Magic PF Paolo Banchero 'Rusty' in Return vs. Jazz

Paolo Banchero led the Orlando Magic to victory against the Utah Jazz, despite describing himself as "rusty" after returning from an illness.

Jeremy Brener | Mar 1, 2024

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Orlando Magic

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic are very happy to have Paolo Banchero back in the lineup after missing two games due to illness.

After fighting through and playing through the sickness for the first two games after the All-Star Break (and leading the team to road wins in each contest), Banchero missed out on action for the first time this season on Sunday against the Atlanta Hawks and Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets.

Paolo Banchero Taylor Hendricks Jazz — Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

Despite scoring 29 points in the win, Banchero still believes there is room for improvement.

“I think I was a little rusty," Banchero said. "I think this was something, my decision making really. I think my wind was a little down, was a little tired at some points, but I just wanted to come out and help us get the win, do whatever I could and I got it going in the fourth. So just give credit to my teammates, because you know, they encouraged me to stay aggressive.”

Magic Survive Slugfest Wins 2nd Straight Home Game vs. Jazz

If "rusty" means leading the team to victory after trailing by the end of the third quarter, the Magic are in very good hands. Once Banchero returns to full health, the Magic will be clicking on all cylinders, and that's exactly where they want to be going into the final month or so in the regular season.

Banchero and the Magic are back in action on Sunday night against the Detroit Pistons. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.

Published Mar 1, 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.