Celtics’ Neemias Queta Makes NBA History With Monster Game Vs. Nuggets
The Boston Celtics suffered a tough loss to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, falling to them 114-110 at TD Garden.
Neemias Queta was a bright spot for the Celtics, cleaning up on the boards with Nikola Jokic sidelined. In just 24 minutes, Queta racked up a career-high 20 rebounds — 10 offensive and 10 defensive. He also scored six points on 3 of 8 shooting for Boston.
In the process, Queta became the first player in NBA history with at least 10 offensive rebounds and 10 defensive rebounds in less than 25 minutes. He also became the first player in Celtics history with double-digit offensive and defensive rebounds since Hall of Famer Robert Parish in 1989.
Queta also had 13 boards in Monday’s win over the Chicago Bulls, giving him 33 rebounds in 49 minutes over his last two games.
The 26-year-old center is now averaging 8.2 rebounds per game this season. That’s a career high and a team high for a Boston team that desperately lacks size.
Queta has emerged as one of the league’s best rebounders this season, ranking 17th in total rebounds and 10th in offensive rebounds.
Look for Queta to have another strong night on the glass when the Celtics host the Toronto Raptors on Friday. The Raptors rank 21st in rebounding, and Queta already has 16 boards in two games against them this season.
Queta may have some competition, however, if Jakob Poeltl returns from injury for Toronto. He hasn’t played since Dec. 21 due to a lower back strain but appears to be nearing a return after practicing on Thursday.