It beats being told you have been cut.

Festus Ezeli returned to action for the Golden State Warriors on Sunday when they hosted the Portland Trail Blazers. Ezeli started in Andrew Bogut's place with the regular starter dealing with a rib issue. The 6-foot-11 Nigerian had not played since Jan. 25 due to a knee injury.

Ezeli underwent surgery on the left knee in early February. At the time of the injury, he was averaging a career-high 7.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in just under 18 minutes per game.

The Warriors are going for their 69th victory of the season Sunday, a win total that only three other teams in NBA history have accomplished.