Magic PF Paolo Banchero 'Perfect' in Win vs. Nets
ORLANDO - Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero couldn't miss in the team's 114-106 win against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night at the Kia Center.
Banchero was a perfect 6 of 6 from the field and scored a team-high 21 points in the win against the Nets with an 8 of 9 performance from the free throw line.
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“I thought he did a great job of recognizing and reading the way the defense was loading up on him," coach Jamahl Mosley said postgame. "He had some great passes cross court, recognizing where the double teams were coming from. But he had a level of patience and poise, being able to read the game and his teammates continue to trust him, and he continues to make the right play.”
Banchero also added nine assists to the box score, a sign that he was reading the Nets' defense like a book.
In just his second season, Banchero has shown tremendous attention to detail, and it shows on the court. His basketball IQ is incredibly strong for someone who just turned 21 years old and is still only in his second season. It's why he was named an All-Star this season.
The question remains, however, if Banchero can flex this effort in a playoff setting. While he may not be able to reach that advanced level of play this season, it should only be a matter of time before the Magic's centerpiece puts them in position to truly be a threat to win it all if he continues along this pace.
The Magic returns to the court tomorrow night against the Toronto Raptors on the road. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
