After missing 50 games and nearly 15 weeks with a fractured ankle, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson made his return to the court Tuesday. And he was one of the precious few Nets to show any fire or energy in a 105-100 loss to the Hornets.
The Nets’ first-round pick was activated Tuesday and checked in for Wayne Ellington with 5:33 left in the first quarter. It marked his first appearance in a game since Dec. 4 against the Knicks at the Garden.
“When I was told [I was playing], I was really excited. It was a really good feeling,’’ said Hollis-Jefferson, who got the news from trainer Tim Walsh. “It felt good to hear those words.
“It felt good to be out there, talking, playing defense, helping my team offensively. It felt good to be a teammate out on the floor instead of in a blazer on the sideline.’’
Hollis-Jefferson finished with five points, three boards and two assists in 15 minutes. And he showed his ankle was fine with a nasty dunk with 4:48 left, taking a bounce pass from Brook Lopez and cutting to the basket for a rim-rocker.
“It was really aggressive. I haven’t dunked in a while in a game, I felt the connection and the vibe,’’ Hollis-Jefferson said. “I knew Brook was about to pass it and I was like ‘I’m going up with this one. Whether I miss it or not, I’m still going up.’ And it just so happened it was really aggressive.’’
Interim coach Tony Brown said more Nets need to show that aggression.
“That’s his personality. He’s a bubbly young man, and he displays that when he plays. His energy level is something we’ve missed since he’s been out and I’m happy to see him,’’ Brown said. “I wish I could’ve played him more [Tuesday]. But it’s just unfortunate. I think his spirit was great and it’s just nice to have another guy who plays with a lot of energy and passion.’’
Hollis-Jefferson was told he was on a 14-to-16-minute limit. His teammates praised the energy boost he brought.
“With a guy like that who can bring the kind of energy you bring that’s huge, what we really need on this team,’’ Sean Kilpatrick said.
“He’s such a sparkplug and takes us up a few notches,’’ said Lopez, adding of the dunk: “It was nice. I try to do that but I just can’t compete with him.”
