(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Like most other Mavericks fans, I'm pleased when the team rises to the occasion and defies the skeptics, as we saw in their 119-117 win over the Nuggets, Monday.

Although Mark Cuban is easily one of the more polarizing figures in the NBA today, his passion and intensity that is virtually unparalleled in his sphere makes me proud to support the Mavs.

With that said, it's obvious that, while Kenyon Martin is, at times, a dirty player (as we saw in Game One, wherein he floored Dirk Nowitzki), I appreciate his intensity and passion, as well.

Therefore, we have two powerful individuals in Cuban and Martin going at each other.

Nevertheless, in Game Four, I witnessed one of the better played games in this postseason. Judging by the classics the Celtics have played, that's saying something.

Sadly, the exploits of Dirk Nowitzki (44 points, 13 boards) and Carmelo Anthony (41 points) were overshadowed by the surly antics of loser drunks purporting to be Mavs fans who shouted insidious insults to Martin's family.

Of course, we know that Cuban was the impetus of much of this angst, but, to his credit, one of his posts this morning on blogmaverick.com contained an apology to Martin and his family.

While I love Cuban, this is one of the rare times one can reasonably argue that he was a stand-up guy.

My advice to Mr. Cuban is to keep it up (his attitude on the blog) because, as one who has strong opinions, I realize that, in several instances, it becomes expedient to apologize—to save face.

As for the Nuggets, my pragmatic side tells me they should take care of business Wednesday and advance to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since I was two. Be assured, though, that my Mavs won't go away. One thing that we do know for sure is that their Game Five will be the only NBA game on the airwaves that evening, so, if you're a junkie, tune in.

Even if you're not, the game should be exciting, even though Cuban won't be there as he's slated to receive a prestigious award somewhere else.

That, at least, should cause some of the bitterness to subside.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?