NBA – Nene makes emotional return for Nuggets (+ video)

DENVER (NBA) - Denver’s Brazil center Nene played for the first time since having a malignant testicular tumor removed in Thursday’s 118-105 home win against the Dallas Mavericks.

Nene, who hadn’t played since January 11, had the operation and then had chemotherapy.

After the game, Nene, who played the final 77 seconds of the contest, said to reporters: "I survived, I'm still here,'' he said.

"I'm a new man, stronger than ever, I just say, 'Thank you, everybody.'''

"It's worthy of tears," said Denver coach George Karl.

"To see him come back, he's a hell of a person and to help him through this, if we can help him play this year, it will be a great story, it'll be a great feeling, it will be a great building block for the character and chemistry of our team."

In a pivotal match-up of teams trying to scrape their way into the Western Conference play-offs, Team USA captain Carmelo Anthony had 32 points to lead Denver.

The Mavs fell to 1-1 since losing Germany international superstar Dirk Nowitzki to a sprained ankle and knee at the weekend.

The Golden State Warriors, who are also in the three-team scrap with Dallas and Denver for a play-off place, won 111-95 at home over Portland.

Stephen Jackson led the way with 24 points.

Latvia center Andris Biedrins finished with 10 points and seven rebounds for Golden State, while Great Britain’s Kelenna Azubuike had 14 and five boards.

The Detroit Pistons sealed first place in the Central Division with an 85-69 triumph over the Miami Heat.

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