The Orlando Magic may have lost to the Milwaukee Bucks but they kind find solace on the fact that star player Paolo Banchero played like he never missed a beat, earning praises from both Doc Rivers and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Banchero missed the last 34 games before they hosted the Bucks due to a torn oblique he suffered late October. He played like he missed the game so bad as he scored 34 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
Rivers described the 2023 Rookie of the Year as unbelievable.
“He was great. Good to be young, you miss that many games & you come out with 34 points, 7 rebounds, & I bet he missed 5 shots he would love to have over again. That was unbelievable by him,” the one-time champion coach told reporters.
Banchero’s return is a great for the Magic who has been dealing with injuries to key players since the first week of the season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo praises Paolo Banchero
Game recognizes game is what transpired on Friday between the Magic and the Bucks.
Antetokounmpo, who praised the Magic’s physicality on defense, called the young star a high level player.
With Banchero in the line-up, the two-time MVP thinks Magic is a dangerous team.
“Obviously he plays at a very, very high level. A guy who can operate at all three levels. Big, can defend… he does the little things that his team needs to win games. Obviously, Orlando is a very, very dangerous team.”
The Bucks will be tested by this dangerous team again on Wednesday when they meet for the third time this season.
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