In Friday’s NBA action, the Orlando Magic defeated the Denver Nuggets 122-120, and Paolo Banchero’s first career triple-double played a significant role in the team’s remarkable comeback victory. In addition to reaching a personal goal, Banchero was crucial to the result of the game, particularly with his clutch free throws.
Despite falling behind by eighteen points in the third quarter, the injured Magic came back. The team’s resiliency was demonstrated by Banchero, who finished with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. Notably, in the last 35 seconds, he converted four free throws, symbolizing the team’s resolve to avoid an easy loss.
“Just the power of just positive energy and just pushing each other,” Banchero said. “We just told each other, ‘We’re all we got. We’re going to live with the result, whatever it is, but we’re not just going to roll over and let these guys blow us out.’”
A critical moment came when Moritz Wagner intercepted a pass from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, setting up Banchero to draw a foul and sink the decisive free throws. The Nuggets, aiming for a last-second win, couldn’t capitalize as Jamal Murray’s shot rimmed out despite a play designed for him or Nikola Jokic.
“Sometimes, we miss,” Jokic said. “Sometimes, we make.”
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