Neemias Queta ‘set the tone’ for Celtics’ fourth quarter versus Pacers
The two-way player injected energy into the second half, lifting the Celtics to a 129-124 victory over the Pacers.
With 7:33 still on the clock in the fourth quarter, Celtics fans erupted in applause.
Neemias Queta, who played 14 minutes in Tuesday night’s game against the Pacers, was assuming his spot back on the bench.
The two-way player from Portugal was key to Boston’s 129-124 victory over the Pacers. After leading by 20 at the half, the Celtics lost their momentum in the third quarter. On-ball defense looked less aggressive, and rebounds bounced overhead while players looked onward. The energy that had once ignited the Celtics squad in the first half was extinguished. In less than five minutes, the Pacers closed the gap, and for the first time all night, the Celtics trailed.
Enter: Queta.
During Queta’s time on the floor, the Celtics outscored the Pacers by 11 points. Queta contributed four points, one rebound, one assist, and two blocked shots. But it was his hustle on both sides of the ball and his ability to make crucial plays that made him the star of the second half. Queta’s energy was the spark the team — and fans — needed.
Jaylen Brown, who tipped a jump ball back to Queta for a two-handed slam, said that he “set a tone” for Boston’s fourth quarter.
“Neemi’s been getting better, and he’s working,” Brown said. “When guys are able to come in and set that level of intensity … that’s what we need him to do.”
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla added praise for the center’s performance, despite seeing limited playing time earlier in the season.
“Those guys have a really hard job because you never know when they’re gonna play 14 minutes, two minutes, not play at all,” Mazzulla said. “And especially with our defensive scheme and the way we change things up and execute, it can just be difficult, and I thought he did a tremendous job particularly in the second half of just making winning plays.”
Queta isn’t expected to replace Luke Kornet any time soon, but with the big out with a hamstring injury, he’s proving to be a reliable backup. Queta has shown consistent growth throughout the season, improving as he sees more minutes.
However, Queta’s two-way contract prohibits him from suiting up in the playoffs. If the Celtics want to keep their depth among big men, they’ll have until April to decide whether or not to offer Queta a contract in Boston.
After back-to-back home games, the Celtics host the Lakers Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
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