Overview
- Neemias Queta produced a momentum-changing sequence that began with a block on Josh Hart and ended with a corner three in the third quarter of Boston’s home opener, helping the Celtics beat the Knicks 107-103.
- Queta finished with 15 points, six rebounds and three blocks in 22 minutes, and Jayson Tatum publicly praised the shot as a key moment of the game.
- The made three was notable because Queta had attempted only 11 regular-season threes across his first three years in Boston, making this his second career NBA three-pointer.
- Celtics player-development coaches spent multiple offseasons and traveled to Portugal this past summer to refine Queta’s shot, a long-term investment that the team cites as the reason for his improved confidence.
- Coaches say the play gives Joe Mazzulla an extra evaluation point for center minutes because occasional outside makes from Queta could open the floor, though teams stress this is an encouraging small-sample signal rather than proof of a permanent role change.