The Boston Celtics got absolutely thrashed in the first quarter on Wednesday night, as the Washington Wizards outscored them 37-26. But they bounced back quickly, routing the Wizards in the second quarter 44-23 to take a 10-point halftime lead. The key? Joe Mazzulla going away from any center not named Neemias Queta.
Whenever Queta was on the floor, things went well. But as soon as Luka Garza checked into the game, the defense got shredded. He couldn’t keep up with Washington’s athleticism and fast-paced offense. Queta managed. So, instead of rolling out Garza, Xavier Tillman, or Chris Boucher in the second quarter, Mazzulla let Josh Minott play some small-ball five minutes.
The results were staggering.
How impactful was Neemias Queta? (How bad were other bigs?)
Queta enjoyed a great start to the game, even though the Wizards still managed to take an early lead. But as soon as he subbed out, things went from bad to worse for Boston.
The second quarter was a different story. Queta managed to put up seven points, eight rebounds, and two assists in the second frame on 3-of-3 shooting from the floor. He was a +20. Three of his rebounds came on the offensive end.
But Queta’s real impact doesn’t show up in the box score. His defensive talent carried the Celtics on that side of the floor, particularly in the chaotic scheme that Mazzulla has implemented this season.
His length and athleticism fit in perfectly, as he’s able to help over at the rim while also being ready to sprint out to the three-point line for late contests on shooters.
Garza got burned on drives in the first quarter, and it was a carry-over from the Celtics’ loss to the Utah Jazz on Monday night. He, Tillman, and Boucher all struggled against the Jazz, especially in transition.
Queta has also taken major strides as a screen-setter, which was crucial to helping the Celtics’ offense thrive in the second quarter against Washington.
Payton Pritchard and Derrick White combined for 23 points and four assists, largely thanks to the space that Queta’s screens created for them.
Garza will have his place in the rotation. His floor-spacing and float game in the lane are valuable. Tillman’s defense on Joel Embiid a few games ago is proof that he can contribute. Boucher’s energy is infectious.
But on a night-to-night basis, Queta is the key to the Celtics playing winning basketball. The gap with him on the floor vs. any other center is palpable.