Magic PG Markelle Fultz Takes Pride in Keeping Pressure Off Paolo Banchero
The Orlando Magic got hit hard by the injury bug earlier this year whenever starting point guard Markelle Fultz was sidelined for two months with a knee injury. But now, he is back in the lineup and is making his presence felt.
Losing a ball-handler like Fultz meant that more pressure was put on stars like Paolo Banchero to both perform, and to do so with defense right in his face. But now that the Magic's starting point guard is back, he says that he will take that pressure off of his teammates and talks more about it in a recent interview.
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"I think I do a great job of making it easy for Paolo, especially when guys are trying to double him and get him to pass it," Fultz said. "For him to catch the ball closer and have somebody create for him is always gonna make it better."
Fultz had a great game in the team's win against the Miami Heat on Sunday, tallying 12 points on 6-8 shooting. He stuffed the rest of the stat sheet as well, finishing with four assists, two steals, two blocks, and a plus-minus of +21 when it was all said and done.
If Fultz can continue to play like this, defenses will have to pay attention to him more, therefore leaving more room for stars like Banchero. And now that Franz Wagner is back from his injury, the Magic could be in prime position to start a win streak.
Fultz and the rest of the Magic will be back in action tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are currently on a seven-game win streak. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET inside the Kia Center.
