Neemias Queta shone in the Boston Celtics’ victory against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Portuguese international center set a new career high in the NBA with 27 points, in a game where he also grabbed 17 rebounds and needed only 13 minutes to achieve a double-double . After the game, in statements to journalists, he discussed his performance and recalled an important conversation with coach Joe Mazzulla, as well as the chants during the game… which even distracted him.

Points and positioning in the game:

“Just by getting in there, just by putting my body in the painted area [note: the free-throw lane], many of the shots went in where I could get.”

He recalled a conversation he had in the summer with coach Joe Mazzulla, who said he would be the starting center:

“I feel like he was placing his trust in me and supporting me in everything. It wasn’t the easiest summer for me, and they were always there for us, trying to help me, giving me as much confidence as possible so that I could go out on the field and contribute.”

“Pick and roll” situations in the game:

“It’s much easier for me now. The amount of repetition I’ve been doing with my teammates every day… the fact that I can go onto the field and be a threat to the defenses makes everything much more dangerous.”

Fans chanted for Queta to be named MVP of the game.

“Yes… it wasn’t good. I got a little distracted and missed some free throws. I need to work on that.”

State of mind at play:

“I think it’s about enjoying it, I’m happy this happened to me. Happy with the performance and the team.”

Preparing for the role in the team this season:

“It was crucial for me, before going on to play for the national team. Playing for Portugal was very important for me last summer [editor’s note: at the European Championship], it allowed me to gain a lot of rhythm and confidence. It was like a building phase. We worked a lot during the summer, before and after the surgery [arthroscopy on my left knee in May], it was an important summer for me, to refine different aspects.”

Improving details in the game and meeting the coach’s demands:

“It’s easy to get complacent when you have a night like this… when Joe [Mazzulla] comes over to me and pushes me, things can only get better.”

Developing individual skills:

“When things go right and you can capitalize on it… I just want to keep improving. When the opportunity arises, I’ll go for it and have fun.”