Paolo Banchero continues post-All-Star scoring binge

The Orlando Magic's 22-year-old star put up 30 points in their 120-105 win over the Washington Wizards Friday night. He's now averaging 29.6 points since the Magic returned from the All-Star break, along with 7.4 rebounds.

Banchero shot 11-for-22 in Friday's win, including 3-for-5 from three-point range. That might be where the most surprising uptick in his offensive performance has come.

Banchero is a career 32.7 percent shooter from behind the arc. Before the break, he was barely shooting over 30 percent on threes. Since then, he's making 38.2 percent of his three-pointers.

That could be crucial for the future of the Magic, both this season and going forward. His teammate Franz Wagner is fantastic scoring at the basket, but he's been at or below 30 percent from three-point range this season and last. Banchero's newfound three-point stroke gives the Magic some badly needed spacing, especially with Jalen Suggs out for the season.

The Magic have a 6-9 record since the break, which has put them on track for a play-in game (or two), and kept them out of reach of sixth place. But in a playoff setting, having a player like Banchero who can light it up — especially with their solid defense — can be even more valuable than in a regular-season setting.

In his third season, Banchero is rounding out his game. Right now, he's making the biggest strides when it comes to getting buckets. Lots of buckets.