Neemias Queta just flipped entire script with what happened vs. Raptors

Neemias Queta played just 24 minutes through his first two preseason appearances. The Boston Celtics center nearly matched that total in Wednesday’s 110-108 win over the Toronto Raptors.

After struggling in those first two outings, Queta finally looked like the player many had hoped he’d become heading into what could be a career-defining season.

Queta finished the night with eight points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks on an efficient four of seven from the field.

Good screens, loud blocks, strong boxouts, and important rebounds; he did it all.

This sort of well-rounded performance is going to have to become somewhat routine for the Portuguese big man if the Celtics want to reach their ceiling this season.

“In tonight's game, he showed what he's capable of,” Joe Mazzulla said of Queta’s performance in the preseason finale. “We just have to hold him to that standard. And he takes pride in that. He works at it, you know. But what we saw tonight is like… that's the guy we need more times than not.”

Mazzulla added that he knows that Queta is capable of raising his play even higher than he did on Wednesday.

It might seem unfair to put that message out there after what was undisputably an impressive night, but that’s just the standard in Boston. If you’re going to start for the Celtics, you have to be great.

"We're gonna be hard on Neemi, and I'm really looking forward to coaching him throughout the year,” Mazzulla continued. “I told him, 'This is what you've worked your whole life for, being the starting center for the Celtics.'”

The Celtics are going to need Queta's best on a consistent basis

Queta, now entering his third season with the Cs, made more appearances last year (62) than the rest of his career combined (48). The increase in opportunity is a testament to the work he puts in at practice and during the offseason.

That work has gotten Queta to the point where he’s earned the trust of the coaching staff at a crucial point. Boston, of course, saw significant turnover at the center spot this summer with Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet, and Al Horford all moving on in one way or another.

Stepping into that open spot in the starting lineup is the next challenge facing Queta on his NBA journey. It’s a challenge that according to Mazzulla, is going to take his best night in, and night out.

"You've got to develop the mindset this is what it takes to deliver every night...I think he has that."