Despite being an entertaining side to watch this season, the Orlando Magic have not been fairing too well. Paolo Banchero and co. remains to be among the bottom-most position of the Eastern Conference, despite having a solid 6-game win streak in early December.
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In tonight’s clash against the Thunder, who recently scored 150 points in the regulation, Jamahl Mosley’s boys played some terrific basketball. Despite having a 3-game losing skid prior to the game against OKC, the Florida-based organization grabbed a much-needed 126-115 win.
WAGIC IN TONIGHT’S FORECAST 🪄 pic.twitter.com/7eUodX4w9X
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) January 5, 2023
Also Read: Luka Doncic is Set to Become a Truly Global Superstar with Games in Abu Dhabi and Madrid Next Season
The likes of Gary Harris (18 points), Wendell Carter Jr. (13p, 13r), and Terrance Ross (18 points) had some incredible contributions. However, it was Orlando’s star rookie who was the most impactful player of the night.
Paolo Banchero records 22nd 20-point game
Banchero played a game-high 35:48 minutes and used his playing time pretty efficiently. The #1 pick of the 2022 Draft ended up recording 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists on an impressive 47.1/40/77.8 shooting split.
paolo banchero tonight:
25 PTS*
8 REB
7 AST*marks his 22nd game with 20+ points this season, most among NBA rookies pic.twitter.com/A82vo4nJYB
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) January 5, 2023
The 20-year-old becomes the only rookie with multiple 25/5/5 games.
Paolo Banchero tonight:
25 PTS
8 REB
7 ASTThe only rookie with multiple 25/5/5 games this season pic.twitter.com/2p7ChjccqZ
— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 5, 2023
Further, the former Duke Blue Devil has also recorded his 22nd 20-point performance, the most among rookies and also 7 more than his fellow top 5 picks… combined.
Most 20-point games by a rookie this season:
22 — Banchero
15 — MathurinNobody else has more than 5. pic.twitter.com/cvChJCDrZq
— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 5, 2023
We haven’t even reached the halfway mark of the season and the American-Italian hooper has already lodged 22 20-point games. In all seriousness, the 6-foot-10 forward is on track to surpass LeBron James’ 40 20-point games mark from his rookie season.
Can Banchero win the ROY honors?
Prior to the draft, not many predicted Paolo being selected #1 by the Magic. However, it is pretty safe to say that the youngster has been proving his worth.
Sure, the Magic might have an awful 14-24 record which puts them 13th in the East. But Paolo has been stuffing the stat sheet on a nightly basis.
Currently averaging 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, Banchero retains his #1 position on the latest Rookie Ladder. There is no doubt that the reigning Rookie of the Month can be the first recipient of the Wilt Chamberlain Trophy by the conclusion of this campaign.
Also Read: A Look at the Magic Rookie’s Stats Bearing Resemblance to LeBron James’ Freshman
