The Celtics got a big win on Sunday night over the 76ers, 114-98, and they were led by none other than Neemias Queta, who had a career night with 27 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Neemy was dominant on both ends, setting great screens, rolling hard, showing a nice finishing package around the rim, challenging, and blocking shots all night.
This is just the latest step in the evolution of Queta, who continues to impress at every step along the path of his journey. Sunday night’s performance was a breakout game in the midst of a breakout season, and while the Celtics were +20 in his 27 minutes on Sunday night, his play went beyond the box score as well.
He made timely buckets down the stretch, working hard on the glass, especially on offense, earning second chances left and right. He also helped shut off the water for Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecomb, who were taking advantage of drop coverage early in the fourth quarter while Neemy was on the bench.
But Queta was a real game-changer and an impact player, and it’s a testament to the work he’s put in and the growth he’s made. The center position has gone from a massive question mark to a position of strength for the Celtics, and we’ve reached the point where Neemy should be a huge part of the gameplan.
Queta can be a lynchpin on both ends of the floor
More and more, Queta is proving he can be a defensive anchor, but he can also be a big part of the offense. The team is already so reliant on screening, and he keeps getting better and better in that regard. Along with that, he’s become a much better roll-man, he’s able to put the ball on the floor, has developed a very impressive finishing package, and he can certainly finish above the rim.
He has gotten a lot stronger with the ball and has come a long way as a passer as well. His screens have been huge for the Celtics’ ballhandlers, and he has developed a nice two-man game with Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard, and Derrick White.
That should only keep improving once Jayson Tatum returns, another excellent pick-and-roll initiator. On top of that, Queta can be pivotal in screening his teammates open for jump shots. Along with the above-mentioned guys, Sam Hauser, Baylor Scheierman, and others are great at running off screens, and Neemy has developed a nice dribble-hand-off game as well.
I’m not expecting him to ever be the hub of an elite offense or anything, but the Sixers started off this game by basically ignoring Queta when Boston had the ball, and by the end of the game, they couldn’t do anything to stop him. His development this season has been an amazing story, and there’s no reason he can’t keep growing and becoming a bigger and bigger part of the offense and defense.