BSJ Game Report: Celtics 114, 76ers 98 - A Neemias Queta master class

BOSTON — Nothing went right for the Boston Celtics at the start of Sunday night's game. Nothing.

As the Philadelphia 76ers got into a flow, the Celtics were left fighting for scraps on the offensive glass, desperately trying to string together successful possessions. In the first quarter alone, Boston grabbed seven offensive rebounds, tallying 13 second-chance points. Without Boston's incessant hustle, Philadelphia could have jumped out to a huge early lead.

Despite shooting just 8-of-26 (30.8%) from the field and 3-of-13 (23.1%) from deep range, the Celtics were only down two (28-26) after the first frame.

Then, Neemias Quetahappened.

It was a blur. The Portuguese behemoth was everywhere.

He ran the pick-and-roll beautifully with Derrick White, crashed for offensive rebounds (he had seven in the first half alone), and put the ball on the ground, slicing through defenders with ease.

By the time Queta subbed out with 5:32 to go in the second, had played just 13:42, but his stat line was incredible.

Queta had 16 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block. Philadelphia had no answer for him.

Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombeled the 76ers' scoring attack, but it wasn't enough to keep up with the Celtics once they got their momentum rolling.

Queta's dominant second quarter lit a fire under Boston, and everything fell into place.

Jaylen Brownplayed a beautiful two-way game. He made the right read time after time, dishing to open teammates when Philadelphia doubled him and taking the space to score when they didn't.

Meanwhile, Baylor Scheierman, who is playing through a fracture in his left hand, was all over the place. His three-ball wasn't falling (except for a halftime buzzer-beater), but his hustle was ever-present.

Scheierman battled on the glass, checked Maxey on defense, and was key to igniting Boston's fastbreaks, as he consistently took the ball and ran after grabbing a defensive rebound.

The third quarter was less pretty for Boston. Philadelphia won the period 33-27, and the Celtics' four turnovers led to seven Sixers points.

Boston's struggles continued into the fourth. Their offense couldn't find a rhythm, and Maxey went nuclear. Whether it was threes, layups, or transition opportunities, he found a way to put the ball in the basket. The Celtics couldn't handle his speed.

Then, Queta happened again.

It was a small, fleeting moment, but as the Celtics' offense was reeling late in the fourth, Queta got the ball in a post-up with just over three minutes to go. He got doubled, lost the ball, grabbed it again, and sank an and-one.

Queta looked up to the TD Garden crowd and screamed. He got MVP chants at the free-throw line (for the second time).

But Edgecombe blew by him on the next play and earned himself a trip to the line. Philadelphia wouldn't go down without a fight.

Luckily for the Celtics, Queta was perfectly fine with a fight.

Bucket after bucket, rebound after rebound, Queta stormed forward. He ended the night with 27 points, 17 rebounds (10 offensive), and a Celtics victory.

Big winner: Although he had a quiet second half, this was still Queta's night.

Everything he touched turned to gold in the first half. It was the most dominant display of basketball Queta has enjoyed all season, and maybe in his entire career.

Philadelphia tried to put extra pressure on Boston's ball-handlers, and Queta took advantage.

Ouch, tough one: Outside of his quiet 22-point night on Friday against the Brooklyn Nets, Payton Pritchardhasn't been his usual self lately.

Ever since pouring in 30 points against the Los Angeles Lakers, he's struggled to find a rhythm scoring the ball. Teams have upped their pressure, and he hasn't been a focal point of Boston's offense as a result.

The big picture: Boston's last two games have proved one thing: The Nikola Vucevictrade was perfect.

Against the Nets, Vucevic pieced together a beautiful offensive showing. He could do no wrong. Then, against the 76ers, it was Queta's turn.

Both play very differently. Vucevic uses his touch around the rim and three-point shot. Queta has blossomed into an elite screener and fills open space beautifully, especially as a lob threat.

At the deadline, Boston added a starting-caliber center. Now, they have two. And both play their part to perfection.