Most impressive part of Porzingis return is something nobody's talking about

BOSTON — Kristaps Porzingis returned to action on Monday night, helping the Boston Celtics earn a 126-94 victory over the LA Clippers. Boston rained down a three-point barrage that buried the Clippers before they even got a chance to fight. Porzingis himself wasn’t particularly efficient from beyond the arc, but he made his impact in other ways.

The Latvian big man looked very comfortable despite the fact that it was his first taste of NBA action since the Finals. He had some nice blocks and was giving the Celtics a different look on the offensive end. And the rest of the team played well around him, too.

That’s what Joe Mazzulla was most impressed with.

The Celtics and Kristaps Porzingis didn't miss a beat

Before Porzingis made his return, the Celtics were rolling. They got off to a 14-3 start to the year, and immediately before he got back, Boston ripped off five wins in a row.

But when it was time for the big man to make his return, the team didn’t even have to talk about it.

“We didn't mention one word about that,” Mazzulla said as a small smile crept across his face.

The Celtics were one of the best teams in the league without Porzingis. Sure, they played with him all of last season, but all of their success this year had come without him on the floor.

Yet somehow, he seamlessly integrated into the lineup. Mazzulla believes that to be a testament to everyone on the roster.

“I think it's a credit to them in the locker room,” Mazzulla said. “Just picking up right where they left off from that standpoint. But didn't really have to talk about it. Just, the guys know. They know who they are. But it's a credit to them just understanding team basketball. And I think having him back as an example of how the guys positively impact each other. 

“I mean, not just him. If anybody misses that amount of time, you're going to miss them, and when they come back, it's important to have them.”

Porzingis finished the night with 16 points, six rebounds, and two assists while shooting 6-of-12 from the floor and 1-of-6 from beyond the arc.

It looked like he didn’t miss a beat despite the fact that he hasn’t played in a game with the Celtics in months.

The entire team has been winning at the highest level without Porzingis, but as soon as he got back onto the court, they acted like he never left.

That was the most impressive part of Porzingis’ return to action. And the entire Celtics roster should get the credit.