Magic Confidence in Paolo Banchero Accelerates After Win vs. Pistons

Paolo Banchero proved his Orlando Magic teammates and coaches right in their win against the Detroit Pistons.

Jeremy Brener | Feb 25, 2024

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Orlando Magic

ORLANDO - Orlando Magic All-Star Paolo Banchero wasn't playing quite like himself in Saturday's game against the Detroit Pistons.

Coming down to the final seconds, Banchero made just 4 of his 16 shots for 12 points, well below his season average. But even in an off game, Banchero's number was called in the final offensive possession against the Pistons.

Paolo Banchero Cole Anthony — Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

In an isolation play called going 1-on-1 against Pistons center Jalen Duren, Banchero hits a tough midrange jumper as he's fouled to seal the game for the Magic.

“For Paolo to come out regardless of the game he was having, and have the confidence, and his teammates having the confidence in him to take that last shot says a lot about him and this group,” coach Jamahl Mosley said postgame.

Banchero's leadership is a big reason why the Magic have ascended in the Eastern Conference. The win placed Orlando in the top six for the moment, which would grant them safety from participating in the Play-In Tournament.

Banchero's success is tied to the team, and Jalen Suggs said after the game that the team has rallied behind him all year long.

Banchero Buzzer Beater Lifts Magic Over Pistons

“That’s what great players do, and he’s a great player," Suggs said. "All-Star for a reason — We’re gonna have full faith in him whenever the games on the line. Time and time again [Paolo] continues to prove us right.”

Banchero and the Magic are back in action against the Atlanta Hawks tonight. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

Published Feb 25, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.