BOSTON – Daniel Theis isn’t all that different than most players who have to wear a protective mask due to a facial injury – he hates it.
But considering how he played on Saturday, his first game with a fitted mask, he might want to rock it a little while longer.
Theis was among the key players off the Boston Celtics bench that helped them pull away and eventually throttle the Chicago Bulls, 117-92.
Several Celtics had good games, including Theis who had a double-double of 10 points and a career-high 15 rebounds to go with two steals.
In an interview with NBC Sports Boston prior to the game, Theis talked about how the fitted mask would help with his court vision.
“Maybe I can grab a few more rebounds,” he quipped.
Did he ever.
Boston Celtics
While his court vision has improved with the fitted mask compared to the general one he was wearing previously, that doesn’t make it feel any better on his face.
“It’s uncomfortable, but what can you do?” he told NBC Sports Boston. “The biggest thing is with the new one, I have better vision, can see more of the court now.”
And in doing so, see his way to a whole lot of rebounds; on Saturday at least.
The good news, or bad news depending on how you look at it, is Theis has been told he will need to wear the mask for another 3-5 weeks.
“I’m trying to get (it off in) three weeks,” Theis said.
But the main benefit to being the latest masked man for the Celtics – Kyrie Irving wore a fitted mask earlier this season – is the improved sight lines he has when he’s on the floor.
“The vision is better, but I still hate it, I hate it on my face,” Theis said. “I hate it. I’ll be happy when it’s gone.”
Not if he keeps rebounding the ball the way he did on Saturday.