Cavs' Hughes Is Back in the Lineup

Cavaliers G Larry Hughes returned to action last night after missing three months with a broken right middle finger.

"The doctors didn't put any limitations on me," Hughes said before a home game against the 76ers.

Hughes then was examined one more time and officially cleared to play, though Coach Mike Brown said the flow of the game would determine how he might be used.

"We're going to take things easy," Brown said.

The veteran entered the game to a standing ovation with 2 minutes 20 seconds to play in the first quarter -- his first game action since Dec. 31. He picked up three quick fouls, made two turnovers and missed his only shot in 5:41 of playing time in the first half.

Hughes was supposed to miss six to eight weeks after having surgery Jan. 6. However, the finger didn't heal properly and he had a second surgery Feb. 14.

Hughes, who signed a five-year, $60 million contract in the offseason, averaged 16.2 points and 3.9 assists in 28 games before the injury.

The Cavaliers have clinched their first playoff berth since 1998. . . .

The Cavs' Zydrunas Ilgauskas sprained his left ankle early in the first quarter against the 76ers. X-rays were negative, but the center did not return to play.

· VAN HORN SURGERY: Mavericks F Keith Van Horn underwent surgery to repair a broken bone in his right hand and remains out indefinitely.

He will miss the rest of the regular season and perhaps all of the playoffs.

Van Horn, the primary backup for Dirk Nowitzki , was injured Friday night while trying to make a steal. He is averaging 8.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 20.4 minutes per game, but played in only 53 because of injuries. He'll be a free agent after this season.

-- From News Services