Denver, Colorado is home to great skiing, a lot of beer, and one punk NBA team.

Compared to the Nuggets, the Mavericks or any other NBA team would have to be considered a bunch of choir boys. This Denver team certainly has great athletes, but also a reputation for "thuggery"- these guys like to slap around the competition, below the belt if necessary.

The Mavericks got a firsthand view of the Nuggets' shenanigans the last time these two played. Things got testy in a hurry, particularly when the "rub it in your face" character known as J.R. Smith tangled with Antoine Wright. It didn't amount to much more than a nifty game of staredown, but the animosity could be felt by everyone in the building.

It's just a matter of time before things get physical and ugly in this Mavs/Nuggets series.

Kenyon Martin has a reputation for getting heated with opponents and the media. In fact, he's already linked with the Mavericks in this. After a game vs. the Mavs back in 2006, Martin got into a screaming match with a Denver sportscaster. The organization was forced to issue an apology. K-Mart was almost run out of town but managed to stick around. He's not just a troublemaker, but a defensive presence as well. The Mavs will find out starting Sunday.

And then there's Chris Andersen. Oh, Chris Andersen. The "birdman". Give the former Iola, Texas resident and Blinn College standout credit for getting his life together following a bout with drug abuse. There's inspiration in that.

But his unusual appearance, spiked hair and body covered in tattoos will make him the round 2 villain for fans at the American Airlines Center. He's also a shot blocking demon and may cause problems for Josh Howard's slashing drives to the basket. Andersen may look like a loony but he plays with intensity and passion and is a major reason the Nuggets have had a breakout season.

Give credit to coach George Karl for getting this team to play defense. But they remain a free-wheeling, improvisational bunch which plays off of emotion. That means they're vulnerable to wild mood swings and when they're frustrated, they can come off their hinges.

If the Mavs can get under these punks' skin, it could be a mighty interesting series.

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