Magic Get Boost From Paolo Banchero Return: ‘He’s A Star For A Reason’

January 11, 2025

Paolo Banchero made an impressive return to the Orlando Magic lineup on Friday, scoring 34 points in a hard-fought loss to the Milwaukee Bucks after missing the last two months with a torn oblique.

The performance took everyone by surprise, including Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley.

“I didn’t see that one coming, I can tell you that,” Mosley said. “But that’s who he is. The kid’s been working his tail off to get back in. And so, what he was able to do with poise, taking the right shots at the right time, defending, taking matchups on, this tells you how much he wants to go get it and get after it. That’s who he is. He’s a star for a reason.”

Banchero was 11-of-21 shooting, along with seven rebounds, three assists and three steals in 27 minutes.

“I had a lot of fun,” Banchero told reporters. “I feel all right. Little sore. I think I performed pretty good.”

The Magic had managed to stay afloat without their star forward, but Banchero’s return and his standout performance brings renewed optimism for the team’s future.

As Josh Robbins of The Athletic writes, the Magic’s playoff hopes get a significant boost with Banchero back at full strength. Given his work ethic and skillset, it’s clear that the 2023 Rookie of the Year is ready to take the reins and lead Orlando back into contention.

“He’s kind of got five pairs of eyes on him at all times,” Magic rookie forward Tristan da Silva said. “Obviously, you can check out the stats. He played a great game his first game back. So, I’m excited for what’s to come.”