SAN ANTONIO -- San Antonio Spurs forward Fabricio Oberto played for the first time this season, facing the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night after missing the first two games with an irregular heartbeat.
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"The last couple of days they've been checking my heart rhythm and it's been great," Oberto, who entered late in the first quarter, said before the game. "I know this is not the same as an ankle (injury). But I feel much better when I'm running and with the team, so this is good."
The Spurs started 0-2 without Oberto and fellow Argentine Manu Ginobili, who is not expected back until December while he recovers from ankle surgery.
Oberto, 33, noticed the problem Oct. 28 while lifting weights. He stayed in San Antonio and received treatment last week while the team traveled to Portland.
"The good thing is that I could realize what was happening at the time," he said. "If you keep running and keep playing without knowing, that might be a little dangerous."
It's the second time he's been bothered by the problem, diagnosed as atrial fibrillation. In May 2007, Oberto missed four days of practice before the playoffs after his heart was found to be out of rhythm.
Oberto played in all 82 games last season, averaging 4.8 points and 5.2 rebounds.
He has not been able to practice with the team during the time off.
"A lot of times when you're off you can ride the bike or something else, but with this you can do nothing until they say you're OK," he said.
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