Neemias Queta on his corner three: 'It was just one, but hopefully I'll get more'

Neemias Queta's corner three-pointer with 1:31 remaining in the third quarter (78-71), set up by a Paul George assist during Friday's 107-103 victory over the Knicks, was only the Portuguese center's first of the young season.

More remarkably, it was just his second three-pointer on 12 attempts across six NBA seasons—all coming since his second year with Boston—and it has already sparked conversation. After Queta took four shots from deep in the preseason (one against the 76ers and three against the Hornets without a make), the signs point to the center expanding his offensive game with the full backing of head coach Joe Mazzulla.

Asked at Sunday's Celtics practice about the moment, coming in a game where he logged 15 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 blocks, Queta smiled: "It felt great," he said, adding that he shot it with confidence. "I used to be on the bench watching guys celebrate in front of me. So I wanted to do it in front of them for once; it felt pretty good. Hopefully, I'll get more."

As for whether he intends to let it fly more often, Queta kept things grounded. "It was just one. This is a make-or-miss league, and I can't get too high after making one, just like I can't get too low after a dry spell. It's nice to see one drop, but there's another game tomorrow. That's where my focus is," said Queta, who had hit his only other career NBA three-pointer six months ago, on April 11 against the Hornets.

Did the shot secure him a green light from Mazzulla in those situations? "[Queta grins] Yeah, in a way, yes. He encourages everyone to shoot with confidence. If you're open and in position, you step into it and let it fly with confidence. You just have to stay in rhythm and time it right—make the right play at the right moment. That's all I'm trying to do."

Discussing the areas where he aims to evolve this season, Queta emphasized consistency: "First and foremost, I want to be the same player. Someone the team can count on to protect the paint, rebound, and do the things that got me here. But stretching out to three-point range can be another weapon. I feel confident about the work I put in over the summer and through the years. If I'm open, it's about shooting with confidence and making the right read."

Reporters also asked when he first realized he could be a perimeter threat, or if that had always been part of his skillset. "I used to do it back when I played in Portugal. It's something I'm comfortable with, so it isn't entirely new to me. It's just about knocking the rust off and reading the game: finding the right moments to shoot, seeing what options open up, and making good decisions on the perimeter. As the game unfolds, you get a feel for it. You learn your teammates better, and they get to know you. We've been doing a solid job with that."

Another key talking point since the preseason has been Queta's chemistry with Mitchell Robinson, the former Knicks center signed during the offseason who shares minutes in the frontcourt rotation and has been starting for Boston. Queta was asked how he has helped Robinson integrate and what growth he has seen from his new frontcourt partner.

"I've been here for four years. I know how we operate, and I can help him with that. Anything I see, I try to step in and help. He's also been great for me, helping me improve my rim protection and showing how to battle on the glass night in, night out, disrupting defenders even when he doesn't pull down the board himself. We're just trying to push each other, and I think we'll be very good together," Queta noted, before reflecting on the team's early-season form and how their offseason preparation is already showing on the court.