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.

Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis wanted to make sure Boston bounced back against the Nuggets on Tuesday night.

Boston's center, who has been slowed by injuries this year, struggled with his fellow starters Sunday in a loss at Oklahoma City.