Boston, Massachusetts – The Boston Celtics extended their losing streak to two games after a last-second basket by the Utah Jazz sealed a 105-103 defeat on Monday, following a critical missed free throw and defensive lapse by Portuguese center Neemias Queta.
Jazz forward Jusuf Nurkic scored the winning basket with just one second remaining in the game. Nurkic secured a crucial rebound over Queta before converting the decisive shot.
Moments earlier, with the score tied at 103-103, Queta missed a free throw that could have given Boston the lead.
The Celtics, who started the game strong and led 46-36 at halftime, saw their advantage evaporate in the third quarter. The Jazz outscored Boston 38-26 in that period, taking control of the game.
Queta, who started for Boston, finished the night with nine points, eight rebounds, and one assist in 26 minutes on the court.
Jazz guard Keyonte George led all scorers with 31 points, while teammate Lauri Markkanen added 20. For the Celtics, Jaylen Brown scored 36 points and Payton Pritchard contributed 18.
The loss marked Boston’s second consecutive defeat and their fifth of the season. The Utah Jazz, conversely, ended a three-game losing streak with the victory.
Queta has played in all eight of the Celtics’ games this season. He is averaging 8.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 0.9 steals, 1.4 blocks, and 1.3 assists in 22.8 minutes per contest.
The Celtics currently hold the 12th spot in the Eastern Conference standings with three wins and five losses. The Jazz are 11th in the Western Conference with a 3-4 record.
Boston is scheduled to host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. The Wizards are 14th in the Eastern Conference with only one win this season.