Paolo Banchero Reflects on Growth, Team Identity, and a Statement Win in Berlin
The Orlando Magic took their show on the road - all the way to Berlin - and came away with a 118-111 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. But beyond the final score, it was another night that showcased Paolo Banchero’s evolution as both a player and a leader.
The 21-year-old forward didn’t force the issue. He didn’t need to.
Instead, he let the game unfold, picked his spots, and delivered when it mattered. “I just did a good job tonight of letting the game come to me,” Banchero said postgame.
“Had some open catch-and-shoot opportunities, took them, made them, and that opened up the rest of the game.”
It’s a subtle shift in approach - not hunting shots, but capitalizing on rhythm and flow. Banchero noted he only took around 14 or 15 shots, a modest number for a player of his caliber, especially in a featured role.
But the efficiency and poise spoke volumes. “I just tried to stay aggressive whenever I had it,” he added, “seek out those opportunities.”
A Season of Self-Discovery
This season hasn’t been without its bumps for the Magic, and Banchero’s growth has come through those ups and downs. When asked what he’s learned about himself this year, his response was telling.
“It’s been an up-and-down season, but I think I’ve learned that at the end of the day, it’s about winning,” he said. “Whatever the team needs me to do - whether it’s making plays for others, even if my usage isn’t what it was the last few years - I still have to be myself and play winning basketball.”
That’s the mindset of a player who's maturing quickly. Banchero isn’t chasing numbers; he’s chasing impact.
And he’s doing it while keeping the locker room vibe light and supportive. “Seeing Franz, Moe, and Tristan out there playing in front of their home crowd - this was a fun environment.
I just wanted to come out and play hard for those guys and help get this win.”
Defensive Identity in Flux
One of the calling cards of this Magic team in recent seasons has been its stingy defense. But Banchero didn’t shy away from acknowledging that things have slipped a bit on that end this year.
“Yeah, definitely frustrating,” he said. “In years prior, we’ve been a top-five defense.
That’s slipped this year - part of it’s injuries, guys being in and out. But in some games, the effort just hasn’t been there.”
He’s right - defense has been the engine for Orlando’s offense, and when that energy dips, it shows. Still, there’s optimism.
Franz Wagner is back, and Banchero called him “one of our best defenders - can guard one through five.” Jalen Suggs is on his way back too, and his presence on the perimeter is a difference-maker.
“As we get healthy later in the year, I think you’ll see our defense really rise,” Banchero said. “We’ve had to accept that challenge as a team. Tonight, Memphis started hot, but we stayed together in the huddle and locked in.”
Locked-In Mentality for the Long Haul
Banchero also spoke about his mindset shift this season - one that prioritizes patience, control, and peaking at the right time.
“I’ve definitely learned to let the game come to me,” he said. “Our mindset is to be playing our best basketball at the end of the year, heading into the playoffs when it really matters.”
It’s a long-view approach, and it’s paying off. Banchero emphasized focusing only on what he can control - his attitude, his effort - and trusting the results will follow. “That mindset is going to help me and help the team,” he said.
Anthony Black’s Dunk Heard Around Berlin
Of course, the night wasn’t without its highlight-reel moment. Rookie guard Anthony Black delivered a thunderous poster dunk in transition that had the arena buzzing - and Banchero had the best seat in the house.
“I had the rebound, and one thing about AB - when he’s running the floor, you’ve got to get him the ball,” Banchero said with a grin. “As soon as I saw him do that cross step, I knew he was going up to dunk it. I don’t know why all those guys jumped - he’s not the one you want to jump with.”
Banchero didn’t hold back in his praise for the young guard. “He’s a hell of a talent.
He can do everything out there on the floor. Probably one of the best finishers at the rim at the guard position in the league, in my opinion.
Whether it’s a layup or a dunk, he’s getting there and finishing with force.”
Final Thoughts
What we’re seeing from Paolo Banchero isn’t just a rising star putting up numbers - we’re watching a young cornerstone figure out how to lead, how to adapt, and how to win. The Magic are still building, still finding their ceiling, but nights like this - in a unique setting, with teammates stepping up and the defense starting to gel - give a glimpse of what this group could become.
And if Banchero continues to evolve like this, the Magic’s ceiling might be higher than most expected.