Paolo Banchero made a triumphant return to the court after missing 34 games due to a torn oblique muscle. The forward for the Orlando Magic shone brightly during his comeback, scoring 34 points in a close game on Friday night, although the team ultimately lost to the Milwaukee Bucks 109-106.
“I didn’t see that one coming, I can tell you that,” remarked Magic coach Jamahl Mosley, clearly impressed by Banchero’s performance. “But that’s who he is. He’s been tirelessly working to get back, and what he showcased tonight—his poise, the right shot selections, and the defensive assignments—reveals just how driven he is. He’s a star for a reason.”
Banchero had an impressive shooting night, hitting 11 of 21 attempts from the field, while also collecting seven rebounds, providing three assists, and making three steals over just 27 minutes of play.
“I had a lot of fun,” Banchero remarked after the game, reflecting on his first outing since being sidelined. “I feel pretty good overall, though I’m a little sore. I think I performed quite well.” He acknowledged that the lengthy recovery process since injuring himself on October 30 against Chicago tested his patience but found that he regained his rhythm on the court.
“I’ve tried to keep my spirits high,” Banchero shared in an interview. “However, it has definitely been frustrating. I’ve never been out for this long since I began playing basketball. To be so eager to participate in the season and then face a setback early really makes you question things at times.”
His injury occurred during the fifth game of the season, while the Magic played their 40th game on Friday, approached the midpoint of the season. Remarkably, the team has performed better than many anticipated during Banchero’s absence.
Despite facing a barrage of injuries, including Franz Wagner’s torn oblique and Moritz Wagner’s season-ending ACL tear, the Magic entered Friday’s contest sitting in fourth place in the Eastern Conference. After losing their initial four games without Banchero, they rallied to a 19-11 record in the remainder of his absence. However, with their loss to the Bucks, Orlando fell to fifth place.
Banchero noted, “There’s a strong belief within the team that anyone can step up at any time. Every guy has put in the necessary work to be ready. It’s been uplifting to see everyone responding, especially in close games against strong opponents. This experience is invaluable and will enhance our performance moving forward.”
Interestingly, Banchero remained engaged with the team during his recovery. He participated in coaches’ meetings at times and was consistently on the sidelines, supporting his teammates throughout their games, offering cheers and comfort in equal measure.
“I focused on finding the positives,” he said. “Watching from the sidelines allowed me to learn the game from a new perspective. I definitely feel a renewed sense of determination. It felt like something significant was taken from me for a while, but now that I’m back, I may need to expedite making up for lost time.”
