Nuggets F Nene plays against Mavericks

Mar 28, 2008 - 4:36 AM DENVER (Ticker) -- Denver Nuggets forward Nene played Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks for the first time since taking a leave of absence in January to have a malignant tumor removed from his testicle.

The 6-11, 250-pound Brazilian, who participated in a team scrimmage Wednesday, entered the game vs. Dallas with 77 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to a standing ovation from the home crowd.

After the game, Nuggets All-Star Allen Iverson wasn't so much concerned about Nene's production on the floor as he was just happy to see his teammate finally healthy.

"(Nene) is a teammate and is somebody we care about, someone we want around," Iverson said. "Life is so much bigger than basketball."

The Nuggets defeated the Mavericks, 118-105.

A six-year veteran, Nene had appeared in 12 games this season for the Nuggets, averaging 6.4 points and 6.4 rebounds entering Thursday. He had missed 22 contests after undergoing surgery on his left thumb in early November.