Hollis-Jefferson Returns, But Nets Fall to Hornets

(BROOKLYN) — The Nets had one of their key young players return to the lineup on Tuesday night, but it wasn’t enough as they suffered a 105-100 loss to the Charlotte Hornets.

Rookie Rondae Hollis-Jefferson returned after missing the past 50 games with an ankle injury.  He scored five points with three rebounds and two assists in 15 minutes of game action, but his impact was still felt on the floor.  He had the most exciting play of the night for the Nets.  During the fourth quarter, he threw down a fierce one-handed dunk in traffic which sent the Barclays Center crowd into a frenzy.

The Nets rallied late after trailing by as many as 17 points in the second half, but their comeback bid fell short.  Bojan Bogdanovic scored late to make it 98-97 Hornets, but Bronx native Kemba Walker hit two free throws to push Charlotte’s lead to 100-97.  Brooklyn was unable to get any closer than that.

Jeremy Lin and Nicolas Batum combined to score 44 points for the Hornets (41-30), as they continue to jockey for playoff position in the Eastern Conference.

Sean Kilpatrick continues to thrive for the Nets.  He scored a career-high 25 points and has now scored in double figures off the bench for six consecutive games, which ties former Net Andrea Bargnani for the longest streak for a Nets reserve this season.

Brook Lopez had another monster game for Brooklyn (19-51), finishing with 29 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

Things don’t get any easier for the Nets this week, as they take on LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night at Barclays Center.