On Monday afternoon, the NBA announced that Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week. This marked Banchero’s second naming of the award, last capturing it during his rookie campaign.
The award should be no surprise to Magic fans, as Paolo Banchero has put in the work in the month of March. During the past month, he has averaged 30.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. Banchero has done so while shooting 50.9% from the field and 37.2% from three on six attempts a night.
His costar, Franz Wagner, was in a slump during the first half of the month. However, he has turned it around in the second half and began contributing once more. In the last seven games, Banchero and Wagner have each scored 20+ points for Orlando. This feat is the second longest streak in Magic history, second only to an eight game run by Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway.
Banchero and Wagner have provided a much-needed spark in the Magic’s league-worst offense in March. With their help, Orlando has won seven games in March, their most in a month since November. Orlando’s last win against the Sacramento Kings secured the team a spot in the Play-in Tournament. With only seven regular season games left, the Magic will look to make a run in the postseason.