There was a chance Neemias Queta wasn’t going to play Saturday against the Timberwolves after spraining his ankle earlier this week. But it was impossible to miss the big man the way he played in the first half.
Queta put up one of the best nights of his career even though the Celtics lost to the Wolves 119-115 in Minnesota. He tied a career-high with 19 points paired with a career-high with 18 rebounds. Queta had a double-double in the first half — the first time he’s done that in his career — doing all that coming off an injury.
“Just a lot of work,” Queta said on his injury, via the NBC Sports Boston broadcast. “I think just our staff is just top-notch. They’ve been doing a great job with me. Every day we’ve just been going to the practice facility, working, trying to strengthen the calf and everything else.”
Queta was all over the place right from tipoff Saturday. In his first six minutes, he already had eight points and seven rebounds, including four on the offensive glass. His impact was not only noticeable but immediate as he brought the Celtics some much-needed energy.
Queta missed just one game, the win over the Pistons, due to the ankle sprain. It doesn’t sound like it’s serious as it was a day-to-day injury. The Celtics were also fortunate with their lean schedule this week, allowing Queta to rest up and rehab. Boston faces Cleveland on Sunday as part of a back-to-back, so it remains to be seen if Queta is limited at all coming off the injury.
Even though the Celtics beat the Pistons, they still missed Queta because he’s unique in what he can provide with his size. Luka Garza has been the main backup big man, but his defense is a question mark. The C’s have also tinkered with going small, with Josh Minott getting the bulk of those minutes.
Regardless, it’s another nod to Queta’s development with the organization. The C’s originally signed him to a two-way contract ahead of the 2023-24 season. Queta has expanded his role in Boston every single year, all the way to the point where he’s a legitimate starting caliber big man.
“He’s getting better,” C’s coach Joe Mazzulla said. “He’s giving us a shot with everything he’s given us. We’re obviously a different team when he’s on the floor as you can see, especially on the offensive end. On both ends. But tonight, you saw a clear difference offensively when he was out there. It’s a credit to him.”