Queta shot an efficient 11-15 from the floor overall, including going 1-of-1 from beyond the arc, a wrinkle sure to get the attention of Celtics fans.
Fans of the Boston Celtics worried about backup big man Neemias Queta being the team's likely starting center heading into the NBA's 2025-26 regular season are likely breathing a bit easier after his massive performance for the Portuguese National Team vs. Czechia.
The Lisbon native helped get his home team its first win in EuroBasket play in as many years as rebounds Queta pulled down (18, if you are counting), Portugal beating the Czech National Team 62-50. In addition to the massive explosion on the boards for the Boston big, he also put up 23 points, an assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocked shots with just 4 turnovers and 2 fouls in a little over 30 minutes of floor time.
Queta shot an efficient 11-15 from the floor overall, including going 1-of-1 from beyond the arc, a wrinkle sure to get the attention of Celtics fans. He did miss his sole attempt from the free throw line, however.
Speaking to the media after the huge victory for Portugal, Queta shared that for him, the win was better than a win in the NBA playoffs, per Basket News. "It's debatable," said the Boston big man. "I feel like over here, we haven't really won ... since 2007. I’ve won a bunch of playoff games in the past, so (it feels bigger)"
Queta and his Portuguese National Team next face the heavily-favored Serbian National Team and Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic on Thursday for what might be his club's greatest challenge in EuroBasket play.
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Queta's 23 pts, 18 rebs, 4 blks helps power Portugal to W vs. Czechia
Category: Basketball
