Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Star Tells Knicks Fans to Go Home

Duke basketball pro Paolo Banchero seems increasingly comfortable as an emerging NBA superstar.
Matt Giles|
Photo credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

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Duke Blue Devils

Five NBA players this season have scored 34 points or more in a game without attempting a single free throw. Two of them are Duke basketball products in Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (34) and Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (36). Both joined that club on Wednesday night with their winning efforts.

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No doubt Banchero's night was of the highly entertaining variety. It began with a greeting from Duke basketball legend and former Magic sharpshooter JJ Redick — a newly minted member of ABC/ESPN's lead NBA broadcast trio — a few minutes before tipoff against the New York Knicks:

Then, the 21-year-old, now averaging 23.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists while starting alongside former Duke big man Wendell Carter Jr. for the upstart Magic (30-25), proceeded to fuel the 118-100 home victory while shooting 15-for-20 from the field, including a 6-for-10 clip from deep. He added a handful of boards and dimes:

And in the waning moments of the fourth quarter, with the blowout well in hand, the former No. 1 overall draft pick comically pointed at a few groups of visiting Knicks fans, repeatedly directing them toward the exits:

It was the Magic's last game before the All-Star break, a statement win against a New York squad that boasts the Eastern Conference's fourth-best record at 33-22.

Paolo Banchero and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum are the only Blue Devils on tap for Sunday's NBA All-Star Game at 8 p.m. ET (TNT). They're both on the East roster. Tatum, a five-timer and the defending MVP of the annual February showcase, is a starter. Banchero is a reserve.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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