In the last three games without Jamal Murray, the Denver Nuggets are undefeated.

Murray entered concussion protocol after a collision with Julius Randle against the Minnesota Timberwolves a week ago. In his place, the Nuggets have played faster with Russell Westbrook in the starting lineup and trusting their young players to make plays. Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and Julian Strawther are all running too, and they’re mostly doing so effectively.

Murray is questionable tonight against the Miami Heat and will likely make his return.

How does Murray’s presence influence the pace? Can the Nuggets continue playing fast with Murray in the lineup? Or will they slow down to accommodate Murray more frequently?

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, 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.

Pickaxe and Roll is a Nuggets podcast streamed live on YouTube every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10am MT. You can catch episodes live by subscribing to the Mile High Sports YouTube channel and turning on Bell Notifications.

If you can’t catch Pickaxe and Roll live, listen to the audio version on the BLEAV Podcast Network, or download this podcast episode wherever you get podcasts.