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Nelson Makes Return Against Lakers

February 20, 2001 / 3:02 PM EST / CBS/AP

Lounging in Maui, taking in stray dogs and building up strength after prostate cancer surgery, Don Nelson surely targeted Tuesday night for his return to coaching the Dallas Mavericks.

The setting was perfect: A sold-out home game against the Los Angeles Lakers and Shaquille O'Neal, who called Nelson "a clown" the last time the teams met.

Eight weeks and 21 games after his departure, Nelson the third-winningest coach in NBA history was back on the job.

And, in the best sign that his health and sense of humor are intact, Nelson was talking about squeezing a red ball onto his nose to make O'Neal feel like he really is under the big top.

About the only thing missing was Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. Tuesday's game was the second of a two-game suspension he received for racing on court last week to break up a fight.

Nelson's prostate was removed Jan. 4 in a procedure doctors believe removed all of the cancer. Nelson then went to his offseason home in Hawaii to recuperate. Walks on the beach often included pets he acquired while there.

Looking tan and trimmer, 60-year-old Nelson returned to Dallas on Saturday, met with coaches Sunday and led the team through a workout Monday. The practice included plenty of hugs.

"I needed that from them more than they needed it from me," Nelson said.

While Nelson was away, his son Donnie kept the Mavericks in contention for their first playoff berth since 1990. Dallas went 13-8 (.619) under Donnie compared to 20-12 (.625) under his dad.

Nelson, who also is the Mavs' general manager, said he never considered returning only to the front-office post. That's another telling statement about his mental and physical condition because at this time last year he was planning to retire from coaching. Cuban's enthusiasm and a big contract convinced him otherwise.

"I wouldn't change this particular job for any job in the NBA," said Nelson, who has two seasons of coaching left on an 11-year deal that will wean him into retirement. "I'm enjoying coaching and I'm enjoying working with Mark."

Facing the Lakers meant that Nelson got to roll up his sleeves and start tinkering immediately. He loves the challenge of trying to stop O'Neal, even if it means resorting to the fouling tactics that have become known as Hack-a-Shaq.

When Dallas faced Los Angeles on Dec. 22 eight days before Nelson's hiatus began the coach tried six players on O'Neal in the first 14 minutes. O'Neal made 10 of 20 free throws that night in a 108-103 Lakers victory, then made the comments about Nelson.

O'Neal has softened up since Nelson has fought his illness, even aying he loves the coach. Nelson coached O'Neal on the U.S. team at the 1994 world championships.

"Nellie had a condition that a lot of people don't come back from," O'Neal said. "I'm just glad he's back. That's nothing to play around with. I just have to be ready for all tactics. I'm just glad he's cancer-free."