The Boston Celtics dropped their first game of the season on Wednesday, losing a thriller to the Indiana Pacers. After three quarters of dominant Indiana basketball, the Celtics battled back in the final frame, sending the contest to overtime. In the end, it wasn’t enough, but Neemias Queta’s impact cannot go understated.
Queta didn’t get any minutes in the first three quarters, but Joe Mazzulla went to him late in the fourth for a change of pace—and the Portuguese big man delivered. He ended up playing almost all of overtime, too, but it just wasn’t enough for Boston to earn the win.
But he still earned some high praise from Mazzulla.
Joe Mazzulla praises Neemias Queta after Celtics loss to Pacers
After the loss, Mazzulla showed love to Queta for his huge impact, crediting him for being one of the sparks that led to Bostons’ comeback. (H/t Bobby Krivitsky of SI Media Group)
"It's a credit to him…,” Mazzulla said via the NBC Sports Boston broadcast. “I thought Neemy did a great job on both ends of the floor. His activity, his physicality. He gave us a spark. It was great stuff by him."
Joe Mazzulla on Neemias Queta's impact tonight:
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) October 31, 2024
"It's a credit to him...I thought Neemy did a great job on both ends of the floor. His activity, his physicality. He gave us a spark. It was great stuff by him." https://t.co/jyqWIGm3s3
Queta finished the night with two points, nine rebounds, one assist, and one block in 13:39 of action. He shot 1-of-2 from the floor, but his real impact had nothing to do with his scoring.
Indiana was dominating the paint for most of the game, largely due to their play in transition. However, once Queta was in place, that changed.
He was a huge presence around the rim, and while he was only credited for one block in the box score, he altered a ton of Indiana’s shots. It was a new, much-needed defensive look for Boston.
On top of that, his work on the glass was essential, especially on the offensive end. Queta corralled four offensive boards in this game, all of which came in overtime, and they included a wild possession where he gifted Boston multiple second-chance opportunities.
Luke Kornet was great in the first half, but Boston’s other bigs left something to be desired. Al Horford’s three-point shooting was offset by a lackluster defensive showing, and Xavier Tillman struggled to find his footing on either end of the court.
Queta’s presence around the rim (on offense and defense) was one of the major reasons the Celtics were able to mount a massive comeback on Wednesday night.
He should earn plenty more opportunities moving forward.