It has been apparent even to the untrained eye that KP has not been himself when on the court for the Celtics since returning from an ankle injury.

The Boston Celtics bounced back from a tough loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder by defeating the Denver Nuggets 118-106. Despite growing concerns about this team, Boston showed why they are still one of the best teams in the NBA.

But despite that drop in difficulty, the Celtics came away encouraged by Porzingis’ play. Head coach Joe Mazzulla said in his postgame news conference that Porzingis “was big-time … on both ends of the floor” and “the most physical” he’d been since his return from surgery. Teammates agreed.