No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero steps up late to seal win over Knicks
ORLANDO, Fla. — Paolo Banchero hit some clutch shots late and registered his 37th 20-point game of the season on Thursday to lead the Orlando Magic to a win over the New York Knicks.
Banchero produced 21 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocked shots in the 111-106 victory. He finished by shooting 7-of-17 from the field, including 2-of-4 from 3-point, in 34 minutes as the Magic improved to 31-43 on the season.
The top pick scored five points in the fourth quarter, including a clutch 3-pointer with 1:26 left to play to give the Magic a seven-point game. He also hit two free throws to seal the win with 7.4 seconds remaining.
“We’ve talked about it a ton and he does a great job of putting the work in,” Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said. “He has never been one to shy away from a big moment and I think that is the important piece of staying in the moment and not letting a play prior to impact being willing to step up and make a big shot.”
The Magic separated themselves in the final quarter to pull out the win.
Cole Anthony scored 10 of his 18 total points in the period, and the team as a whole went 7-of-8 from 3-point range after hitting just six 3s in the previous three quarters. Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. each added 16 points apiece in the game.
Banchero had an opportunity to hit a 3-pointer at the 2-minute mark but missed the look that would have given the Magic a nine-point advantage. The Knicks instead responded with a layup and cut the deficit down to four points.
He was ready for when the ball was swung to him by Markelle Fultz.
I think we all just have that mindset of when you’re open, knock it down. The one I missed felt good so I wasn’t going to be hesitant to shoot the next one and then the one I did make in the corner, it was just the right play. (Wendell) kicked it to ‘Kelle and ‘Kelle swung it to me with the extra pass. I gotta shoot that. If I don’t shoot that, everyone’s yelling at me so I just wanted to knock it down.
THA ROOK https://t.co/ODHBXu6LQd pic.twitter.com/WfkeanDTcN
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 24, 2023
With the win, the Magic pulled to within four games of the Chicago Bulls and the last play-in spot in the Eastern Conference with eight games left to play.
The team is looking to close the season out on a high note.
“I think what’s left is just to finish strong, take it one game at a time and try to win,” Banchero said. “We set goals, had a rough start and I think we’ve been really good since we got healthy and being together as a group. We’re just trying to finish strong.”
