‣ Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero achieved his second NBA career triple-double in a win against the New Orleans Pelicans, marking his 14th double-double of the season.
‣ Banchero is averaging career highs across various metrics this season, including 22.6 points and 5.4 assists per game, showcasing his significant contribution to the team’s performance.
‣ The Magic have secured their second winning season in 12 years and are on pace for their most wins since the 2010-11 season, highlighting the team’s improvement and success.
Paolo Banchero drops a triple-double to lead the @OrlandoMagic to their 5th straight win and 8th over the last 10 🪄📈
20 PTS | 10 REB | 11 AST
— NBA (@NBA)
Details
Orlando Magic’s forward, Paolo Banchero, really lit up the court Thursday night. He snagged his second NBA career triple-double in a 121-106 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans. Oh, and it was his 14th double-double of the season too.
The 2024 All-Star wrapped up the game with some impressive stats. We’re talking 20 points, 10 rebounds, and a career-high-tying 11 assists. Plus, he nabbed a steal in just 33 minutes. His shooting? Spot on. Banchero hit 9-of-18 from the field and 2-of-5 from beyond the arc.
But, get this, his start was a bit rocky. Missed his first 10 shots, including a couple of free throws. Then, bam! He found his rhythm, shooting 50% from the field. The Magic really turned up the heat in the third quarter, outscoring the Pelicans 38-27. They even led by a whopping 21 points at one point.
On Twitter, the NBA couldn’t stop buzzing about Banchero’s performance. They tweeted, “Paolo Banchero drops a triple-double to lead the @OrlandoMagic to their 5th straight win and 8th over the last 10 20 PTS | 10 REB | 11 AST.”
Post-game, Banchero shared his strategy. “I just wanted to switch it around in the second [half]. Just trying to let the game come to me,” he said. He focused on his passing, always looking to set up his teammates.
This triple-double marks the Magic’s 36th in franchise history. And Banchero? He’s been on fire, scoring at least 20 points a whopping 45 times this season. His personal best was a staggering 43 points against Sacramento on January 3.
Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner also made significant contributions, scoring 22 and 18 points, respectively.
Banchero is not just any player; he’s averaging career highs across the board this season. We’re talking 22.6 points and 5.4 assists per game. Plus, his defensive game is strong, with an average of 1.0 steal and 34.8 minutes on the court. His shooting accuracy? Better than ever, with 46.7% from the floor and 36.9% from deep.
Bally Sports Florida: Magic echoed the sentiment on Twitter, calling him “Mr. triple-double on the dub.”
Magic’s coach, Jamahl Mosley, praised Banchero’s adaptability and strategic play. “Teams are loading up on him, defending him different ways. He’s making the right plays, the right pass, not forcing the game,” Mosley said. He highlighted Banchero’s ability to read the defense and find the perfect moment to strike.
In a fun fact, the Magic have hit at least one 3-pointer in 1,363 consecutive games. That’s since March 17, 2007, making it the fifth-longest active streak in the NBA. Quite the feat, according to Orlando Magic PR.
Thursday’s win was more than just another victory. It marked Orlando’s fifth consecutive win and their 18th in the last 23 games. With a record of 42-28, the Magic have clinched their second winning season in 12 years. They’re on track to have their most successful season since 2010-11. What a ride!
