The reigning champion Ryukyu Golden Kings have been so good for so long that veteran forward/center Jeff Newton's recent monthlong absence due to a knee injury was far from a crisis.
Newton missed eight games and underwent knee surgery to repair his left meniscus before returning to the rotation last Saturday against the host Tokyo Cinq Reves.
The Golden Kings (40-10) have won 16 of their past 20 games, so Newton's return only strengthens the league's best overall lineup.
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