Portuguese international center Nehemias Queta played just 3.45 minutes in the Boston Celtics’ quiet 126-97 home win over the Utah Jazz in North American Basketball League (NBA) action on Friday.
The Portuguese international had the shortest time of the 13 used by coach Joe Mazzulla, being released with just 9.38 minutes left with 5.53 to play after missing a single shot and committing two fouls.
The Celtics ’88er was in his 13th NBA game of the season, averaging 4.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game in 13.7 minutes.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 30 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while Finland’s Lauri Markkanen was the best outsider with 17 points, five rebounds and five assists.
The Boston Celtics extended their lead in the Eastern Conference with 27 wins and seven losses, including 17 wins in 17 home games, being the only ones undefeated at home, while the Jazz remain in 12th place in the West with 16 wins and 20 losses.
As for Neemias Keta, he currently has 33 NBA games under his belt, 13 with the Boston Celtics, who signed him this season, and 20 with the Sacramento Kings, 15 in the 2021-22 season, his debut season, and five in total in 2022. 23.
The 24-year-old Portuguese center forward was selected 39th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2021 NBA Draft, becoming the first Portuguese player to participate in the tournament.
He was hired by the Boston Celtics last season on a two-way contract, meaning he would play not only for the team but also for the Maine Celtics, who compete in the G League.