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The Boston Celtics have the upper hand against the Orlando Magic in their first-round series in the 2025 NBA playoffs with a 3-1 lead. While the Magic is on the brink of getting eliminated, one thing has been clear, and it's that Paolo Banchero has answered the call.
Throughout Games 1 to 4, Banchero has consistently performed his best against the defending champions. The 6-foot-10 forward has averaged 32 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists. The first-time All-Star has been aggressive and efficient in scoring the basketball.
The former Duke star has made 44% of his field goals and 43% of his 3-pointers.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero reacts after a play against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at Kia Center.Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
On Monday, a new episode of "The Bill Simmons Podcast" was released, and the longtime analyst had high praise for Banchero. His co-host, Ryen Russillo, brought up the Magic star and said there should be no negative talk about the forward with how he's played against Boston.
"That dude has answered the call," Simmons said. "He is a full-fledged playoff guy and really gives a (expletive) and has been playing his absolute (expletive) off and I'm terrified of him."
After Game 3, Banchero made history. He became the fourth player in league history to have the most games with at least 25 points in the playoffs before turning 23.
The 2023 Rookie of the Year joined former Los Angeles Lakers stars Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the late Kobe Bryant. Additionally, Lakers star LeBron James is also part of the list.
Banchero has taken the next step in becoming one of the best players in the league. At 22, the forward has averaged at least 25 points in the 2024-25 season, the first time he's done it in his career.
Continue reading...
Throughout Games 1 to 4, Banchero has consistently performed his best against the defending champions. The 6-foot-10 forward has averaged 32 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists. The first-time All-Star has been aggressive and efficient in scoring the basketball.
The former Duke star has made 44% of his field goals and 43% of his 3-pointers.
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Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero reacts after a play against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at Kia Center.Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
On Monday, a new episode of "The Bill Simmons Podcast" was released, and the longtime analyst had high praise for Banchero. His co-host, Ryen Russillo, brought up the Magic star and said there should be no negative talk about the forward with how he's played against Boston.
"That dude has answered the call," Simmons said. "He is a full-fledged playoff guy and really gives a (expletive) and has been playing his absolute (expletive) off and I'm terrified of him."
After Game 3, Banchero made history. He became the fourth player in league history to have the most games with at least 25 points in the playoffs before turning 23.
The 2023 Rookie of the Year joined former Los Angeles Lakers stars Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the late Kobe Bryant. Additionally, Lakers star LeBron James is also part of the list.
Banchero has taken the next step in becoming one of the best players in the league. At 22, the forward has averaged at least 25 points in the 2024-25 season, the first time he's done it in his career.
Continue reading...
