Down 0-2 to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the First Round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, the Orlando Magic have arguably been the most underwhelming team this postseason.
They’re averaging league-lows of 84.5 points per game, 34.3 percent shooting from the field, and 23.6 percent shooting from 3 in the playoffs. They’ve turned the ball over 14.5 times per game, tied for the fourth-lowest average this postseason. They can’t get going on drives and they’ve been dominated on the boards, stonewalled by the Cavs’ length.
Through it all, Magic forward Paolo Banchero has been their best player.
Magic Need More Aggressive Paolo Banchero
With his finesse approach, Banchero’s averaged 22.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game on 48.6 percent shooting from the field. These numbers are pretty much on par with his regular season averages. This is a positive sign, especially in his playoff debut.
However, Banchero’s been underwhelming from beyond the arc, shooting 27.3 percent from the field. He’s also averaged a series-high 7.5 turnovers per game. Banchero is certainly a more reliable scorer inside the arc. Yet, the problem with his efficiency lies less with his shooting stroke than his aggressiveness.
This postseason, Banchero is being left open from 3. In these instances, it’s important for Banchero to make the Cavs pay, creating creases in the defense for his teammates as his man steps up to guard him beyond the arc.
Yet, playing the numbers, it’s wiser for Banchero to attack the defense more consistently when given that air space. This postseason, Banchero is converting 54.5 percent of his field goal attempts taken from 8-16 feet away from the basket. He’s made 50.0 percent of his field goal attempts in the 16-24 foot range.
Remembering His Size
To that point, Banchero often draws Evan Mobley as a defender.
When attacking Mobley off-the-dribble, he often fades away instead of making a concerted effort to get into his body. As he outweighs Mobley by 35 pounds, it seems prudent for Banchero play with more physicality when matched up with the Cavs big man. This could also help him get to the line more, as he’s averaging 5.0 free-throw attempts per game in the First Round after taking 7.0 free-throw attempts per game in the regular season.
This holds true for when he’s matched up against Max Strus as well. Though Strus is more stout than Mobley, he’s also 6-foot-5. With that said, Banchero not only outweighs Strus by 35 pounds but stands five inches taller than him.
The last point to make about Banchero’s size is that with Wendell Carter Jr. moving to the bench, he’s the biggest body they have in the starting lineup. As a result, there’s even more responsibility for him to attack the glass. Exerting so much energy requires a certain level of physical conditioning and mental toughness. However, Banchero should be able to dig down deep and play with the effort necessary to close the rebounding gap.
Decreasing Turnovers
Banchero can also decrease his turnovers by being more physical.
By owning his space, he can better keep his handle on post-ups. Many of Banchero’s turnovers have been ill-advised passes, the first-time All-Star trying to work the ball through Cleveland’s gangly frontcourt. To that point, demonstrating the mature decision-making that he’s become known for is the best way he can reduce his turnovers.
However, there’s been several instances where he’s lost the ball trying to establish position in the midpost. Aggressively initiating contact can help improve his ball-control as well.
