If game-clinching scenarios boil down to All-Star-caliber players getting to their spots, opponents will always have plenty to fear from the moment Paolo Banchero sets his sights on the midrange area. Oozing with confidence, even after battling through an uncharacteristically-cold shooting night, the Orlando Magic’s up-and-comer turns to an ‘ol reliable, keeping Harrison Barnes guessing with an elusive dribble, followed by a crafty half-spin pivot move. Creating the sliver of space needed to elevate, Banchero brings the home crowd to its feet, burying a 15-footer to put Orlando ahead by one in the final 24 seconds. Fresh off a testy six-game road trip, Banchero and the Magic found that there was no place like home, earning a much-needed victory on February 8, 2025. Stuffing the stat sheet, the All-Star forward overwhelmed the San Antonio Spurs with 17 points — including nine in the final period — alongside seven rebounds, six assists, and one block. · Feb 9, 2025