The Toronto Raptors got a sizeable paint presence back at a seemingly opportune time.
Jakob Poeltl returned for Wednesday night's game against three-time MVP centre Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.
The Austrian centre had eight points and five rebounds in 19 minutes, but the Raptors ultimately lost 128-109 after a minus-26 deficit in the third quarter sank them.
Poeltl had missed the Raptors' last two games with left shoulder bursitis and was a game-time decision ahead of Wednesday's contest in Denver.
The seven-footer came off the bench for the first time this season. Collin Murray-Boyles started at centre.
Poeltl started the Raptors' first five games, averaging 4.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and one assist in 20.2 minutes.
The 31-year-old played a career-low 46 games last season while dealing with recurring back issues.
Marquee off-season acquisition Kawhi Leonard remains out while working through the return-to-play process after experiencing knee swelling and discomfort. Meanwhile, two-way players Nate Bittle (right foot avulsion) and Malachi Smith (G League) were also unavailable.
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