Four games in six nights across four different cities, capped off by a back-to-back. For Celtics center Neemias Queta, that required 22.5 minutes per game, including a season-high 31 minutes in Wednesday night’s road trip finale against the Raptors in Toronto.
Initially, Queta had no clue where to credit his critical source of energy.
“Not sure. I’m not sure,” Queta told reporters after Boston’s 98-93 win over Toronto, per CLNS Media.
But then, after shaking his head and cracking a smile as he thought
about it, Queta credited those around him for their contagious approach.
“I think it’s also energy plays from other teammates,” Queta said.
Queta continued: “A lot of guys were making energy plays that galvanize your teammates, and we kind of fed from each other. And that’s something we need to do more. It’ll get us over the hump most nights.”
The Celtics were without Paul George, their second-leading scorer, in Toronto as the 36-year-old sat out due to an illness less than 24 hours after dropping 36 points on the Sixers in Philadelphia. So that meant Boston had to pivot. Early on, however, it looked as though their first trip to The Six was shaping up to be a scheduled loss, despite the Raptors also being shorthanded without Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes.
Boston’s inability to contain Toronto’s transition attack throughout the first half dug the Celtics into a hole, as they trailed by 22 points with 5:24 remaining until halftime. The Celtics responded with a 17-2 run of their own, cutting Toronto’s lead down to 61-54 and giving the PG-13-less C’s another chance to claw their way back with plenty of time to spare.
Still, there was plenty of more work to do.
Queta took only four shots throughout the night, including his third 3-point make of the season in the first quarter. He scored 11 points but recorded his first double-double of the campaign with 13 rebounds, which proved invaluable for the Celtics down the stretch.
He attempted four 3-pointers during the preseason, and has matched that total across the first 12 games of the regular season. It’s something Queta truly believes he can work on, improve at, and add to his arsenal. But he’s also aware that as a center, he still has fundamental responsibilities. So while pursuing that 3-point shot — among other strides — Queta understands he can’t forsake his obligations to Boston’s frontcourt.
“I think the game is so unpredictable nowadays that, like I’ve been saying over and over again, the more complete I can be, the more versatile I can be, the more I can play off others and they can be their best versions,” he said. “I understand my teammates, and I can give them a relief in different aspects of the floor. Now it’s just about me becoming more consistent in those things, whether it’s shooting the ball, whether it’s making reads with the ball in my hands, whether it’s driving to the rim. I still need to be better.”
In the final minute, Queta’s commitment to those responsibilities became particularly valuable.
With less than 10 seconds on the shot clock, Jayson Tatum drove, drew two Raptors defenders and spotted Queta cutting to the basket for a wide-open dunk. That brought the Celtics within striking distance, trailing Toronto 93-92 with 54.1 seconds remaining.
After Tatum knocked down back-to-back free throws on Boston’s next possession, Queta’s next — and biggest — heroic moment arrived, one that ultimately made all the difference for the Celtics.
He secured a crucial rebound after RJ Barrett missed his go-ahead layup attempt, preserving Boston’s 94-93 lead. The Raptors immediately fouled Queta, sending him to the line, where he knocked down both free throws to extend the Celtics’ lead to 96-93 with 15.1 seconds left.
That rebound wound up being a game-saver for Boston, helping the team extend its winning streak to five games and tie the Lakers for the NBA’s best record at 10-2.
“He continues to get better and better as a player on both ends of the floor,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters. “Honestly, his offensive presence is just as impactful. Those two big free throws that he hit down the stretch, catching the ball in the seam, making plays. Defensively, he just lifts us to another level with the rim protection.”
Teammates remain encouraged by Queta’s continued improvements, following up his biggest breakthrough last season as a first-time starter.
“Neemi’s been great for us,” Derrick White told reporters. “He’s grown so much these last few years, and he’s a beast on both ends of the floor. Honestly, we ask a lot out of him offensively, and he just seems to always be in the right place, right time. Just expanding his game so much. We have so much trust in him.”
Queta currently leads the Celtics in rebounds (6.2) and blocks (1.2) per game. He’s also already surpassed his previous career highs in 3-pointers made and attempted in a single season, going 3-for-4 thus far, with plenty of basketball still ahead.
“We’re gonna keep on getting better,” Queta said, “and that’s the mindset I have.”
