In a stunning display of dominance, Neemias Queta, the towering Portuguese center for the Boston Celtics, announced his arrival on the international stage with a performance for the ages at EuroBasket. On Wednesday, Queta led Portugal to a historic 62-50 victory over the Czech Republic, securing their first EuroBasket win since 2007. With an electrifying 23 points and 18 rebounds, Queta not only topped all players in both categories but also etched his name into the EuroBasket record books.
From the opening tip, Queta was a force of nature. He sparked Portugal’s offense by scoring the team’s first seven points, including a jaw-dropping 3-pointer—his first as a professional—on the game’s opening possession. The 7-footer showcased his versatility, shooting an efficient 11-of-15 from the field while anchoring the defense with four blocks and two steals. Playing 30 minutes with just two fouls, Queta’s plus-21 rating underscored his command of the court in the 12-point rout.
Facing a Czech Republic squad featuring Atlanta Hawks forward Vit Krejci, Queta’s dominance was undeniable. Krejci struggled, managing only 10 points on 2-of-8 shooting, while Queta towered over the competition. His 18 rebounds tied for the seventh-most in a single EuroBasket game, a testament to his relentless presence on the glass.
But the road ahead in Group A is daunting. Portugal now faces a gauntlet of elite frontcourts, starting with Serbia’s Nikola Jokić on Friday, followed by Turkey’s Alperen Şengün and Latvia’s Kristaps Porziņģis. With four teams advancing to the knockout round, Queta’s ability to hold his own against these NBA superstars—despite Portugal’s less heralded roster—could be the key to their progression. If Wednesday’s masterpiece is any indication, Queta is more than ready for the challenge.
For Boston Celtics fans, Queta’s EuroBasket breakout is a tantalizing preview of what’s to come. As he prepares for a pivotal season with the defending NBA champions, this historic debut signals that the Portuguese giant is poised to seize his opportunity and make waves on both sides of the Atlantic.