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Orlando Magic: Paolo Banchero’s Game 3 Performance vs. Cleveland Cavaliers was a Throwback to 1980 Magic Johnson
Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

Orlando Magic: Paolo Banchero’s Game 3 Performance vs. Cleveland Cavaliers was a Throwback to 1980 Magic Johnson

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics  |  By Rex Villas  |  Last updated 4/26/24

The Orlando Magic are winless no more in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, thanks in large part to the heroics of Paolo Banchero. In Game 3 of their series against the Cleveland Cavaliers at home on Thursday night, Banchero made sure that he would have a memorable performance in his first career playoff home game, as he scattered 31 points while shooting 13/26 from the floor.

It’s the kind of performance from someone his age or younger that the NBA had never seen since Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers back in the 1980 NBA Finals, per StatMuse.

The only time a player younger than Paolo Banchero recorded 31/14 on 50+ FG% in a playoff game…

— Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals

Moreover, Banchero became the youngest player in over 40 NBA campaigns to have at least 30 points and 10 rebounds with zero turnovers in a playoff game.

Banchero had not been shooting the ball well and struggled with turnovers in the first two games of the Cavs series, but he’s clearly gotten it together. The hope for the Magic is that Banchero will be able to sustain that form going forward.

Orlando Magic Star Paolo Banchero Has His Eyes on Winning Game 4

Banchero showed that he’s not one to lose focus after finally exorcising his demons in this postseason. He knows the job is far from done for him and the Magic.

Via ESPN:

“Nobody’s partying,” said Banchero, who had no turnovers in 29 minutes after committing 15 in the first two games. “We know we have to do the same thing on Saturday. Obviously we’re proud of the win tonight. It is big for this group to get your first playoff win but we want the whole series.”

The Magic have a golden chance to tie the series at home in Game 4, which is scheduled to be played on Saturday at Kia Center.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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