Backup Boston Celtics big man Neemias Queta has had an up-close and personal view of Boston Sixth Man of the Year candidate Payton Pritchard as he has elevated his game to new heights over the course of the last two seasons both have been suiting up for the Celtics.

Payton Pritchard and Derrick White make Celtics history with record-breaking 40-point performances and threes.

Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) celebrates with Derrick White, left, after hitting a 3-point basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) AP

Kristaps Porzingis and rookie Baylor Scheierman stepped up as the NBA champion Boston Celtics shook off the absence of star duo Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to beat the Brooklyn Nets 104-96 on Tuesday.

The Nets got to face a Boston team without Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown. But the Celtics still had championship mettle, and enough talent to handle Brooklyn. While the Nets led much of the night, and in the fourth quarter,

It was a brand-new starting lineup for the Boston Celtics tonight, as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were both ruled out due to knee injuries. In their absence, they found a tougher test in their second consecutive game against the NBA Lottery-hopeful Brooklyn Nets than they might have otherwise.