Paolo Banchero, a player for the Orlando Magic, shared his thoughts after the loss in Game 7 of the first round of the NBA playoffs. His team was eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The American did almost everything in his power to lead his team to victory and advance to the next round. He scored 38 points, while his teammate Franz Wagner struggled. The German had a historically bad game (shooting 1/15 from the field), but Banchero firmly defended him.
“We wouldn’t be here without Franz Wagner. He holds himself to a high standard and expects a lot from himself as a player. I’ve been in this position too, where I thought I could do much more in a loss, but this doesn’t define him,” Paolo Banchero began.
The young player of Italian descent is proud of how the team from Florida fought during this series.
“After this game, people might say we weren’t ready. We came back the way we did and showed that we’re heading in the right direction,” Banchero concluded.
During this playoffs, the young forward averaged 27 points, 8.6 rebounds, and four assists.