Neemias Queta Leads Portugal to Historic EuroBasket Knockout Phase Berth in 2025

On September 3, 2025, Neemias Queta and the Portuguese national basketball team etched their names in history, advancing to the EuroBasket Knockout Phase for the first time ever with a thrilling 68-65 victory over Estonia in Riga, Latvia. Despite Queta’s ejection in the third quarter, Portugal’s resilience, led by Rafael Lisboa’s clutch performance, secured a spot in the Round of 16, marking a monumental achievement for a nation with no prior EuroBasket wins since 2007. As reported by Eurohoops.net, this historic moment showcases Portugal’s basketball progress and Queta’s growing influence as a Boston Celtics center and national team leader. This article explores Queta’s pivotal role, the game’s dramatic moments, Portugal’s journey, and the broader significance of this milestone for both the player and his country.

The Historic Victory: Portugal vs. Estonia

The decisive game against Estonia on September 3, 2025, was a must-win for Portugal to advance from Group A in EuroBasket 2025. Entering with a 1-3 record, Portugal faced a do-or-die scenario against an equally desperate Estonian squad. Queta, the team’s lone NBA player, was a focal point, averaging 15.0 points and 7.4 rebounds over five group-stage games, per FIBA.basketball. His impact was immediate, scoring 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting, with three rebounds, one steal, and one block in 22 minutes before his ejection, per SportingNews.com.

The game was a rollercoaster. Portugal trailed by three with one minute remaining when Rafael Lisboa, Queta’s long-time friend and teammate, hit a game-tying three-pointer, per Yahoo Sports. Moments later, Lisboa converted crucial free throws after Estonia’s technical fouls, sealing the 68-65 win. MassLive.com described the victory as Portugal overcoming “the controversial ejection of Celtics center” Queta, who received two technicals for excessive celebration after a layup that gave Portugal a 38-37 lead. Despite his absence, teammates like Lisboa (17 points), Travante Williams (11 points, eight rebounds), and Miguel Queiroz (10 points, 10 rebounds) stepped up, per Eurohoops.net.

Queta’s Ejection and Resilience

Queta’s ejection in the third quarter, reported by TimesNG.com, stemmed from a controversial call after he celebrated a layup with flexing, deemed excessive by referees. SportingNews.com noted Queta muttering “F—ing joke” as he left the court, reflecting his frustration. Portugal’s head coach, Mario Gomes, commented, “It’s very easy to make a call like that against a Portuguese player,” but praised the team’s resilience: “I knew the team was going to react. They weren’t going to throw in the towel” (TimesNG.com). Queta’s 15 points before his exit nearly made him Portugal’s top scorer, underscoring his importance despite the setback.

This wasn’t Queta’s first high-stakes moment. His leadership was evident in earlier games, notably a 62-50 upset over the Czech Republic on August 27, 2025, where he delivered 23 points, 18 rebounds, four blocks, and two steals, per NBA.com. Posts on X, like @BasketNews_com’s, hailed it as “the SEVENTH best rebounds performance of all-time in EuroBasket,” with a 39 efficiency rating. Queta’s ability to perform under pressure, even after his ejection, inspired his teammates to rally, cementing Portugal’s historic achievement.

Neemias Queta: Portugal’s Basketball Trailblazer

Born July 13, 1999, in Barreiro, Portugal, Neemias Queta has become a national icon. A 7-foot, 248-pound center with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, Queta starred at Utah State, earning Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2021 before being drafted 39th overall by the Sacramento Kings. After a modest rookie season, he joined the Boston Celtics in 2022 on a two-way contract, earning a standard deal in 2024. In the 2024-25 NBA season, Queta played a career-high 62 games, averaging 5.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks on 65% shooting, per Basketball-Reference. His role as a rim protector and rebounder made him a valuable piece for the 2024 NBA champions.

Queta’s international resume is equally impressive. Leading Portugal to gold at the 2019 FIBA U20 EuroBasket Division B, he averaged 18.5 points and 11.5 rebounds in 2023 Pre-Qualifiers, per FIBA.basketball. His EuroBasket 2025 performance—15.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.8 blocks over five games—earned praise from Celtics teammate Kristaps Porzingis, who told Heavy Sports, “Neemy’s been getting better every year.” Queta’s ejection against Estonia, while a setback, highlighted his passion, a trait that resonates with Portuguese fans, as seen in @Timi_093’s X post: “Neemias Queta had 15 points… Portugal won anyway and advanced to the knockout round for the first time ever.”

Portugal’s Basketball Renaissance

Portugal’s basketball history is modest, with only four EuroBasket appearances before 2025 and no wins since a 94-85 victory over Israel in 2007, per NBA.com. The 2025 tournament, their first since 2011, marked a turning point. Qualifying through a tough group with Israel, Slovenia, and Ukraine, Portugal showcased their progress, per FIBA.basketball. The upset over the Czech Republic, led by Queta’s 23 points and 18 rebounds, was their first EuroBasket win in 18 years, per HeraldNews.com.

The Estonia victory, detailed by Yahoo Sports, was a team effort. Lisboa’s clutch three and free throws, combined with Queiroz’s double-double, reflected Portugal’s growing depth. Coach Gomes emphasized the team’s underdog mentality, telling CLNS Media, “We know we go there as underdogs, but our belief as a group is to try to pass the first phase.” This milestone, as Eurohoops.net noted, “makes history and advances to the next stage,” positioning Portugal to face Germany or Finland in the Round of 16.

The Significance of the Milestone

Portugal’s advancement to the EuroBasket Knockout Phase is a landmark for a nation with limited basketball infrastructure. Unlike European powerhouses like Spain or Serbia, Portugal has relied on grassroots development and Queta’s emergence as a global talent. MassLive.com described it as “the kind of showcase for the country’s basketball progress Lisboa and Queta dreamt about.” The achievement elevates Portugal’s profile, inspiring young players and boosting investment in the sport, per TimesNG.com.

For Queta, the moment solidifies his status as a national hero. His performance, despite the ejection, underscores his leadership, as teammate Lisboa told Yahoo Sports: “We fought for our country.” Queta’s NBA experience, including his role in Boston’s 2024 title, has translated to international success, making him a role model. His ejection, while controversial, did not overshadow his impact, as SportingNews.com noted his 15 points were “integral to Portugal’s chances.”

Challenges and Controversies

Queta’s ejection highlighted the challenges of officiating in high-stakes games. TimesNG.com reported coach Gomes’ frustration with the call, suggesting bias against Portuguese players. The technical fouls, per Eurohoops.net, stemmed from Queta’s celebration, raising questions about consistency in FIBA rules. Despite this, Portugal’s ability to win without their star center showcased their resilience, a testament to their preparation and depth.

The team’s 2-3 group-stage record, with losses to Serbia, Turkey, and Latvia, reflects the competitive gap Portugal faces against elite teams, per FIBA.basketball. Queta’s limited minutes in some games (19 against Latvia, 22 against Serbia) due to foul trouble or tactical adjustments highlight areas for growth, such as defensive discipline. Facing Germany or Finland in the Round of 16 will test Portugal’s ability to sustain their momentum.

Queta’s NBA Outlook and Boston’s Hopes

Queta’s EuroBasket performance enhances his prospects with the Celtics, who face a challenging 2025-26 season without Tatum, Holiday, and Porzingis, per Boston.com. Derrick White’s White Noise podcast comments in September 2025 praised Queta’s work ethic, predicting a breakout season: “He’s helped us win games, or he’s changed the momentum” (Hardwood Houdini). With Al Horford and Luke Kornet gone, Queta is projected as Boston’s starting center, potentially averaging 10 points and 8 rebounds, per CBS Sports.

Queta’s EuroBasket stats—60.4% field-goal shooting, 1.8 blocks per game—mirror his NBA strengths, per FIBA.basketball. His ability to dominate the paint, as seen in a 16-point, 7-rebound game against Latvia, aligns with coach Joe Mazzulla’s defensive system. However, improving his finishing (61.4% at the rim) and avoiding fouls will be key, per Heavy Sports.

Fan and Media Reactions

The historic win sparked jubilation on X. @RealBobManning posted, “Rafael Lisboa saved him and Portugal with a 4Q eruption… Portugal is going to the knockout round!” @ClutchPoints celebrated Queta’s earlier Czech Republic performance: “23 points, 18 rebounds, 4 blocks… He leads Portugal to an opening day win.” Media outlets were effusive. Eurohoops.net called it “Portugal makes history,” while MassLive.com hailed the team’s resilience. CelticsBlog noted, “Queta’s ejection didn’t stop Portugal’s dream run, a testament to his leadership.”

The Road Ahead

Portugal’s Round of 16 matchup against Germany or Finland, scheduled for September 6, 2025, will test their mettle, per FIBA.basketball. A win could propel them to the quarterfinals, further elevating their status. For Queta, a strong tournament enhances his NBA stock as he enters a contract year in 2026, with a $2.2 million deal, per Spotrac. His ability to translate EuroBasket success to the NBA could secure a long-term role with Boston or beyond.

Neemias Queta’s leadership in Portugal’s historic advance to the EuroBasket 2025 Knockout Phase marks a defining moment for both the player and his nation. Despite his third-quarter ejection in the 68-65 win over Estonia, Queta’s 15 points and broader tournament impact—15.0 points, 7.4 rebounds—fueled Portugal’s first-ever Round of 16 berth, per Eurohoops.net. The victory, driven by Rafael Lisboa’s clutch play and a resilient team effort, reflects Portugal’s basketball renaissance, as noted by Yahoo Sports. Queta’s NBA experience with the Celtics, combined with his international heroics, positions him for a breakout 2025-26 season, as endorsed by Derrick White. This milestone, celebrated across X and media, underscores Queta’s role as a trailblazer and Portugal’s emergence on the global stage.