Looking at the success that has come from Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis on the court in the past five games since returning, it may appear the two have moved past their altercation earlier this season. Despite what looks like good communication on the floor, the two still have not spoken off the court.
The Bulls are 5-0 since Mirotic made his season debut Dec. 8 after suffering facial fractures in a fight with Portis during a preseason practice.
When asked if the two have spoken yet, Mirotic told reporters (via CBSsports.com), "We did on the floor. We've always spoken because we need to have good communication."
Mirotic was then asked if they've talked off the floor, and he responded with a quick, "No."
Putting their differences aside on the court has proven to work for the two as they continue to thrive. Since Mirotic's return, he has averaged 20 points, 6.2 rebounds and is hitting 50 percent of shots from the 3-point line. Portis is contributing similarly with 15.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and knocking down 53.8 percent of his shots from deep.
"It's been crazy, to be honest," Mirotic said of their success together. "We did play last year a little bit together, but it was not the same like now. I think we've both stepped up. We learned how to play with each other, but we need to give the credit to Fred for that. Because Fred is the one who is putting us in the right spot, Bobby and me."
Portis echoed a similar sentiment, and said he was happy to have his teammate back on the court.
"It's been fun playing with Niko. He's a hell of a player, he's been playing out of his mind ever since he's been back, and I'm happy for him. I'm happy to have him back," Portis said. "We're professionals, we're basketball players. This is our job. Ultimately, we have to come in every day, put our shoes on like everybody else puts their shoes on, and play together, and find a way to make it work. I feel like we've done that up until that point."