The budding chemistry between Jayson Tatum and Neemias Queta

After missing an abundance of practice time and 63 games on the court, the connection between Jayson Tatum and Neemias Queta looks like it hasn’t been affected.

Following his return from injury, Tatum offered insight into the conversations he and Queta shared.

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“Me and Neemi had a little talk during the game,” he said. “We were just like, ‘man, this is our first day really playing together.’” While the two logged 385 minutes together last season, there is still, as he noted, “some things we got to work on.”

And if Tatum’s first game back against the Dallas Mavericks was any indication of a starting point, there is ample reason for excitement about what lies ahead.

The most common action for this tandem features Queta setting an on-ball screen, creating scoring opportunities for Tatum. As I noted before this season, Queta utilizes his body exceptionally well in these situations.

At his best he’s leveraging his full frame with a low, wide base to effectively shield on-ball defenders.

Even in situations where Tatum doesn’t convert, you can see just how much space he has to work with thanks to Queta.

Tatum even praised Queta, saying he has “really turned into an excellent screener” following the Celtics’ 111–100 win over the Washington Wizards.

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That same game also marked Queta’s second-highest scoring output of the season, as he poured in 24 points on 11-of-13 shooting, with Tatum’s precise passing playing a key role in setting him up.

Since Tatum’s return, he has nine assists to Queta which is tied for the most to a teammate with Derrick White. Tatum’s passing variety and pass placement adds another layer to an already really good offense.  These skills have already enhanced Queta’s opportunities as a scorer.

Coach Joe Mazzulla was also asked what he has seen from the duo following the win over the Wizards. He pointed to Queta’s growth, noting that his “ability as a connector, his ability to set screens, his ability to get guys open, his ability to read the floor in transition and create those two-on-ones…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/budding-chemistry-between-jayson-tatum-114200658.html

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Publish date : 2026-03-26 11:42:00

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