Celtics Praise Neemias Queta and Dalano Banton in Win vs. Hawks

The Boston Celtics got back in the win column, defeating the Atlanta Hawks 113-103 on Sunday. Jrue Holiday missed his second consecutive game, and Kristaps Porzingis was also unavailable due to a calf strain that will keep him out for at least a week.

Lately, it had been Sam Hauser sliding into the starting lineup when needed. But on Sunday night, it was Dalano Banton who received the nod. He generated eight points and five rebounds and was 3-5 from the field, exploding with some thunderous highlights with his athleticism while working with Boston's starters.

"Really just looking for opportunity and giving those guys a fair chance to play and a chance to execute, and I thought Dalano's defensive instincts and his defense was really good, and I thought he made some really good plays in the scene," Joe Mazzulla said after the win. "He's got really good feel for the game."

The Celtics second-year coach also spoke on the energy Neemias Queta brought and the way he impacted the outcome. The 24-year-old from Portugal recorded seven points and 10 rebounds, six of them being on the offensive end, and he earned plus-minus rating of plus-five in 15 minutes.

"I thought Queta just did a good job in his rim protection, and on the offensive end, just kind of making the game nasty," Mazzulla said. "So, I thought both of those guys did a great job."

It showed the strength in the Celtics' jolt of a second unit as of late, especially knowing Queta and Banton have not been primary contributors.

"Credit to our development staff that keeps them ready, but those guys come in everyday, never know when they're gonna play and they're name was called," Mazzulla added. "Just wanted to prove to them and show them that they're hard work has paid off and we're gonna need all (of) them in some capacity."

Jayson Tatum also put on a clinic in the victory with 34 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. He feasted in the fourth quarter again, producing 13 points.

Postgame, he talked about the contributions from Boston's extended rotation, conveying the following about Queta to Inside The Celtics.

"He was big for us tonight," expressed Tatum. "Just the energy that he brought off the bench. And I give a lot of credit to those guys, the "stay-ready group." They work their butts off, and you know, it's tough not knowing when your numbers gonna get called, but just having to be prepared when it does. And tonight, he helped us win the game."

Tatum also praised Banton and the player he is becoming with Boston.

"DB has been in this league for a little while," said the former Duke Blue Devil. "He knows how to play this game at a high level. He's a part of that "stay-ready group"... At times like this, when guys are in and out of the lineup, we can just plug certain guys in and just keep it rolling. He did well tonight, made some big plays for us."

The Celtics have had a strong bench, and those two can add to that, helping the deepest team in the league with their skill and versatility.

The Celtics will look to start another winning streak as they aim to regain momentum in the In-Season Tournament Tuesday night when they face the Chicago Bulls in Boston.

They need to win to remain in play, and they have to do so by a substantial amount to re-take the lead in point differential within Group C after their 113-96 loss to the Orlando Magic on Friday. Multiple scenarios are effectively in play for the Celtics' tournament outlook. That includes getting eliminated if they lose to the Bulls.

Further Reading

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Strategy Behind New Wrinkle Helping Celtics Win on the Margins

An Empowered Jaylen Brown Strives to Balance Scoring with Playmaking: 'I've Grown A Lot'

Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Overcame Poor Second Half vs. Hawks Sunday

Celtics' Loss to Magic Highlights Their Most Concerning Traits

Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis Discuss Their Quickly Cultivated Chemistry: 'An Automatic Connection'

Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Best Bucks to Stay atop East at Thanksgiving

Jrue Holiday Shares His Perspective on First Matchup vs. Bucks Since They Traded Him

Celtics Discuss Significance of Rivalry Win vs. 76ers for No. 1 Seed in East

Joe Mazzulla Believes Celtics' Second Unit is 'Starting to Develop an Identity'

Kristaps Porzingis Discusses Chemistry with Jaylen Brown: 'I Love Playing with Him'

Kristaps Porzingis Gives Glimpse of How He'll Boost Celtics Late-Game Offense

Under Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Rebuilding Brotherhood Between Past and Present