Maverick Malice

After giving up a tough home loss to the Nuggets with some controversy, the Mavericks (players, owners and the like) had plenty of words for the officials who they believed missed the foul on Carmelo Anthony before he took the shot that won the game.

With all the calls the refs made throughout (61 total), I think it was about time they let them play the game. Of course, the Mavs and those in their camp will suggest otherwise. The reality of it is they have nobody to blame but themselves.

The Nuggets shot a dismal 33 percent in the first half but managed to go into halftime up 48-45. If I'm at home in the playoffs going against that, I should be up by 20. Denver's Chris "the Birdman" Andersen fouled out with just over 9 minutes left in the game where Billups and Anthony were both in foul trouble. Dallas had plenty of opportunity to take advantage of a game that was served to them on a platter. Instead, the Nuggets took care of business and dealt the Mavericks only their second home loss since the All Star Break.

The first? Also at the hands of the Nuggets in the regular season.

Denver now has a chance to close out this series Monday in Dallas. They're still flying under the radar because of the epidemic that is east coast bias, but this team is going to work and getting the job done.