Celtics' Sam Hauser praises Neemias Queta's 'buttery' first NBA 3-pointer

Queta's surprising long-range shot delighted his Celtics teammates as he continues to solidify his role as the team's starting center.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:49pm

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An extreme close-up of Neemias Queta's upper body as he releases a 3-pointer, his form and the ball dissolving into a vibrant, expressionist painting of neon colors and rapid brushstrokes, capturing the raw energy and excitement of the moment.Neemias Queta's surprising 3-pointer showcases his continued growth and development as a key piece of the Celtics' playoff push.New Orleans Today

Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta, who has steadily improved since joining the team on a two-way contract in 2023, hit the first 3-pointer of his NBA career during a blowout win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Celtics wing Sam Hauser, known for his own sharpshooting, praised Queta's shot as 'buttery' and said the big man has played a crucial role for the team this season, potentially earning consideration for the Most Improved Player award.

Why it matters

Queta's development has been a bright spot for the Celtics this season, as the team has found a reliable starting center to fill a key void. His ability to stretch the floor with his 3-point shooting adds another dimension to Boston's offense and complements the team's star-studded backcourt.

The details

In the third quarter of the Celtics' 144-118 win over the Pelicans, Queta was left wide open beyond the arc. Despite only attempting 10 3-pointers in his previous five NBA seasons, the 7-footer confidently knocked down the shot, eliciting cheers from the Boston bench. Hauser, who had an impressive shooting night himself, praised Queta's 'buttery' stroke, highlighting the center's significant improvement this season.

  • On April 11, 2026, Queta hit the first 3-pointer of his NBA career during the Celtics' blowout win over the Pelicans.
  • With just one game remaining in the regular season, Queta has averaged career-highs in several statistical categories, solidifying his role as the Celtics' starting center.

The players

Neemias Queta

A 7-foot center who has steadily improved since joining the Boston Celtics on a two-way contract in 2023, emerging as the team's starting center and potentially earning consideration for the Most Improved Player award.

Sam Hauser

A Celtics wing known for his sharpshooting, who praised Queta's surprising 3-pointer as 'buttery' and highlighted the center's crucial role for the team this season.

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What they’re saying

“'Buttery, it was buttery,'”

— Sam Hauser, Celtics wing

“'He's done a great job all year and gotten better and better and better, and really shown why he's a starting five-man in this league and on this team. His name should be in the running for Most Improved Player and he's come up big for us a lot this year.'”

— Sam Hauser, Celtics wing

What’s next

The Celtics will end the regular season with a home game against the Orlando Magic on Sunday, where Queta and other starters may rest in preparation for the playoffs.

The takeaway

Neemias Queta's development into a reliable starting center has been a key factor in the Celtics' success this season, and his surprising 3-pointer against the Pelicans is a testament to his continued improvement. The team will need Queta to maintain his strong play as they gear up for the postseason.