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Wednesday, March 28, 2001
Olajuwon enters game in second quarter
Associated Press
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HOUSTON – Hakeem Olajuwon returned to the Houston Rockets'
lineup Tuesday night, two weeks after his career was threatened by
a blood clot.
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| Olajuwon |
Olajuwon's playing career appeared to be in jeopardy because of
a blood condition in his lower left leg. But further testing and a
second opinion from famed cardiologist Dr. Denton Cooley cleared
the future Hall of Famer to play Tuesday night against the Utah
Jazz.
Olajuwon, who did not play in the first quarter, received a
standing ovation when he checked into the game to start the second
period.
Guard Steve Francis led the cheering, as the crowd stood in
unison and gave Olajuwon a rousing ovation.
The PA announcer led the crowd in cheering "Welcome back
Hakeem."
Olajuwon didn't wait long before sinking a 13-foot jumper.
On March 15, doctors said Olajuwon needed to take a blood
thinning medication that would preclude him playing for three to
six months. Olajuwon earlier was on the disabled list with a
swollen right knee.
Olajuwon, voted one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history,
was about to leave for a business trip to Acapulco when new tests
showed there was no blockage in Olajuwon's leg.
He returned to practice on Monday and was ready for Tuesday
night's game after missing nine games since going on the disabled
list March 15.
Doctors plan to monitor Olajuwon for the rest of the season.
Olajuwon is in the final year of his contract that pays him
$16.5 million.
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