. + The Suns took down the Nuggets in a thriller on Tuesday night. What can be gleaned from that result? Producer: AAron Ontiveroz Music: "The Last Dragons" by Schama Noel

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, Denver Post beat writer Bennett Durando is joined by Oklahoman beat writer Joel Lorenzi to break down a tight MVP race and the remaining slate of games in the NBA season. Among the topics discussed: + Nikola Jokic has come out of the All-Star break on a tear, but can Shai Gilgeous-Alexander get the West’s No. 1 seed and take home his first MVP? + Where does Luka Doncic rank? All the stats are there, but do do the Mavs have enough wins for a solid case? + Giannis Antetokounmpo is having a career year, but are Jokic and SGA too far ahead of the field? + Jayson Tatum is the best player on the best team… does the math add up? + Bennett and AAron talk about their All-Star weekend in Indy. Producer: AAron Ontiveroz Music: "The Last Dragons" by Schama Noel

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink Podcast, beat writer Bennett Durando and sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene hours after the NBA trade deadline comes to a close. Among the topics discussed: + Who are the winners and losers from the trade deadline? Who got better? Who got worse? Have any new contenders emerged? + The Nuggets stood pat at the deadline, with their lone deal involving the rights to a player who wasn't even on their 18-man roster.  Is the path to another title secure with Reggie Jackson, Peyton Watson and Christian Braun coming off the bench? + The All-NBA and MVP 65-game threshold is suddenly the talk of the league following Joel Embiid's injury. Is it fair to the players to put a requirement on the number of games played? Matt and Bennett debate. +Reader emails and more.

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink Podcast, Denver Post Nuggets beat writer Bennett Durando is joined by his predecessor Mike Singer. + Did Joel Embiid cede the MVP after sitting out against the Nuggets for the fourth straight game at Ball Arena? Citing knee soreness minutes before tipoff, Embiid scratched from lineup for the Nuggets' home matchup of the year. + Giannis and the Bucks come to town and the Nuggets edge them 113-107 to complete the weeklong trifecta of wins over the top three teams from the Eastern Conference following victories at Boston and a home win against Philadelphia. + Where are the Nuggets heading into the All-Star break among the best in the NBA? + Bennett and Mike square off in a game of ‘Who wrote it?’ All this and more…

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink Podcast, beat writer Bennett Durando and sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene at the tail end of an epic road trip for Denver. Among the topics discussed: + How impressive is the Nuggets' road performance? Are you more sold on this team as the leading NBA title contender? Is the win at Boston the most telling game of the year as the team looks ahead to the playoffs? + The fellas take a look at Jamal Murray's All-Star case. What is the likelihood he emerges as a reserve? Where does he rank in a stacked Western Conference backcourt? + Bennett speaks on the death of Golden State assistant coach Dejan Milojevic, his relationship with Nikola Jokic and how the Nuggets superstar has dealt with the sudden passing of a friend. + MVP race: Joel Embiid a clear leader. Can Jokic make up ground? + Kevin Durant in the GOAT conversation? Schubert weighs in with his own hot take. Producer: AAron Ontiveroz Music: "The Last Dragons" by Schama Noel

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink Podcast, beat writer Bennett Durando and sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene to talk about the one thing that matters most: Nikola Jokic vs. Joel Embiid. Among the topics discussed: + In the first matchup of the season between the two men who won the last three MVPs, the 76ers and Joel Embiid came out on top against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. Did Philadelphia have the right idea with its defensive strategy? + After a recent strong stretch of play, has Michael Porter Jr. become No. 3 in the pecking order for Denver?  + The Nuggets find themselves in the midst of a brutal 10-game stretch. What can be learned during this grueling stretch? + Does Jokic vs. Embiid have the early makings of Russell vs. Wilt 2.0? Producer: AAron Ontiveroz Music: "The Last Dragons" by Schama Noel

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink Podcast, beat writer Bennett Durando and sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after a miraculous comeback at Golden State and fourth-quarter fade vs. Orlando. Among the topics discussed: + Nikola Jokic didn't call glass from 39 feet, but the basket counted anyway against the Golden State Warriors. Where does the shot rank among the ever-growing lore of Jokic game-winners and clutch shots? + Michael Porter Jr. was diplomatic in his response to a question about his lack of fourth-quarter shots. Is this a real problem for the Nuggets? Does Denver need to rethink how it closes out games? + Has Peyton Watson surpassed all expectations and fellow young teammates to earn a spot in the conversation of defensive stopper alongside Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope? + The Kentucky Wildcats draft saw Matt, Bennett and AAron Ontiveroz square off. Who is the Wildcat GM of note? Producer: AAron Ontiveroz Music: "The Last Dragons" by Schama Noel

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink Podcast, beat writer Bennett Durando and sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after two weeks with a bunch of news to discuss. Among the topics discussed: + For the first time in quite some time, Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic actually got a friendly whistle in a Christmas Day win over the Golden State Warriors — prompting a testy rant from Warriors coach Steve Kerr. Was the future Hall of Fame coach right about players baiting officials? And even if he is, is there anything the NBA can do about it? + Later that night, Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon suffered injuries from a dog bite while celebrating with a little eggnog. What's more surprising: That Gordon was in such good spirits a few days later? Or that he's a Nog Guy? + The Oklahoma City Thunder left Denver with a second consecutive win at Ball Arena this season. Is it time for Bennett to revise his "Nuggets in five" prediction from before Christmas? + The fellas engage in a draft of former Kentucky Wildcats cu

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink Podcast, beat writer Bennett Durando and sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after the Nuggets' win in Toronto. Among the topics discussed: + Jamal Murray made his glorious return to Toronto, near his hometown of Kitchener. How was the reception? And where does he stand among all of the Canadian ballers? + Peyton Watson continues to submit gems off the bench both offensively and defensively. Could Watson end up being the Nuggets' best player off the bench by the end of the season? + After seeing what the Oklahoma City Thunder did to the Denver Nuggets last week, is it time to start taking the Thunder seriously as playoff threats? + Who's been naughty and who's been nice for the Nuggets so far this season? The fellas sift through lumps of coal. A fresh batch of reader emails arrived in Matt's inbox (mschubert@denverpost.com). Producer: AAron Ontiveroz Music: "The Last Dragons" by Schama Noel

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink Podcast, beat writer Bennett Durando and sports editor Matt Schubert talk ejections, suspensions, injuries and rookie prowess. Among the topics discussed: + Is Nikola Jokic being unfairly refereed by officiating crews around the NBA? After getting ejected for the second time this season -- while shooting just six free throws per game — is there a case that the two-time MVP isn't receiving the same whistle as other stars? + Draymond Green is off to therapy after his latest heinous act on a basketball court. What is the reality of who he is at this point in his career? + Jamal Murray is closer to saying goodbye to a supermax contract as the injuries mount. Is it time for the Nuggets to take a step back and hold him out of more games to allow him time to fully heal? Or is this destined to be a recurring theme this season? + Bennett, who has been on the Julian Strawther train since day one, discusses his back-to-back games of note. Is he among the best Michael Malone-e

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, host Matt Schubert and beat writer Bennett Durando catch up prior to the Nuggets' loss at the Los Angeles Clippers. Among the topics discussed: + The fellas catch up on a few superlatives at the quarter point of the season for the Nuggets. What's the best win of the season to date? Worst loss? Biggest surprise? Biggest disappointment? + What's the verdict on the NBA In Season Tournament? Is this a win for the league? Worth keeping around? Does anyone really want the medals that go to the winning team? Did the Nuggets at all regret not qualifying for the quarterfinals? + Is it already time to declare Jamal Murray's All-NBA chances dead given all of his missed games? + We found out Peyton Watson, Julian Strawther and Christian Braun all live in the same apartment complex. So which one is Kramer?

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, host Matt Schubert and beat writer Bennett Durando catch up with the Nuggets riding a three-game winning streak heading into the weekend. Among the topics discussed: + Is Matt back on the Suns bandwagon after writing them off one game into the season as they look to capture the first NBA in season tournament championship? Matt and Bennett discuss where things stand with the Nuggets on the outside looking in. + Reggie Jackson and DeAndre Jordan had themselves an evening against their former team in Los Angeles. What does the performance say about this team? And where does that win stand among this era's best? + Jamal Murray returned after a monthlong injury on Wednesday night, immediately tweaked his ankle, then hit a 40-footer not long after that. What are the takeaways from his first game back? And what can fans look forward to as he strives to regain his form? + The fellas engage in an NBA centers draft. Who knows ball... an editor, beat writer or photog

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, host Matt Schubert and beat writer Bennett Durando catch up after the Nuggets' win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night. Among the topics discussed: + Where does Draymond Green choking Rudy Gobert rank among the great fights in NBA history? Who are the NBA's real tough guys? Fake tough guys? The fellas provide a semi-definitive list. + What teams on the rise appear to be legitimate threats to the Nuggets' repeat championship hopes? Minnesota is balling, the Oklahoma City Thunder are making noise and the Phoenix Suns are setting. + The new-look L.A. Clippers came to Denver and got sent home with an "L" once again. Should the Nuggets be at all worried about them? Or is this just the same, old Clippers? + Listener reviews! All five stars, and at least one of them is pretty saucy.

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, host Matt Schubert and beat writer Bennett Durando catch up after the Nuggets' dramatic win over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. Among the topics discussed: Julian Strawther had a breakout game against New Orleans one night, then found himself riding the bench for long stretches two nights later. How long will it take the rookie to break through coach Michael Malone's rotation? + Jamal Murray is expected to miss several games, with ESPN and The Athletic both reporting the Nuggets star guard will be out at least through November. How have Reggie Jackson and second-year point guard Collin Gillespie performed in his absence? + Nikola Jokic has his worst 20-second stretch of basketball in recent memory at the end of Wednesday night's win over Golden State, but the two-time MVP still turned in a brilliant performance overall. Is the Joker hunting his shot more? + Puppy Lord: The birth of an all-time nickname for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, whose pup

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, host Matt Schubert and beat writer Bennett Durando wildly overreact to the Nuggets' 4-0 start. Among the topics discussed: • Matt provides four wild overreactions to the first five percent of the NBA season. Does it matter that head coach Michael Malone hates overreactions? Short answer? Not here. • Is Peyton Watson for real? The second-year pro is shooting over 60 percent for the season and tallying 1.5 blocks so far. Time to start engraving the trophy for Sixth Man of the Year? • Bennett, still working on growing his first legitimate beard at the recording of this podcast, discusses his Halloween costume and potential for others in the remaining years of his youth. • The first annual NBA in-season tournament begins this week. Are the courts merely bad Halloween costumes masquerading as good taste? Can the Nuggets win their group? Does it matter? • Is a surprise James Harden in your candy bar the new razorblade in a Snickers this Oct. 31? Bennett thinks

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?