After blowing a 25-3 lead against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Boston Celtics could not take anything for granted as they led against the Denver Nuggets.
A late three-pointer from Christian Braun took the Nuggets to within 94-99 of the Celtics in the fourth quarter, before Derrick White showed his impeccable timing and extended their lead once again.
The defending NBA champions eventually won 110-103 at home to Denver, a win achieved without injured stars Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.
Neemias Queta takes opportunity
Kristaps Porzingis’ absence provided extra minutes for Portuguese talent Neemias Queta, who had a quietly effective game.
Queta played 17 minutes, scoring 8 points, going 4-5 from the field. Most impressively, he grabbed 10 rebounds.
This was the first time Queta had registered 10 rebounds since the early November NBA Cup game against the Brooklyn Nets, which went to overtime.
The 25-year-old former G League standout was playing in his 46th game for the Celtics this season, although only five have been starts.
He is averaging 14.1 minutes per game this season, gaining increased trust from coach Joe Mazzulla.
Mazzulla praised Queta in his post-game comments. He told reporters: “He’s got a high ceiling and he’s getting better and better.”
Joe Mazzulla on Neemias Queta, who had 8 points, 10 rebounds, and a game-high +11 off the bench today:
“He’s got a high ceiling and he’s getting better and better.”
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 2, 2025
Jaylen Brown has shown backing for Queta
At the end of last month, Boston Celtics superstar Jaylen Brown expressed his backing for Neemias Queta, who is still developing his game.
Speaking on February 21 to Sport TV Portugal, Jaylen Brown told of his confidence Queta is “gonna be a good player in this league because he has the ability to learn.
“I like Neemy, he’s athletic, he’s big, so I can just throw the ball up and he can go get it.”
"Eu gosto do Neemy" 🙌
Brown falou em exclusivo à sport tv sobre como é ser colega de equipa do Neemias 🤩#sporttvportugal #NBAnasporttv #NBA #Neemias #JaylenBrown #DifferentHere pic.twitter.com/G17ams5OW5
— sport tv (@sporttvportugal) February 21, 2025
Joe Mazzulla also paid tribute to Al Horford
NBA veteran Al Horford also put in a big performance up against reigning MVP Nikola Jokic.
Horford scored 19 points and added 8 rebounds, and Joe Mazzulla showed his admiration for the 38-year-old after the win.
Mazzulla said: “He’s one of the best players in the league, guarding the other best players in the league, no matter what position they are.
“He was just elite tonight, on the defensive end of the floor, with his positioning, his communication, his physicality, his rebounding. It was amazing to watch.”
Amid all the talk about Jayson Tatum and how good he is and the recognition he deserves, this was a night the depth the Boston Celtics have really shone through.
The Celtics are next in action against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 5.
