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Neemias Queta described Boston’s playoff exit as a “roller coaster” after the Celtics fell 109-100 to Philadelphia in Game 7 at TD Garden.
“Roller coaster. A lot going on,” Queta said. “Obviously not the ending we expected, but I think we can all look at the season with a positive sign.”
The Boston big man finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds, providing interior production in a game defined by missed perimeter shots.
“We could have won tonight. Could have won Game 6, could have won Game 5,” Queta said. “But all of that stuff is passed already.”
The series shifted after Joel Embiid returned in Game 4, altering both ends of the floor.
“They’re a totally different team with him,” Queta said. “Great player, makes a lot of plays. Makes it hard on every player on the court.”
Embiid closed the series with 34 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in Game 7, anchoring a Philadelphia team that erased a 3-1 deficit.
“Whether you double, whether you can be more aggressive… they look a lot better with him,” Queta added.
Boston’s identity during the regular season relied on offensive rebounding and second-chance points, but that advantage disappeared late in the series.
“They upped it,” Queta said. “They did a great job of getting the defensive rebounds… making it hard for us to go get them.”
The Celtics shot 13-for-49 from three, creating long rebounds but failing to capitalize on extra possessions.
“With the amount of shots we missed… we had more opportunities,” Queta said. “I think they did a pretty good job of finding their men.”
Queta also pointed to the physical and tactical differences between the regular season and playoffs.
“The game slows down,” he said. “Play the same team over and over again… the attention to detail is more there.”
That adjustment challenged Boston’s offensive rhythm and forced players to find new ways to contribute.
“When teams know your tendencies… finding ways to counter that is key,” Queta said. “I feel like I still got a ways to go on that.”
Foul trouble limited Queta at times during the series, especially against Embiid’s size and physicality.
“As a center you’re in a lot of different positions where you can get fouls,” he said. “I got to start looking at myself and be better first and foremost.”
Despite the early playoff exit, Queta emphasized his personal development and leadership growth.
“I think just the maturity overall,” he said. “Being able to figure out how to move on to the next play and still find ways to be impactful.”
Boston, the No. 2 seed after a 56-26 season, exited in the first round after leading the series 3-1.
“In hindsight, we look at the season trying to find the positives in it,” Queta said.
The Celtics center maintained that the experience, both individually and collectively, will carry forward.
“Being able to grow as a leader… communicate more with my teammates,” Queta said. “That’s still a work in progress.”
