# Neemias Queta Delivers Career-Best Performance in Celtics Victory Portuguese center records first double-double of the season during comeback win against Toronto. - **Source:** [Record](https://www.record.pt) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/4785eea2-d7a3-43e7-b8e6-28c5479e4e25 ## Breakout Performance in Toronto Neemias Queta recorded his first double-double of the season during the Boston Celtics' 98-93 comeback victory against the Toronto Raptors. The Portuguese center contributed 11 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks. This performance marked his most statistically significant contribution to the team's success during the current NBA campaign. ## Self-Critical Assessment Despite the impressive stat line, the 27-year-old player expressed dissatisfaction with his efficiency near the basket. Queta specifically highlighted his five turnovers as a primary area requiring immediate improvement. He emphasized that maintaining high-level consistency is essential for him to serve as a reliable anchor on both ends of the court. ## Coach Mazzulla's Strategic Praise Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla lauded Queta's evolution as a two-way player following the game. Mazzulla noted that Queta's offensive presence, including two crucial late-game free throws, was just as impactful as his defensive rim protection. The coach highlighted how Queta's interior play helped limit the opposition to low scoring totals. ## Defensive Impact and Communication Mazzulla attributed the team's defensive success in the second half to Queta's presence near the rim. The Celtics allowed only 19 and 13 points in the final two quarters, respectively. The coach stressed that this defensive stability started with communication among all five players, anchored by Queta's ability to protect the basket. ## Demanding Coaching Relationship Queta maintains a unique professional relationship with Joe Mazzulla, noting that he welcomes the coach's high expectations. The center stated that he is already self-critical, so having a demanding coach does not negatively affect him. In fact, Queta suggested that Mazzulla should continue to be even harder on him during training. ## Personal Connection Beyond Basketball The bond between the player and coach extends beyond the hardwood floor. Last summer, Joe Mazzulla visited Portugal to gain a deeper understanding of Neemias Queta's cultural background and origins. This personal investment reflects the organization's commitment to supporting the development of their players both professionally and on a personal level. ## Operational Goals for Growth Queta is focused on becoming a consistent link for the Celtics' offensive and defensive schemes. His primary goal is to minimize errors while maximizing his impact in the paint. By refining his finishing skills and reducing turnovers, he aims to solidify his role within the rotation and provide reliable production nightly. ## Future Outlook and Expectations As the season progresses, Queta's ability to elevate the team's defensive ceiling remains a key narrative. His performance against Toronto serves as a benchmark for his potential contributions. The focus now shifts to whether he can maintain this level of intensity and consistency throughout the remainder of the demanding NBA schedule. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.record.pt/modalidades/basquetebol/nba/detalhe/neemias-queta-assinou-melhor-exibicao-da-epoca-mas-quer-mais-consistencia-tem-de-estar-la — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._