Sefolosha set to play 1st game since encounter with police

Thabo Sefolosha awaits a verdict in criminal court in New York, …

HAWKS: F Thabo Sefolosha played his first game since April, when his right leg was broken in an encounter with New York police.

Sefolosha’s attorneys argued that the athlete was targeted because of his race (police reportedly ignored Sefolosha’s White peers), and last week, a judge overturned all charges against him. “I think it’s going to take him a few time to work back into just being in shape, feeling comfortable and confident”.

Now, he’s eager to focus on basketball again after missing the Hawks’ run to the Eastern Conference final. Kent Bazemore has been the starter at small forward for all three preseason games. He left over the summer as a free agent to sign with Toronto. Manu Ginobili added 10 points off the bench and Tony Parker chipped in eight for San Antonio, who was without LaMarcus Aldridge and Boris Diaw.

“I’m excited to be back on the court and see how my body feels”, Sefolosha said, sitting at his locker before the game. He indicated earlier this week that he is still not 100 percent, but was hoping to be ready for the Hawks when they open the regular season. When he entered the game, he was greeted with chants of “Thabo!”

A full recovery is his top priority.

Sefolosha seems like a good bet to eventually move into Atlanta’s starting lineup once he is fully recovered.