ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Magic rookie Paolo Banchero dropped his first career 30-point game on Saturday and etched his name alongside some great company in only his 10th game.
Banchero finished with 33 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and one blocked shot in a 126-123 overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings. He went 14-of-26 from the field and 5-of-5 from the free-throw line in nearly 40 minutes of action.
The No. 1 pick joined LeBron James as the only two teenagers in history to record at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a game at 19 years, 358 days, according to StatMuse. He was also the second-fastest Magic rookie to have a 30-point game (Shaquille O’Neal, 3 games).
Banchero wanted to stay aggressive throughout.
I wanted to use my size and ability to get into the paint and finish around the rim and be aggressive and get to the rim. When they started pulling way over or doubling, I just wanted to kick it out and find my teammates for open shots.
I knew I had an advantage just using my size to get to the rim. I didn’t want to settle. My 3-ball hasn’t been falling, so teams are trying to bait me into those mid-ranges. I didn’t want to let them off of the hook, I wanted to close the space and force the issue and either score or find a teammate.
The performance continued a strong start to the season by Banchero.
He is averaging 22.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and one blocked shot on 45.8% shooting from the field. He has scored fewer than 20 points only twice and leads the rookie class in scoring. He is 25th among all players in that category.
His 33 points were the most scored by a rookie this season.
“He has been great,” said Magic center Bol Bol, who had a career-high 23 points. “I feel like he has been getting better each game. He has played like he has been in the league for some time. Every game is just a step forward for him.”
Banchero is proving to be as advertised as the top pick, and he has helped transform the Magic on and off the court. The team is still some time away from putting it all together, but it is clear it has a star in the making in Banchero.
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