Celtics' Queta Posts Career Night
Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta exploded for a career-high 27 points and 17 rebounds against Nikola Vucevic, including 10 offensive rebounds. He's the first Celtic with 25+ points and 10 offensive rebounds since Robert Parish in 1989, now averaging 10.1 points and 8.4 rebounds this season.
Queta's performance came in a crucial game against the Philadelphia 76ers, where he stepped up in the absence of Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who was sidelined with a right Achilles injury. The Celtics won the game 114-98, with Queta's dominance inside being a key factor. The 26-year-old center's journey to a starting role has been one of persistence. Drafted 39th overall in 2021 by the Sacramento Kings, he spent time in the G League and signed a two-way contract with the Celtics in September 2023. A major roster overhaul in the 2025 offseason, which saw the departure of frontcourt players Kristaps Porziņģis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet, opened the door for Queta to be named the starting center. Head coach Joe Mazzulla praised Queta's physicality and effort, stating he "matched and exceeded the [76ers] physicality." Teammate Jaylen Brown, who also scored 27 points in the victory, noted Queta's development, saying, "I think he has another level that he can tap into. And I feel like he's starting to tap into that next level." This historic performance is a significant step for the Portuguese-born player, who is the first from his country to be drafted and play in the NBA. After signing a multi-year contract with the Celtics in July 2024, Queta is solidifying his position as an impact player for the team.
