Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta found himself at the center of an unusual moment during Sunday’s 120-108 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. A clip of Queta blocking a layup attempt by Lakers guard Austin Reaves after a timeout was called quickly went viral, garnering over 180,000 views on social media, according to BrickCenter.
The incident occurred midway through the second quarter. As Reaves drove to the basket, Lakers head coach JJ Redick signaled for a timeout. However, before play officially stopped, Queta emphatically swatted the ball away. The NBC broadcast captured the play as it transitioned to a commercial break.
The play drew comparisons to a similar incident involving Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla last season. In April 2024, Mazzulla attempted to block a three-point attempt from Phoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neale after the whistle, a moment that likewise gained significant attention. Mazzulla, at the time, explained his actions as a matter of “gamesmanship,” stating, “I just think you have to find any little advantage that you can.” He further elaborated on an appearance on Pardon My Take that the practice originated with a directive to prevent opposing players from getting into a rhythm during free throws.
“We’ve been doing that for two years,” Mazzulla said. “It started last year, where in Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell took a free throw and one of my assistants just watched them and I berated him. I was like, ‘bro, what are you doing? You can’t allow the best player on the other team to just take a shot in front of — I don’t think there’s anything more insulting than allowing your opponent to do that.’ So, we just put a stop to it from there on out.”
Following the O’Neale incident, Mazzulla and his coaching staff were reportedly instructed by the NBA to refrain from contesting shots after the whistle. However, the rule apparently does not extend to players.
The incident with Queta occurred shortly after Redick, in his first season as Lakers head coach, expressed frustration with the officiating during the game. According to reports from Heavy.com, Redick “crushed refs” for a missed call during the contest. Bleacher Report noted that Redick spoke to an NBA officiating executive about a no-call on a potential goaltending situation during the game.
The Lakers are scheduled to play the Milwaukee Bucks on March 2nd, according to the NBA schedule.
