The Boston Celtics sealed a decisive 103-91 victory over the Miami Heat on Friday night, with Jayson Tatum leading the charge with 28 points and Jrue Holiday closely following with 25. As the final quarter got underway, the Celtics’ Neemias Queta proved to be a game-changer, making a significant impact with two points, eight rebounds, and a block in 22 minutes of play, boasting one of the highest plus/minus ratings of the night at 9. This pivotal performance was highlighted by a crucial stretch where the Celtics outscored the Heat 25-14, effectively sealing their win.
As noted by Danielle Hobeika on Twitter, the connection between Al and Queta was particularly noteworthy, with Queta’s contributions to the Celtics’ 10-0 run being a standout moment. Coach Joe Mazzulla was full of praise for Queta’s defensive prowess, emphasizing his ability to adapt to various defensive schemes, switch assignments, and protect the rim. Mazzulla’s comments were echoed by Bobby Krivitsky on Twitter, who highlighted Queta’s impressive display in the fourth quarter.
The win not only marked a significant triumph for the Celtics but also secured their playoff spot, thanks in part to the Atlanta Hawks’ loss to the Clippers. Meanwhile, the Heat suffered their sixth consecutive defeat. The Celtics’ victory was met with excitement on social media, with the team tweeting about their title defense being officially underway.
In other news, the Cleveland Cavaliers visited the Memphis Grizzlies and emerged with a 133-124 win, marking their 16th consecutive victory – a new franchise record. This achievement also included their 11th away win, another record for the team. Despite the loss, Ja Morant of the Grizzlies had a season-high 44 points, making him a notable mention in the game. As the season continues to unfold, these developments are sure to have a significant impact on the standings and playoff picture.