Paolo Banchero

In taking the best shots that both the Sacramento Kings and the injury bug had to offer, Paolo Banchero countered by supplying the Orlando Magic with the best shot-making performance of his young career. Cooler than the other side of the pillow with his team down by one and the crowd’s energy at its apex, the first-time All-Star maneuvers quickly into a set-up dribble before balancing himself into an arena-quieting 3-pointer. Banchero’s excellence helped the Magic nearly survive a double-overtime thriller with four rotation players and two starters on the mend. Fighting through an ankle injury of his own, Banchero tossed in a career-high 43 points, four rebounds, five assists, and six triples, helping Orlando set a franchise record for 3-pointers on January 3, 2024.