Thabo Sefolosha was back – even if it was just for eight minutes.
Sefolosha played his first game since April 7 following a broken right leg and ligament damage suffered in an arrest outside a New York nightclub later that night. He missed the Hawks first two exhibition games during the trial where he was fully acquitted last week.
“It felt good,” Sefolosha said following the Hawks’ 100-86 exhibition win over the Spurs at Philips Arena. “I didn’t play heavy minutes but at the same time it was good just to have a feel for it and be out there. …
“It’s great to be back. That’s what I love doing. This group is special and it’s like being around family.”
Sefolosha finished with five points and three rebounds in his brief stint, all in the first half. He hit a corner 3-pointer for one of his two baskets.
Sefolsoha said his leg felt good following the game. The team will wait to see how it responds Thursday before making any decisions on how much he will play in the Hawks next exhibition game Friday at the Mavericks. He said he never hesitated in his first live action.
“No, that’s the one thing I can’t have is thinking too much,” Sefolosha said. “I’m going to go out there. Coach knows about the situation and he’ll take care of the minutes so when I’m out there I just play my game and play hard.”
Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said he was pleased with Sefolosha in his limited return.
“I think it’s going to take him some time to work back in shape, feel comfortable and confident,” Budenholzer said. “It was great for him to play in a real game.”
The Hawks would like to gradually increase Sefolosha’s minutes through the final four exhibition games.
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