In a season marked by electrifying performance and historical significance, the Boston Celtics showcased their prowess with a remarkable 64-win regular season. Their dominance continued through the playoffs, which culminated in a championship victory achieved with a 16-3 record. This stellar performance placed the Celtics among the elite teams in NBA history, particularly in terms of their offensive capabilities from beyond the three-point line.
Three-Point Prowess
The Celtics' shooting from beyond the arc was a significant weapon in their championship run. They managed to drain more three-pointers than all but two teams in NBA history, staking their claim as one of the most formidable shooting teams ever. However, while they were prolific in volume, their accuracy tempered expectations slightly, as they were ranked 21st all-time in 3-point shooting percentage. Nonetheless, their ability to score from long range played a critical role in their successful campaign.
Despite their three-point success, the Celtics found challenges in scoring close to the basket, ranking 27th in points in the paint. This discrepancy highlights the team’s shooting-oriented strategy, relying heavily on its backcourt to provide offensive outputs rather than physical play near the rim.
Neemias Queta: A Rising Talent
Among the intriguing storylines of Boston's season was the emergence of Neemias Queta, a second-round draft pick who joined the team on a two-way contract. Queta provided sparks off the bench, particularly with his dunking ability, which quickly became a highlight of the Celtics’ offensive plays. In an impressive display of athleticism, Queta recorded eight dunks during the Celtics' first seven games, achieving a notable rank of 33rd in the league for dunks despite playing fewer than 100 minutes.
Queta's showcase came against the Golden State Warriors, where in just 28 minutes, he delivered four thunderous dunks, scored 14 points, and grabbed eight rebounds. His performance not only filled the stat sheet but also provided crucial momentum for the Celtics, as evidenced by his team-best plus-13 point differential in that game alone.
Contributing significantly to the Celtics’ dynamic play, Queta’s overall net rating for the season stood at an impressive plus-22.7 over 125 minutes, underscoring his efficiency and effectiveness on the court. His dunk rate compared to teammate Luke Kornet further cemented his standing as a key component in the Celtics' roster.
Investing in the Future
Recognizing Queta’s potential, the Celtics invested $2.2 million in his development. This commitment reflects the team's belief in his capacity to grow into a more impactful player, potentially providing the physical inside presence that complements their perimeter-heavy offensive strategy.
While Queta's skill set is still evolving, his contributions have already provided a glimpse into what could be a more robust role in future seasons. Boston's strategic investment in his development suggests a balanced approach to nurturing talent while maintaining their competitive edge.
As the Celtics revel in their championship triumph, their focus on a holistic team development strategy that blends veteran leadership with emerging talents like Neemias Queta positions them well for sustained success. With the foundation of a high-performance season and the determination to evolve, Boston's future appears as promising as ever, with aspirations reaching beyond their current achievements.