The Orlando Magic were in desperate need of a win on Thursday night as they hosted the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of their first-round matchup. The Magic entered this game down 0-2 in the series and another loss would have virtually guaranteed an opening-round exit for them.
Paolo Banchero knew that the season was on the line for Orlando in this one, and he responded in a major way.
Orlando Magic News: Paolo Banchero Torches Cavs in Game 3
Banchero was a man on a mission on Thursday night. Orlando needed every bit of his magic against Cleveland, and Banchero answered the bell tremendously.
The second-year forward exploded for a game-high 31 points on 13-of-26 shooting, to go along with 14 rebounds, five assists, a steal, and zero turnovers in 29 minutes of action. To cap off his career night, the former No. 1 overall pick also went 4-of-9 from distance as he showcased his range.
Banchero has now entered LeBron James territory after his heroic performance in Game 3:
Moreover, Banchero was only the fourth player in league history to ever produce these kinds of numbers at his age, joining LeBron, Luka Doncic, and Hall of Famer Magic Johnson:
Quite the company, right?
More importantly, though, Banchero and the Magic sent out a strong statement in this one by destroying the Cavs, 121-83. Orlando has now re-established itself in this series in a major way.
Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday in Orlando’s Kia Center.
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