BOSTON — The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 114-98 in the NBA behind a comeback built around Neemias Queta's career-best performance of 27 points and 17 rebounds, a victory that solidifies Boston among the league's most dominant teams.
Philadelphia started strong. The 76ers dominated the first quarter and built a 10-point lead while Boston struggled to find their rhythm (8 of 26 from the field, 30%). However, the script flipped in the second quarter. With Queta imposing his presence in the paint, the Celtics went on a 15-6 run that erased the deficit and closed the first half with a 62-50 lead after a dominant 36-22 second quarter.
Queta was instrumental from the start. In less than 14 minutes before halftime, he accumulated 16 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block. The Portuguese center finished with his 11th double-double of the season, adding three blocks. In his last five games, he has recorded three double-doubles, all with at least two blocks.
Jaylen Brown chipped in with 27 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, while Derrick White contributed 21 points and eight assists to sustain Boston's offensive pace. A corner three-pointer by Baylor Scheierman at the halftime buzzer, assisted by Brown, reinforced the positive momentum heading into the locker room.
Philadelphia attempted a second-half comeback. After falling 16 points behind, they cut the deficit to 103-97 with just over four minutes remaining. But at the crucial moment, Queta appeared again, scoring the next eight points for Boston to extend the lead to 111-98 and seal the game.
Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 33 points and six assists, while VJ Edgecombe added 23 points in a night that ended Philadelphia's three-game winning streak.
With this result, Boston reaches 40 wins and has six victories in their last seven games, solidifying their position atop the Eastern Conference.