Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla Praises Neemias Queta After Stellar Performance Vs. Kings

Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta had an impressive game against his former team, the Kings, on Friday night. His performance earned him praise from head coach Joe Mazzulla, who commended his on-court efforts.

“He’s a great player,” Mazzulla said on Friday. “I mean, he’s just grown and developed into a very important player for us.”

Queta contributed significantly with 10 points and 15 rebounds in Boston’s 112-93 victory over the Kings. Sacramento selected Queta in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft, and he spent the first two seasons of his career there.

The Kings waived Queta in the fall of 2023, and he is still motivated by Sacramento’s decision to cut him.

“It changed everything,” Queta said on Friday. “I’m really glad Boston stepped up (and got me).”

Queta has been one of the bright spots for the Celtics this season, playing a key role in Boston’s emergence as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, even without Jayson Tatum.