Paolo Banchero, the former Duke basketball standout now shining for the Orlando Magic, played a defining role in Wednesday night’s thrilling 96-94 win over the Chicago Bulls.
The reigning NBA Rookie of the Year led the charge with a team-high 17 points, sealing the victory with a clutch shot in the final seconds of the game.
With the score deadlocked, the 6-foot-10 forward received the inbound pass, showcasing his exceptional footwork and scoring instincts. Despite pressure from Alex Caruso, Banchero executed a flawless turnaround fadeaway jumper from seven feet, securing the win with his impeccable touch.
Banchero dominated the paint throughout, snatching nine rebounds and distributing three key assists, serving as the linchpin of the Magic’s offense.
Meanwhile, Wendell Carter Jr., another former Duke basketball product with the Magic, has been sidelined for two weeks due to a hand injury.
At just 21 years old, Banchero, the top pick in the 2022 NBA Draft following his brief tenure with the Blue Devils, continues to impress. Across 11 games this season, he’s averaged 18.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, showcasing impressive shooting percentages of 45.5% from the field, 40.0% from beyond the arc, and 65.8% from the foul line.
Orlando (6-5) is off to a notably stronger start this season compared to the previous year, where they only secured two wins in their initial 11 games. The team faces the Bulls (4-8) again on Friday in Chicago at 8 p.m. ET, seeking to build on their recent triumph.
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