The Orlando Magic are coming into the brand new yr with excessive aspirations. They didn’t disappoint of their season debut towards their division rivals, the Miami Warmth. The Magic gained by a last rating of 116-97 behind a robust efficiency by their celebrity, Paolo Banchero. Banchero confirmed he is among the up-and-coming faces of the NBA. On the night time, he performed like a future MVP. Banchero got here away with a powerful 33 factors, a game-high participant differential of +42, shot 4 for eight from three-point territory, and had 11 whole rebounds. He additionally recorded a block and a steal showcasing some potential on the defensive finish of the ground.
What is maybe missed is that he solely allowed six factors on protection. Solely Bam Adebayo and Terry Rozier had been capable of rating on the one-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Yr. At six-foot-10 and 250 kilos, it’s only a matter of time earlier than Banchero acknowledges his defensive potential. A scary thought for the remainder of the NBA. Additionally it is one more reason the Magic took him first general within the 2022 NBA Draft. If this recreation is any indication of how this season will play out, then the Orlando Magic are set to make one other vital leap and presumably be a top-three seed within the Japanese Convention.
Paolo Banchero Posts MVP-Like Stat Line in First Sport of the Season
Different Key Contributors for the Magic within the Victory In opposition to the Warmth
Banchero was not the one participant on the Magic who shined within the group’s season debut. The supporting solid additionally supplied strong outcomes. Franz Wagner scored 23 factors on 62.5 p.c taking pictures from the sphere. Wagner was additionally three for six taking pictures from past the arc. One other key contributor was veteran, Gary Harris, who supplied strong outcomes off the bench. Harris wound again the clock to his Denver Nuggets days as he logged 18 factors, two blocked pictures, and recorded an excellent three-point taking pictures proportion of 66.7 p.c.
He showcased his perimeter protection capabilities as he solely allowed 4 factors on protection. Jalen Suggs was additionally very important in Orlando’s victory. He recorded a participant differential of +18, supplied 11 factors, and likewise got here away with 4 assists. The Magic seemed dominant of their win over the Warmth. If that is any indication of issues to come back, the higher echelon of the Japanese Convention may look so much totally different this yr. Don’t sleep on this Orlando Magic squad.
