Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta rips down 20 rebounds, yet again highlighting his improvement in 2025-26.
The Celtics (23-13) didn’t lose Wednesday night because they lacked size.
If anything, they leaned into it.
With Nikola Jokic sidelined, Boston entered its matchup against the Nuggets (25-12) with a clear interior advantage, and Neemias Queta made sure it showed.
The big man delivered the most impactful performance of his young career, setting career highs in both offensive rebounds (10) and total boards while anchoring Boston’s physical presence all night.
Queta finished with 20 rebounds, punishing Denver on the glass and creating extra possessions that repeatedly tilted the floor in Boston’s favor. His activity level was relentless - crashing from the weak side, sealing defenders under the rim, and refusing to let possessions end cleanly.Those efforts translated into 19 offensive rebounds for the Celtics overall and 27 second-chance points, numbers that should win you most games.
And for long stretches, they did.
Without Jokic orchestrating the offense or controlling the paint, Denver was vulnerable inside, and Queta made them pay. He didn’t need designed touches or post-ups to make his presence felt. His value came in the margins - tip-outs, resets, and wearing down a Nuggets frontcourt that simply didn’t have an answer for his motor.
Jan 7, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) reacts after getting called for a foul during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara/Imagn Images)MORE CELTICS STORIES:
But basketball isn’t played in isolation.
While Boston owned the interior, Denver countered with pace, shot-making, and discipline.
Jamal Murray controlled the tempo, Peyton Watson caught fire, and when the fourth quarter arrived, the Nuggets ripped off a decisive run that flipped the game despite Boston’s rebounding dominance.
Still, Queta’s night stood out as a genuine bright spot in a loss that otherwise felt frustrating.
Speaking of big men, Luka Garza continues to force his way into the conversation.
Garza provided instant offense off the bench, knocking down shots and spacing the floor in a way that complemented Queta’s physicality. He finished as a team-best plus-11 and continued a recent stretch where his confidence - and efficiency - have noticeably climbed. His shooting has become a real weapon, particularly against second units.
The limitations showed late, particularly defensively in pick-and-roll coverage, which led head coach Joe Mazzulla to go small down the stretch. But the offensive punch Garza provides is no longer theoretical. It’s tangible.
In the end, Boston’s size advantage gave them every opportunity to control this game. Queta proved he belongs in moments like this, and the Celtics were given a reminder that even when you dominate the paint, execution still decides outcomes.
It was a loss. But for Queta, it was a night that mattered.
Jan 7, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) blocks the shot of Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) during the second half at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara/Imagn Images)JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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Tom Carroll is a contributor for Roundtable, with boots-on-the-ground coverage of all things Boston sports. He's a senior digital content producer for WEEI.com, and a native of Lincoln, RI.