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Friday, December 15, 2000
Surgery to battle cancer set for Jan. 4



PHILADELPHIA -- Coach Don Nelson's return to the Dallas Mavericks produced a victory and a season-high point total Friday night.

Nelson missed three games -- the last two were losses -- while he consulted with doctors on how to treat his prostate cancer.

"It's been hard to be away and I really miss the guys," Nelson said after Dallas beat the Philadelphia 76ers 112-94. "This is a game that is fun for coaches to coach in. It was great competition and that is what I live for. I could hardly stay away."

He will have surgery Jan. 4, and rejoin the Mavericks after missing 6-to-8 weeks.

"I feel real good about the surgery," Nelson said. "I've been getting ready for that, a lot of my preparation has been about that."

The 60-year-old Nelson took a leave of absence after a Dec. 8 victory over the Chicago Bulls. It was his 939th career victory, putting him fourth on the NBA career list.

Nelson originally planned to return to the bench in Detroit this Sunday, but decided to rejoin the team on Friday. He moved up a bone scan and blood test, hopped on Mavericks owner Mark Cuban's plane, and arrived at the arena 40 minutes before tipoff.

"Once I found out that I could get that done in the morning, the toughest part was getting here," Nelson said.

Nelson announced last week that he has cancer. He went to Salt Lake City last weekend and met with doctors from the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah.

Assistant Del Harris coached Dallas during Nelson's absence and will be at the helm during the extended absence after surgery.

Point guard Steve Nash thought the team benefitted from Nelson's return.

"Nellie definitely gives us a lift," said Nash, who had 18 points and 13 assists. "Not to take anything away from Del but Nellie's presence was definitely felt."


ALSO SEE
Mavs welcome Nelson back with rout of 76ers

Mavs' Nelson takes leave to take care of prostate cancer

Mavericks coach Nelson has prostate cancer


AUDIO VIDEO
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 Don Nelson feels lucky to have caught his prostate cancer early.
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RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6

 Dallas owner Mark Cuban wants Don Nelson to know the organization supports him.
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RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6



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