The Orlando Magic have been through a bit of a rollercoaster this season.
They got off to a red-hot start to the season, looking like a legitimate playoff team and even taking down some contenders.
They kind of hit a wall after the first 25 games, alternating wins with losses but still grasping onto a postseason spot.
Those kinds of campaigns can take an emotional toll on franchise players, especially young ones, as they have to carry a lot of weight on their shoulders to lead their teams, and they also learn the ropes of being an NBA star.
That’s the case with Paolo Banchero, who looked completely overwhelmed by emotion after knocking down a game-winning shot over the Detroit Pistons.
Following the game, the former No. 1 pick credited his teammates for lifting him up as he acknowledged he didn’t have his best performance (via ClutchPoints).
“I played terrible… I just give credit to my teammates. They lifted me up the whole game. I don’t know why I’m crying right now,” Banchero said.
“I played terrible… I just give credit to my teammates. They lifted me up the whole game. I don’t know why I’m crying right now.”
Paolo Banchero reflects on his game-winner against the Pistons 🙌pic.twitter.com/4vD92LZRDu
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 25, 2024
The Duke product finished the night with 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists, but he shot just 5-of-17 from the field and was 0-of-2 from beyond the arc.
Even so, Banchero has had a very good sophomore season, averaging 22.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.0 steals per game on 45.6% from the floor, and he’s looked like the franchise player the team expects him to be.
As of now, the Magic sit in the No. 6 spot in the Eastern Conference, trailing the No. 4 New York Knicks by just a couple of games, so there’s still a chance they wind up hosting a playoff series this season.
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