Nuggets’ Nene Undergoes Surgery to Remove Tumor

Nene Hilario took an indefinite leave of absence a few days ago to attend to personal concerns. The Brazilian forward – who played just 12 games for the Denver Nuggets this season – underwent surgery to remove a testicular tumor. A biopsy will follow to find out if it was cancerous.

Nene was plagued with different injuries in the past years which prevented his career to take off. He missed 22 games earlier this season after having a thumb surgery. He played for only less than 3 minutes for the entire 2005-2006 season and missed 27 games in the 2004-2005 season due to several injuries. Nene is averaging 6.4 points and 6.4 rebounds in 12 games this season.
Nene released a statement before the Nuggets game against Atlanta Hawks thanking his fans, teammates and the Nuggets organization for all the support given to him.

 

“My victory will represent their victory as well. Thanks for being with me in this moment. I will remember all the appreciation. I thank God that we could detect this at such an early stage.”

 

There is no timetable for the return of Brazilian big man.
Let’s hope and pray for the speedy recovery of Nene.

 

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Iverson’s Double-Double Powers Nuggets Past Mavs

Allen Iverson scored 51 points the previous game but lost anyway to the Los Angeles Lakers. Today he finished with 35 points and 12 assists to top the Dallas Mavericks 122-109. Iverson also had six steals in the game.

Carmelo Anthony struggled on the floor with 9-30 shooting but still finished with 23 points. Kenyon Martin had another decent game and posted 18 points and 7 rebounds. Marcus Camby scored only 8 points but grabbed 14 rebounds and swatted 5 shots. Linas Kleiza contributed season-high 23 points after Iverson set him up for nice shots.

Dirk Nowitzki’s double-double effort was not enough to carry the Mavs. He finished the game with 32 points and 12 rebounds. Jerry Stackhouse contributed 23 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists while Josh Howard added 20 points.

 

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Nuggets Routs the Struggling Heat

The Denver Nuggets showcased their offense and newfound defense when they defeated the slumping Miami Heat 115-89 on December 2.  The Nuggets started the first period hot and never looked back.  The Denver squad outscored the Heat in the first 37-17 and built a large comfortable lead and managed to keep the opposing team from coming back. 

Not surprisingly, Carmelo Anthony led the way with 30 points and Allen Iverson added 20 points. Defensive big man Marcus Camby only had 7 points but contributed game-high 21 rebounds.  Kenyon Martin seemed perfect in the game and scored season-high 20 points.  He also had 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 1 block.  This is Martin’s best game of the season after missing a lot games in the previous seasons due to knee injuries.

Dwayne Wade led the Miami Heat with 13 points.  Ricky Davis and Daequan Cook finished with 11 points apiece.  The Heat was not able to find the offensive rhythm when Shaquille O’Neal and Wade went to foul trouble early in the first period.  Shaq finished with only 6 points and 8 rebounds. 

The Miami Heat holds a 4-12 record in the Southeast while the Denver Nuggets is 11-7 in the Northwest.

 

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