Neemias Queta posted a career-high 27 points and 17 rebounds as the Boston Celtics overcame an early deficit to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 114-98 on Sunday at TD Garden.
On his scoring and positioning, Queta said, “Just getting in there… just getting a body in the paint and a lot of those came in just where only I could get to.”
Queta recalled his summer conversation with coach Joe Mazzulla: “I feel like it was like depositing his trust in me… just having my back through it all. Wasn’t like the easiest summer for me too. They were always there for us and just trying to help me out… get me as confident as I could just to get out here and help us swing.”
On finding space in pick-and-roll situations, Queta shared, “So much easier for me right now. Just the amount of repetitions I’ve been having with these guys every day… the game is just slowing down for me too. Once stuff like that happens, when they got two guys on the ball, me being able to go out there and be a threat to defenses makes it so much more dangerous.”
The center also addressed the MVP chants during the game: “Yeah, that wasn’t great. Kind of got distracted, missed a couple free throws. So, got to work on that.”
Regarding the Celtics’ coaching staff, Queta praised their holistic approach: “I think it’s just like the expectations that they have from you and they really have a care factor too… Their ability to demand a bunch out of you and still have a relationship outside of basketball… makes your job so much easier out there.”
Queta described his mindset during his standout performance: “I think it’s mostly just having fun… glad it happened to me. Just happy with the performance and glad we got the way.”
Reflecting on preparing for the starting center role, he added, “It was crucial for me before I went to play a national team… playing for Portugal was huge for me this summer. Allowed me to get a lot of rhythm, confidence… it was just like a building stage. We worked a lot during the summer, pre-in and post surgery… a big summer for me in terms of fine-tuning a bunch of different stuff.”
On improving details during games, Queta said, “It’s easy when you have a night like this to settle down, but when Joe keeps coming at you like that, you’re only going to get better… just trying to learn from that.”
Discussing individual skill development, he added, “When stuff like that really goes well and you’re able to capitalize… I just want to keep on getting better… when the opportunity allows itself, go out there and just have fun. I can expand my game with that type of stuff.”
Queta credited veteran guidance from Andre Drummond as well, noting, “Big Fellas, pretty similar game… trying to figure out how I can get better. Obviously competing on the court, but I’m just a learner. Every time I can get somebody’s advice… I just try to do that so I can improve. He’s always on my side… I appreciate him for that.”
