Joe Mazzulla praises Neemias Queta career night for Boston Celtics
It was not all that long ago that even Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens did not have all that much confidence in the Celtics’ frontcourt, never mind fans and analysts. But in the Celtics’ 114-98 win over the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden this past Sunday (Mar. 1) evening, Boston big man Neemias Queta made it clear he belongs in any conversation of the NBA’s best starting centers.
Such a leap was hardly imaginable in a realistic context for most of us, yet Queta appeared to revel in his florescence with the Celtics this season more than ever – and it saw him put up a career-high 27 points (tying star forward Jaylen Brown to lead Boston in scoring), 17 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks.
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“I thought he had great rebounding on both ends,” said Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla of the Portuguese center’s career night.
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 1: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers goes to the basket past Neemias Queta #88 of the Boston Celtics during the second half at TD Garden on March 1, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
“I thought (Sixers big man Andre) Drummond was a good player, very physical,” added Mazzulla. “I thought Neemi matched and exceeded the physicality having 10 offensive rebounds, some in traffic, some rebounds defensively.”
“But, I was paying attention to the offensive end and his ability to finish at that level and make plays in the scene, whether it was for himself or for others, or getting to the free throw line. He played well.”
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Joe Mazzulla praises Neemias Queta career night for Celtics