Mark Daigneault talks Mike Muscala's first game seeing action with Thunder

Directly following their hard-fought triumph over the Phoenix Suns, on Monday evening, it was quite evident that this OKC Thunder team was gassed during their second night of a back-to-back squaring off against the Los Angeles Lakers

From their off-shooting night (converted on 39.4 percent from the field) to the wonky defensive efforts that saw them commit 20 personal fouls and allowed LA to have five players drop double-digit scoring performances, Mark Daigneault's squad was seemingly running on empty against their conference foe and, in turn, were ultimately downed by a final score of 116-104.

Despite the loss and underwhelming production from some of the team's key players, throughout the game's 48 minutes of play, there still proved to be a few feel-good moments, with easily the most noteworthy being Mike Muscala's first lick of action following his return to the Thunder late last week.

A beloved member of the community and organization, while the veteran only saw 11 minutes on the floor, he wound up producing as a positive contributor for the club, as he registered with Oklahoma City's highest plus-minus on the night at +12.

Following the contest, coach Daigneault discussed Muscala's return to the lineup, acknowledging that it was "good to get him out there" and that it was beneficial for him to finally beak the seal regarding a return to on-court action.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault talks Mike Muscala's first minutes

"Games like that it's good, even down the stretch there, getting him a little bit of rhythm, guys that don't touch the floor a ton getting them a little bit of rhythm, but he did what he always does. He's reliable, he's a ball mover, he's a floor spacer, he shoots the right shots, keeps it moving side to side. It was good to have him out there."

- Mark Daigneault

Muscala finished his night off with 5 points and 3 boards while shooting 40.0 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from distance.

Though he might not be a player who is slated to receive ample minutes ranging from now through the upcoming postseason, as Daigneault suggested, when called upon the Thunder understand what the 32-year-old can provide to their club from a talent standpoint.

Even with the tough loss, it was good to see the big back in the blue, orange, and yellow threads.