Celtics Players Shine at FIBA World Cup Qualifiers: Queta's Historic Upset, Garza's Steady Scoring
Neemias Queta powers Portugal past Spain in a stunning FIBA World Cup qualifier win, while Celtics teammates Luka Garza and Amari Williams add international impact.
Neemias Queta Delivers a Statement Performance in Portugal's Upset of Spain
While Celtics fans wait out the offseason, one player already looks like he's rounding into midseason form on the international stage. Neemias Queta was the difference-maker as Portugal stunned Spain 95-89 in a FIBA World Cup qualifier that's already being called one of the biggest upsets of this qualifying window.
Queta finished with 16 points, 9 rebounds, and a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line in 25 minutes, adding 2 steals while shooting 5-of-10 from the field. Just as notable: five of those rebounds came on the offensive glass, the kind of relentless effort that swung second-chance opportunities in Portugal's favor against a Spain roster loaded with pro talent.
Queta did leave the game early in the fourth quarter, though Portugal's coaching staff described the move as precautionary after he showed discomfort with a leg issue not a red flag heading into the team's next matches.
Garza's Consistency and Williams' All-Around Game Round Out the Celtics' International Showing
Queta's headline-grabbing night doesn't tell the whole story of how Boston's roster is showing up on the international circuit this window. Luka Garza, representing Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been the model of consistency averaging 17.7 points and 7.3 rebounds across three qualifier appearances, including a 31-point explosion against Turkey and a 16-point outing versus Serbia.
Garza's scoring punch has become one of the more reliable storylines of this qualifying cycle, and it lines up with the role he's carved out in Boston as an efficient interior scorer who can stretch defenses and finish inside.
Meanwhile, Amari Williams put together a well-rounded stat line for Great Britain, contributing 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists in a win over Switzerland. It's the kind of do-everything box score that reflects Williams' versatility a trait Celtics fans have started to notice in his early NBA minutes as well.
What's Next: Great Britain's Schedule Will Test Whether This Depth Holds Up
The real question for Celtics fans isn't just what happened it's whether these performances carry over into the next round of games. Great Britain, with Williams anchoring the frontcourt, continues its campaign with matchups against Lithuania in Klaipėda on July 2, 2026, followed by a home game versus Iceland in Manchester on July 5 at 3:00 pm, both part of FIBA's third qualifying window running June 29 to July 8.
Those two games will offer a clearer read on Williams' trajectory as a national-team contributor, while Queta and Garza's national squads continue their own qualifying pushes in the same window. For Boston, the appeal here isn't just pride in seeing their players compete internationally it's a preview of conditioning, confidence, and chemistry that could carry directly into training camp.
Whatever happens next, this qualifying stretch has already made one thing clear: Celtics depth isn't just about who plays big minutes in Boston. It's showing up on rosters halfway across the world too.
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