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 received by a closing rating of 116-97 behind a robust efficiency by their celebrity, Paolo Banchero. Banchero confirmed he is without doubt one of the up-and-coming faces of the NBA. On the night time, he performed like a future MVP. Banchero got here away with a formidable 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 have 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. It is usually another excuse 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 important soar and probably be a top-three seed within the Jap Convention.
Paolo Banchero Posts MVP-Like Stat Line in First Sport of the Season
Different Key Contributors for the Magic within the Victory Towards the Warmth
Banchero was not the one participant on the Magic who shined within the workforce’s season debut. The supporting solid additionally offered strong outcomes. Franz Wagner scored 23 factors on 62.5 % taking pictures from the sector. Wagner was additionally three for six taking pictures from past the arc. One other key contributor was veteran, Gary Harris, who offered 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 impressive three-point taking pictures proportion of 66.7 %.
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, offered 11 factors, and in addition got here away with 4 assists. The Magic appeared dominant of their win over the Warmth. If that is any indication of issues to come back, the higher echelon of the Jap Convention may look so much totally different this yr. Don’t sleep on this Orlando Magic squad.