Paolo Banchero Happy After Orlando Magic Win vs. Utah Jazz: 'It's a Boost'
The Orlando Magic narrowly beat out the Utah Jazz on Thursday night in Salt Lake City, 115-113. Paolo Banchero had his best game of the new season, scoring 30 points on 9/13 shooting, with nine rebounds and three steals for good measure.
The Magic faced injury issues throughout the game, but their defense was able to keep anyone on the Jazz from exploding for points. Lauri Markkanen was the leading scorer for Utah with 22.
After the game, Banchero took some time to talk about his breakout performance, which hopefully will propel him moving forward.
“That’s how a season goes,” said Banchero. “There’s going to be ups and downs and as long as you just stay consistent and don’t waver in the belief that you can go out there and be the great player that you are and do what you do.”
Banchero faced early season struggles, espcially on the road.
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While Banchero was obviously proud of getting himself out of an offensive rut, at the end of the day it’s a team sport. A reporter pointed out that Orlando hasn’t won a game in Utah since 2015, and the team clearly feels good about getting a narrow win.
“It means a lot,” Banchero said postgame. “Like [Franz Wagner] said, we were in a lot of situations, especially with this team, we was in two close games in Utah last year and in Orlando. And they beat us both times at the end. So we just wanted to make plays and be on the other end and win the game.”
As for how this win bolsters a young team?
“I think us winning tonight just shows our growth as a team and it’s a boost getting to go back home with some momentum,” Banchero said.
The Magic is now 3-2 and returns home to Orlando to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
