Neemias Queta's career night highlights Celtics' development

Queta's 27-point, 17-rebound performance in a win over the 76ers showcases his growth under coach Joe Mazzulla's tutelage.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 5:47pm

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Neemias Queta, the Celtics' starting center, exploded for a career-high 27 points and 17 rebounds in a win over the Philadelphia 76ers. The 26-year-old's dominant performance earned him MVP chants from the TD Garden crowd, but Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla still pushed Queta to improve, scolding him for swatting a shot out of bounds instead of keeping it in play. Mazzulla's relentless focus on Queta's development has been crucial to the center's breakout season, as the Celtics continue to build around their young core.

Why it matters

Queta's emergence as a force in the Celtics' frontcourt is a testament to the team's player development program under coach Joe Mazzulla. As the Celtics look to contend for a championship, Queta's continued growth will be crucial to their success, especially with the departures of veteran big men like Al Horford in the offseason.

The details

Queta posted career-highs of 27 points and 17 rebounds, including 10 offensive boards, in the Celtics' 114-98 win over the 76ers. Despite his dominant performance, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla criticized Queta for swatting a shot out of bounds instead of keeping it in play, an area Mazzulla says Queta needs to improve. Mazzulla has been pushing Queta to reach new heights since informing him last summer that he would be the team's starting center this season, following the departures of Luke Kornet and Al Horford.

  • Queta represented Portugal at EuroBasket over the summer, which he credits for helping prepare him for this season.
  • Queta had back-to-back double-doubles for the first time in his career last month.

The players

Neemias Queta

A 26-year-old center for the Boston Celtics who had a career-high 27 points and 17 rebounds in a win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Joe Mazzulla

The head coach of the Boston Celtics, who has been instrumental in Queta's development and continues to push him to improve despite his dominant performance.

Jaylen Brown

A star player for the Boston Celtics who believes Queta has yet to reach his full potential and can tap into another level.

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What they’re saying

“Just trying to have fun out there.”

— Neemias Queta

“Part of telling him in the summer that he was going to be the starting center was giving him the time to properly wrap his mind around —- physically, mentally, emotionally prepare himself—— for what it means to be the starting center for the Celtics. And he's taken on that ownership and responsibility well, and he's got to keep it going.”

— Joe Mazzulla, Head Coach, Boston Celtics

“I'm very pleased just to see his progression; he's been working hard all season long. I've been in his ear, talking to him. He's done a good job this year. I feel like he has another level he can tap into, and I feel like he's starting to tap into that.”

— Jaylen Brown, Player, Boston Celtics

What’s next

The Celtics will face the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night, less than 24 hours after Queta's career performance against the 76ers. Coach Mazzulla will be looking for Queta to build on his strong showing and continue to improve the details of his game.

The takeaway

Neemias Queta's breakout game against the 76ers showcases the Celtics' commitment to player development under coach Joe Mazzulla. Despite Queta's dominant stats, Mazzulla continues to push him to get better, highlighting the team's focus on helping their young core reach their full potential as they aim to contend for a championship.