Paolo Banchero’s Breakout Playoff Run Ends in Frustration as Magic Fall to Celtics

In his second NBA postseason, Paolo Banchero emerged as a rising star, delivering standout performances that underscored his growth and potential. However, the Orlando Magic’s playoff journey concluded with a 120–89 loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of their first-round series, highlighting both Banchero’s brilliance and the team’s areas for improvement.​

Throughout the five-game series, Banchero averaged 29.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, shooting 43.5% from the field and an impressive 44.4% from three-point range. His offensive contributions accounted for nearly one-third of Orlando’s total points, showcasing his ability to shoulder the scoring load and facilitate for teammates. In the pivotal Game 5, Banchero’s impact was curtailed by foul trouble. He picked up his fifth foul early in the third quarter, leading to an extended period on the bench. During his absence, the Celtics capitalized, transforming a tied game into a commanding lead with a 24–4 run. Banchero finished the game with 19 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in 29 minutes of play.​

Reflecting on the game’s turning point, Banchero stated, “They opened the game up. But that’s what happens. If I’m able to be in the game, that doesn’t happen. We were playing well. But it wasn’t in the cards for us. It’s hard for the team to withstand me going out for that long, honestly. You saw that in the third quarter. It was a tough spot for our team to be in.”

Despite his individual success, Banchero dismissed the notion of taking solace in personal achievements amid the team’s early exit. “I don’t know, really. We lost 4-1. That’s all I can really say,” Banchero said postgame. “We wanted to go to the second round. I don’t think anyone is necessarily happy that we didn’t get blown out in four games. That wasn’t the goal. The goal was to win and go to the second round. I’m not taking any moral victories from this series. The goal was to win.”

Head coach Jamahl Mosley acknowledged Banchero’s growth and the valuable experience gained during the series. “I think he’s grown a ton, and he’s gonna continue to grow,” Mosley said. “I think his ability to put a lot of that burden on his shoulders to try to do the right thing, to put guys in position to perform at a high level, understanding how defenses are covering him, what he needs to do and how he’s able to do that.”

As the Magic enter the offseason, the focus will be on building around their young core, addressing areas of need, and translating the lessons from this playoff run into future success.