Avery Johnson takes the helm until Tuesday

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DALLAS -- Dallas Mavericks coach Don Nelson has once again turned the team over to assistant coach Avery Johnson, this time to be with his wife while she recovers from surgery.

Nelson

Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history, missed Thursday night's game at home against the Los Angeles Lakers, who defeated the Mavs 100-95. Nelson also missed the Mavericks' 112-110 victory at Milwaukee and is not expected to coach the team Sunday at Minnesota. He's expected to return for Tuesday night's home game against the Timberwolves.

Johnson is being groomed to become Nelson's successor. He has run most practices this season and has coached several games, sometimes with Nelson serving as an assistant. Johnson also had a 10-game stint in charge while Nelson was out following shoulder surgery. The Mavs went 7-3 in that span.

Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press

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