Gold Nuggets: Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson Get Help in Denver

Camby is clearly a player focused on championships. He got close enough to taste a title with the '99 Knicks, and he seems dead set on making it to the top.

As the league's leading shot-blocker at just over three a game, Camby is able to control the middle with his unnaturally long arms—which also deter many guards from taking runners in the lane.

That length will be especially important in the Western Conference playoffs, where the Nuggets will have to contend with a slew of larger-than-average centers. Given Camby's knack for upping his game in May and June, you can bet the should-be Defensive Player of the Year will be plenty ready for the challenge.

Shooting guard J.R. Smith, on the other hand, has yet to feel postseason pressure—but has proven in limited minutes that he's a vital part of the Nuggets' success.

Averaging 13-per while shooting a respectable 44 percent from the floor, Smith has brought a microwave intensity off the bench. After seeing his minutes increase, the youngster has established himself as an able catalyst in key situations.

As it stands, the Nuggets are 43-36—fresh off victories over the red-hot Mavericks and the something-to-prove Lakers.

The sixth-seeded Nuggets have distanced themselves from the three-pack of playoff bottom-feeders—the Clippers, Warriors, and Lakers—and put themselves in a position to face the Spurs in the first round.

A formidable task, to say the least.

But don't count Denver out. With a quick defensive rotation, an explosive guard set, and a penchant for posting huge numbers in George Karl's offensive system, the Nuggets look primed to knock the legs out from under the perennial contenders.

Players like Iverson and Camby, who have gotten achingly close to the O'Brien Trophy, know what's at stake. If they can infect their teammates with a little of that championship jones, the rest of the West might be in trouble.

And fans in the Mile High City might finally have some expectations to go along with all that elevation.