Fans cheer, but how will his return affect Mourning's battle against a rare kidney ailment.

Publication: South Florida Sun-Sentinel (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service)

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COPYRIGHT 2001 South Florida Sun-Sentinal

Byline: Dave Hyde

MIAMI _ He said a prayer, because he is scared. He sipped water, because he is sick. Alonzo Mourning wore a Heat uniform for the first time Tuesday night since his life went through a trap door last October, and midway through the first quarter he got the call that either starts the warmest basketball story you'll ever see or the road to further heartbreak ahead.

"OK, let's go," Heat coach Pat Riley said to Mourning, who stood up to enter the game and, immediately, an arena of Heat fans stood up with him and cheered. You bet they did. This was the sight South Florida had been hoping...

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