The reigning champion Ryukyu Golden Kings have been so good for so long that veteran forward/center Jeff Newton's recent monthlong absence due to a knee injury was far from a crisis.

Newton missed eight games and underwent knee surgery to repair his left meniscus before returning to the rotation last Saturday against the host Tokyo Cinq Reves.

The Golden Kings (40-10) have won 16 of their past 20 games, so Newton's return only strengthens the league's best overall lineup.