The Orlando Magic notched another victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, completing a clean sweep in their season matchups with a commanding 111-96 win. This game, following their earlier triumph in the weekend’s first clash, showcased Paolo Banchero’s stellar performance, which has been instrumental for the Magic throughout the season.
Despite a slow start in Friday night’s game, where he managed just 6 points in the first half, Banchero staged a remarkable comeback. By the game’s end, he had contributed 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists, shooting 5-15 from the field.
Banchero’s Sunday performance was even more impressive, as he amassed 26 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds in just three quarters. By the game’s conclusion, he had racked up 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, significantly boosting his efficiency with an 11-16 field goal rate, including 4 successful three-pointers.
Coach Jamahl Mosley lauded Banchero’s adaptability and basketball IQ, praising his ability to read and react to the opposing team’s strategies on the court.
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“I think that’s the mark of a great player. You understand how a team’s playing you in one situation and you don’t come back out and force it,” Mosley remarked. “I thought he did a great job of letting the game come to him. He was able to get downhill, find the right things in the game, make the right pass. He found his teammates a ton. I think his ability to be aggressive the right way is exactly what we’re asking him to do.”
Reflecting on his performance, Banchero explained his approach, highlighting his adaptive tactics against the Raptors’ defense.
“I wouldn’t say my mindset changed. I just think, you know, the game opens up for me and I think a lot of times at the start of the games, teams are super alert and trying to keep me from getting to my spots,” Banchero shared. “In the first half, I kind of took what they gave me and then in the third, I got fouled, I think, in the first possession. I got to the line and then I was just trying to be aggressive. I had the three-ball going which always helps. Just being able to open up the defense.”
With their third consecutive win, the Magic now boast a record of 40-28, placing them as the 5th seed in the conference. They are closely trailing the New York Knicks by 0.5 games and the Cleveland Cavaliers by 2 games for the 3rd seed. With 15 games remaining in the season and an upcoming 8-game homestand ahead, the team aims to capitalize on this momentum to climb higher in the standings, starting with a matchup against the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night at 7 PM ET.
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