“His career is officially over” No.1 overall pick Paolo Banchero lands devastating blow to the Pistons in Magic’s season opener
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Paolo Banchero
Paolo Banchero made his NBA debut on Wednesday night in Detroit, as the Magic traveled to play the Pistons in a duel of youthful squads. The Magic’s most recent No. 1 overall choice did not disappoint, setting a new rookie record with 27 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, putting on a show from the start against Cade Cunningham, Jared Ivey, and the equally thrilling Pistons.
With the Magic behind in the fourth quarter, Paolo Banchero delivered the NBA’s highlight of the night, a thunderous slam on the break over Cory Joseph for an and-1 finish that left the Orlando bench ecstatic.
Unfortunately, his excellent night did not result in a win, as the Magic were defeated by the Pistons by a score of 113-109. Banchero concluded his first game with 27 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and two blocks. In addition, he shot 61.1% from the field. At the age of 19, it’s reasonable to say he had a great NBA debut. The Magic will now travel to Georgia to face the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night, looking for their first win of the season.
Paolo Banchero equalizes Allen Iverson’s record
Paolo Banchero demonstrated why the Orlando Magic drafted him first overall on Wednesday night against the Pistons. The rookie forward ended with 27 points, nine rebounds, and five assists on 11 of 18 shooting. Banchero’s 27 points were the most by a first-round choice since Allen Iverson in 1996. He also joined LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the only No. 1 overall choice since 1969 to record 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
Surely it wasn’t only the scoring that made Banchero’s NBA debut memorable. He had remarkable poise and a sense of the game that is uncommon among rookies. He was patient in his approach, persistent when storming the boards, and provided some key blocks as well. In transition, he was a menace, controlling the ball like a guard and scoring with easy grace around the basket.
While the Magic eventually fell to the Pistons in a tight 113-109 game, Paolo Banchero’s effort was a triumph in and of itself. He put on a show to prove why he was the No. 1 pick, and his performance, paired with those of Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs – all of whom scored 20 points or more – demonstrates that the Magic are on the right track in their rebuild. Banchero kicked out his rookie season with a bang, and we’ll see where he goes from here as the season progresses.
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Abhivyakt Sharma
(270 Articles Published)