MINNEAPOLIS — The Nets’ beleaguered bench nearly led a spirited comeback Saturday in Houston. With the starters overworked and looking run down, they’ll need that reserve unit to step up.

“I saw fatigue in all of us,” Kenny Atkinson said. “I really did.”

DeAndre Jordan was his usual dominant self on the boards with a dozen rebounds, including four on the offensive glass. The Nets have pretty much come to expect that. But Theo Pinson’s performance was an auspicious sign, as was that of Rodions Kurucs.

Pinson has struggled at times running the second unit, but had 11 points — one shy of his season-high — in just 9:55. He cracked double figures for the third time this season and the sixth time in his career.

“For all these guys, we’ve seen them play well so there’s definitely no surprise,” Spencer Dinwiddie said. “[Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot], he’s been coming in providing a spark already. Obviously DJ is a mainstay, Rodi is known for doing that, last season specifically. I’d say I’m most happy for Theo, because obviously he’s had his struggles and whatnot.

“To come in, get double figures in a very short amount of time, even hit a 3 — all things that have not necessarily been the most smooth — you’re extremely happy for him, because you know the kind of work he puts in, what type of guy he is. He’s always dancing, cheering for everybody. For him to get that moment to provide a spark, reenter the lineup … for his career, it’s great to see.”

Taurean Prince had 16 points Saturday but got ejected along with Russell Westbrook with 20 seconds left for normal jawing back and forth. The ejection surprised both Prince and Atkinson.

“They said they were going at it, verbally jarring. But to be quite honest I didn’t think it was quite enough for a technical. But obviously they did. I wasn’t involved in the conversation, but I thought it was a bit harsh,” Atkinson said.

“The conversation was super light; wasn’t anything to get ejected for,” added Prince. “But that’s something I’ll have my people talk with the league about. It is what it is.”

Second-round pick Jaylen Hands is playing well lately for G-League Long Island, but he isn’t Brooklyn-bound anytime soon. As an NBA rights player, the Nets would have to cut somebody (David Nwaba is out for the season), and give Hands a 10-day deal.

With Caris LeVert having returned to practice, though ruled out against Minnesota, and Pinson looking better Saturday, they’ll stand pat.

“I think we’re good,” said Atkinson. “We’re close enough where we’ll stick with our roster how it is.”

Nic Claxton resumed at least limited practice and is working on his strength.