Early on in his second game, Paolo Banchero described his performance as “rusty” after scoring nine points in the first quarter versus the Sacramento Kings.
The description likely surprised everyone watching on Saturday.
The No. 1 pick seemingly picked up where he left off from his debut on Thursday and turned in yet another strong performance with the Orlando Magic, producing 23 points in a double-overtime win. He added six rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocks in 33 minutes.
Banchero mixed in a number of his patented post moves and had little trouble finishing inside the paint against the Kings. He also found success getting to the free-throw line, going 11-of-15 from the stripe, while making plays for others.
He also threw down a 360 dunk in transition.
PAOLO BANCHERO PULLS OUT THE 360
WATCH LIVE ON ESPN pic.twitter.com/UNKwGfUNKg
— NBA (@NBA) July 9, 2022
Banchero had 17 points, six assists and four rebounds in his debut game in a win over the Houston Rockets on Thursday. He looked to play at a comfortable pace in that contest, and didn’t force the issue too often, which resulted in only two turnovers.
Part of his early frustration on Saturday was the turnovers.
He had four of them alone in the first quarter, which he promptly pointed out in a sideline interview with Cassidy Hubbarth of ESPN. However, he locked in a bit after that point and had four more giveaways the rest of the way.
🌪 Paolo Banchero spinning to the rack 🌪
Live Now on ESPN pic.twitter.com/E0jfM5Na1y
— NBA (@NBA) July 9, 2022
As is the case with most professional athletes, Banchero is his toughest critic and certainly wasn’t happy with some areas of his game to start on Saturday. Of course, that is to be expected in just his second game in an NBA environment.
Despite those issues, the 19-year-old had yet another strong outing and reminded everyone watching why the Magic made him the top pick in the draft.
The Magic return to action on Monday versus Oklahoma City.
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