Paolo Banchero put up another 20-point game on Wednesday to help the Orlando Magic stay hot and post a comeback win on the road over the Houston Rockets.
Banchero produced 23 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two steals in the 116-110 victory. He shot 9-of-20 from the field, including 1-of-4 from 3-point range, in 32 minutes of work for his sixth double-double of the season.
The No. 1 pick started quickly, recording 14 points and six rebounds in the first quarter. He had five points in the fourth quarter, including a key layup in the final minute that sealed the win for the Magic, who trailed by 15 points in the second half.
Magic coach Jamahl Mosley was impressed by his rebounding.
I think it is huge for him to be able to do that. Our coaches challenged him to collect more rebounds (against) a great offensive rebounding team. Us being able to finish possessions out with a rebound was great.
Banchero has scored at least 20 points in 20 of his 26 games this season, the most by a rookie. According to ESPN Stats & Info, the last two players to reach that mark during their first 26 career games were Michael Jordan and Zion Williamson.
paolo banchero tonight:
23 PTS*
13 REB
3 AST
2 STL*20th game with 20+ points this season pic.twitter.com/epOF6qiQBa
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) December 22, 2022
Orlando closed its four-game road trip with a 3-1 record. The team has won seven of its last eight games and recently had its first six-game win streak since March 14-26, 2019.
The group is seemingly playing at a high level at the moment and is getting strong contributions up and down the roster. The players are getting a taste of success and look to keep it going with five of their next six games at home.
“I think it is really just a collective energy change,” Banchero said. “The game-by-game commitment that it takes to go out there and win, and I think we’ve been seeing the results. The results may not always be winning seven out of eight but if we come with that same focus that we have been the past two weeks, I think we’re going to have a very good season.”
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