Neemias Queta Excels as Screening Machine for Celtics

Neemias Queta has emerged as a highly effective "screen assist" contributor for the Boston Celtics, significantly aiding their offense. In a recent game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Queta was credited with eight screen assists, directly leading to 21 points for his teammates, contributing to a 121-118 victory. This performance more than doubled his season averages, as he currently ranks fourth in the NBA with 3.9 screen assists per game and fifth with 9.2 screen assist points per game. Queta's screening efforts have helped free up shooters like Payton Pritchard and Derrick White for crucial three-pointers. The Celtics, as a team, now lead the NBA in screen assist points per game (23.7) and are tied for the league lead in screen assists per game (9.9), partly due to Queta and Luka Garza's contributions. Queta himself also added 14 points on 7-of-16 shooting, with nine rebounds (six offensive) and a +16 plus/minus in 33 minutes. He has been a significant positive for the Celtics since elevating to a starting role, boasting a net rating of +18.2 in his minutes on the floor, a stark contrast to the team's performance when he is on the bench.