Nowitzki back in Mavs lineup after 4 games

Nowitzki back in Mavs lineup after 4 games

Published Jan. 29, 2012 4:46 p.m. ET

DALLAS (AP) -- Dirk Nowitzki is back in the Dallas Mavericks lineup.

Nowitzki started Sunday night's game against San Antonio following a planned four-game hiatus to strengthen his sore right knee and do conditioning work.

The NBA finals MVP averaged 17.5 points and 5.4 rebounds a game in starting the first 16 games for Dallas. The Mavericks went 3-1 without their 7-foot star forward.

Nowitzki's return came at the same time guard Jason Kidd missed the first game of what is expected to be at least a week out of action because of a right calf strain.

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