Opinion

For cancer survivor Nene, 12-for-12 game relatively easy

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OKLAHOMA CITY - James Harden sat outside the locker room waiting patiently. He and teammate Nene were needed at the podium after the Rockets' 113-109 win over the Thunder on Sunday afternoon put them up 3-1 in their first-round Western Conference playoff series.

The often-in-a-hurry Harden, who was dressed and ready to go, was content sitting in a folding chair in a Chesapeake Energy Arena hallway while other players passed him and made small talk.

"Nene can take all the time he wants after the way he played today," Harden said.

The 16-year NBA veteran did indeed have a good day. He lifted his team in a big way, scoring 28 points off the bench in just under 26 minutes of play.

What's more impressive is that Nene went 12-of-12 from the field, setting an NBA record for most made field goals without a miss in a playoff game, and also grabbed 10 rebounds.

It was exactly what the Rockets needed in a tough situation.

Houston Rockets center Nene (42) dunks over Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the second half Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference first-round playoff series at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Sunday, April 23, 2017, in Oklahoma City. The Rockets beat the Thunder 113-109, to take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets center Nene (42) dunks over Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the second half Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference first-round playoff series at Chesapeake Energy Arena on ... more Photo: Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle Photo: Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 107 Caption Close For cancer survivor Nene, 12-for-12 game relatively easy 1 / 107 Back to Gallery

While the rest of the team had to work through the obstacles in front of them, Nene made it all look effortless.

It's hard to rattle Nene.

Really hard.

"It's basketball," he said. "It's not difficult."

Nene has been through tougher times than anything he could ever face on a basketball court.

In 2008, he fought a bout with testicular cancer. He says that time in his life prepared him to take on any challenge.

"When you've gone through that, you can face anything," Nene said. "That was my life. This is a game."

Nene was added to the Rockets in July when the team was working to beef up its frontcourt after Dwight Howard left.

Coach Mike D'Antoni has said repeatedly - sometimes while those listening snickered - that Nene is still one of the best centers in the NBA. On Sunday, it was clear why D'Antoni feels that way.

In a game that saw the Rockets trail by as many as 14, their star player out of sync, on the road in a hostile environment, the center just went about his business. Time after time, Nene dumped the ball into the bucket, bringing life to the Rockets.

'That's why I'm here'

"That's why I'm here," he said at shootaround Friday. "I am here to play basketball, to be able to come in, to help the team win. That's it. It's simple."

Oklahoma City is known for its physical play in the paint. Nene welcomes it. In four regular-season meetings, he played 19.5 minutes per game against the Thunder. He shot 76.7 percent from the field and averaged 14.3 points and 3.8 rebounds.

In the postseason against them, he is shooting 92 percent from the field while averaging 13.5 points and 6.5 rebounds.

Nene has been asked about his performances against OKC and about the physical inside play of the Thunder's bigs - Steven Adams and Taj Gibson particularly - and he shrugs it off.

"I try to play the same way no matter who it's against," Nene said. "I don't think about who it is."

He doesn't overthink anything. He's the epitome of cool with his Brazilian accent, the peppered gray in his goatee and dreadlocks, and the way he turns heads in every room he enters.

He has a presence and a swagger without trying.

"He's the kind of guy that when he says something, you listen," Pat Beverley said. "He doesn't say a lot, but when he does, it really matters."

Mentor to Harden

And he's the kind of guy who has helped Harden mature to another level this season.

"I watch him all the time," said Harden, who called Nene a mentor. "He's a true vet."

Harden went on to talk about Nene's spending time in the weight room, making sure his body is right and taken care of so he can step up at any time.

Harden notices it because it's a big part of Nene's life.

Since his illness, Nene always takes care of himself at a high level. He's been asked numerous times this season about his physique. Those who have watched him over the years have commented that he looks better physically than he has in years.

Nene, 34, credits his attention to working out and proper nutrition.

"I take care of myself," he said. "It's important for me to be healthy enough to play basketball. I want to keep playing, so I have to be healthy and ready."

In the postseason, he has been ready for every game.

He said he loves being on the court with his teammates and working with young center Clint Capela.

He also loves competing and winning and wants to help the Rockets do more of it.

"These kinds of games in the playoffs are the reason I still want to play," Nene said. "This is what we play for."

The postseason isn't going to get any easier, but it doesn't matter to Nene.

"I've been through cancer, through sickness," he said. "That was life. This, basketball, is fun. I can handle it."