Neemias Queta was one of the most impactful players in the final frame of the Boston Celtics' 109-102 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Wednesday night at TD Garden, he protected the rim at one end, had a crunch-time layup to give the hosts a 99-97 lead at the other, and made plays off the dribble.
"He was the reason why we were able to pull away," said Paul George after Boston improved to 6-2.
Those two worked well in tandem on Queta's best sequence of the night. It started with him erasing a Jaime Jaquez Jr. layup attempt after the Bucks' forward slipped to the basket. Then, he and George worked a pick-and-roll that led to the seven-foot center's layup off the glass, with 3:06 remaining.
The Celtics need this version of Neemias Queta: 'An area of growth'
Joe Mazzulla has stated on multiple occasions, including before Wednesday's matchup against Milwaukee, that the center spot is Boston's most important position.
His team has what should represent the best trio of centers in the NBA. Luka Garza has starred in his role to start the season. Mitchell Robinson should reach his standard. Give him time to get in better shape and continue to acclimate to a new system that's asking more of him offensively.
As for Queta, he's coming off a campaign in which he was a top-10 player at his position. Now, he needs to build on last year's evolution. He had two blocks and a bucket in the final frame of Sunday's 108-97 victory over the Orlando Magic.
One night later, he scored the Celtics' first seven points of the second half, including making his second shot from beyond the arc this season. The Lisbon, Portugal, native finished with 16 points and 6 rebounds, including 4 on offense. He also had four deflections and three screen assists. His performance in Boston's back-to-back and how he followed it up in Wednesday's win captures the consistency his team needs from him.
"Neemi made some big-time plays there," said Mazzulla after the Celtics survived a second-half flurry by the Bucks. "That's an area of growth for him. He's got to be able to deliver for us night in and night out."
Consistency is key for Neemias Queta
He should remain Boston's starting center, at least for now. That's evident. However, his team is counting on him to elevate a position of chief importance. His role doesn't change that.
Even when he was coming off the bench, his minutes were nearly identical to Robinson's. Before Sunday's game in Orlando, when the five-year veteran got his first start this season, he was logging 20.1 minutes, compared to the latter's 19.7.
And now Queta has more tools at his disposal on offense. He's making more plays with the ball, including attacking off the dribble to produce posterizing dunks. He's also punishing mismatches more.
That growth is helping Queta provide the Celtics with the consistency they need from the player who has been their best center this season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google