Former Duke basketball forward Paolo Banchero (Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports)
Former Duke Basketball Star Sinks Bulls in Final Seconds
Former Duke basketball standout Paolo Banchero showcased his skills again for the Orlando Magic, playing a pivotal role in Wednesday night's 96-94 road victory over the Chicago Bulls.
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Banchero, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, finished with a team-high 17 points, including the game-winning bucket with one tick remaining on the clock.
With the score tied in the final seconds, the 6-foot-10 forward received the inbounds pass and backed down Alex Caruso before demonstrating his advanced footwork and killer instinct. He executed a turnaround fadeaway jumper in traffic from seven feet out, finding the bottom of the net with his soft touch:
Throughout the contest, Banchero displayed his prowess in the paint, grabbing nine rebounds while delivering three assists as the centerpiece on offense.
The Magic's other Duke basketball product, big man Wendell Carter Jr., has been out for the past two weeks while rehabbing a hand injury.
Paolo Banchero, who turned 21 on Sunday, was the first pick in the 2022 NBA Draft following his one-and-done campaign with the Blue Devils. In 11 outings this season, he has averaged 18.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. The Seattle native has shot 45.5 percent from the field, 40.0 percent from deep, and 65.8 percent at the foul line.
Orlando (6-5) is off to a far better start than last year when the Magic had only two wins through their first 11 games. The squad will be in Chicago again on Friday for an 8 p.m. ET matchup with the Bulls (4-8).
Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke basketball news.