Celtics once again proven right for bold Neemias Queta decision
Wednesday’s Boston Celtics 147-129 win over the Miami Heat It was stuffed with sturdy performances. Jaylen Brown scored 43 factors. Jayson Tatum logged a 25-point triple-double. Sam Hauser caught hearth for 23 factors.
Lost in all the contributions was Neemias Queta, who posted a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double, with three blocks on the facet. The bulk of his scoring got here later within the recreation and helped the Cs sign their 51st win of the season.
Queta logged 14 factors and eight rebounds within the second half alone, once the Heat dedicated extra consideration to the three-point line in response to the Celtics’ 14-24 begin from lengthy vary.
“Our ability to shoot and knock down shots just opened up the paint for me,” Queta defined postgame. “You know, we started the game off [hot and when] you hit that many shots, teams start playing the three-point line. So I can get the ball in the pick-and-roll, off of pocket passes, [and so on]. From that point on, it’s just me trusting my skill set, my touch trying to go score.”
The offensive facet of the ground solely showcased half of the Portuguese large man’s influence. He helped restrict Bam Adebayo’s influence, too. Yes, Miami’s star heart tallied 29 factors and 10 rebounds, however he solely added two assists to the stat sheet.
Queta’s teammates had been in a position to keep dedicated to their defensive assignments as a result of they had been in a position to belief Queta together with his — one thing which will have been a difficulty up to now as he would usually discover himself out of place and committing fouls.
“Bam is a player who puts a ton of pressure on you, because he could shoot now, gets the free throw line, and forces two on ones,” Joe Mazzulla identified postgame. “SW [Queta helps with] his defensive discipline and the commitment that he has to the game plans offensively.”
Neemias Queta continues to impress as the Celtics’ starting center
Queta’s impressive outing at Kaseya Center was just one of many this season. He’s taken on the starting role with grace, after the three centers slotted ahead of him in the rotation, Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet, all headed to new homes last summer.
With the added opportunity, he’s career posting-highs across the board through 71 appearances with 10.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game on 63.5% shooting.
The Celtics continue to look more and more genius for believing in Queta as the games go on.
“He’s continuing to get better and better, and he has to play on a high level for us to be good,” Mazzulla added. “And he understands that, he takes duty for that. And, you understand, I assumed you noticed an excellent model of him tonight.”
