Paolo Banchero Breaks Out in Win Against Jazz

Paolo Banchero came to play Thursday night, scoring 30 points in dominating fashion in a nail-biting win in Salt Lake City against the Utah Jazz (2-4), while adding 9 rebounds and 5 assists. This was Orlando’s first win in Utah since 2015 and breaking a two-game losing streak in their final game on the road before returning home.  The Magic also got strong contributions from Franz Wagner (21/4/5), Cole Anthony (18/7/7), and Wendell Carter (14 pts., 10 reb.); all without their starting point guard in Markelle Fultz, who was out due to a swolen left knee. 

Credit: Rick Bowmer - Associated Press

Banchero had been struggling through the first four games of the season, only averaging 12.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game on a mere 37% from the field; a far cry from the 20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists he averaged a year prior. Several wondered whether Banchero was falling into the dreaded sophomore slump, which is common for 2nd year players. His lack of aggression and questionable decision-making drew questions as to whether he was fatigued from playing with in the FIBA World Games for Team USA. 

 As it pertains to the Magic (3-2), this breakout game could not have come at a better time. Orlando has a tough five-game stretch over the next ten days, with home games against the Lakers, Mavericks, Hawks, and Bucks before they hit the road and play a young Brooklyn team at the Barclay’s Center.  

If Orlando plans on staying in the play-in hunt over the course of the season, Orlando’s former number one pick is going to have to lead the charge alongside Franz Wagner, and continue to play with this level of aggression and fire.