Paolo Banchero

Out to both extend the Orlando Magic’s second-half lead and send a message regarding what Year Two would look like, Paolo Banchero couldn’t have asked for a better scenario. Unphased by the high-profile matchup against one of basketball history’s greatest talents, Banchero uses a lightning-quick between-the-leg and crossover combination to send his defender in the opposite direction. With another future Hall of Fame closing in as a help defender, Banchero finishes the sequence by showcasing his focus, working a switch-hand layup on the other side of the rim for the and-one finish. Helping the Magic remain perfect at home during a successful early-season duel against the Los Angeles Lakers, Banchero shined in the spotlight with 25 points, 10 rebounds, one steal, one block, and two triples on November 4, 2023.