Portuguese center Neemias Queta delivered a steady performance for the Boston Celtics, contributing eight points and seven rebounds in a 105-95 loss to the New York Knicks on Friday, as the team navigates a challenging season marked by key player departures and injuries.
Queta, who started the game at Madison Square Garden, played 21 minutes and 38 seconds. He was the Celtics’ leading rebounder and helped keep the game close, with his team only trailing the Knicks by two points during his time on the court.
His outing follows a more prominent debut performance earlier in the season, where he scored 17 points in a narrow loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. For the Knicks game, Queta made three of five field goal attempts and two of three free throws.
The center also added one assist, one block, and registered three fouls. He committed two turnovers.
The Celtics entered the 2025-2026 season without championship ambitions. The team lost Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford. Star player Jayson Tatum is also out with a serious injury.
Boston’s top scorers against New York were Jaylen Brown with 23 points, Sam Hauser with 18, and Derrick White with 15. For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson led with 31 points and five assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 26 points and 13 rebounds.
The Celtics are scheduled to play their next game on Sunday against the Detroit Pistons.