Paolo Banchero backed Franz Wagner after his poor 1-of-15 shooting night from the field, saying that the Orlando Magic wouldn’t be here without the German international. Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero defended his teammate Franz Wagner after his poor performance in a crucial Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Wagner played 35 minutes, finishing the game with 6 points (1/15 FG, 0/5 3PT, 4/4 FT), 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.
It was the worst field goal percentage in a Game 7 in NBA history. Nevertheless, Banchero praised the German international.
“We’re not here without Franz,” Banchero noted. He holds himself to a high standard and expects a lot out of himself as a player. I’ve been in that position as well, where you felt like you could’ve done a lot more in a losing effort, but this doesn’t define him.”
Wagner finished the 2024 NBA Playoffs, averaging 18.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.
Banchero was also proud of the way Magic fought in this series.
“After the first game, people were like, I don’t know if they’re ready,” Banchero said. “To come back the way we did, it shows where we’re headed and shows what we’re able to do.”
Banchero accumulated 38 points (10/28 FG, 3/6 3PT, 15/18 FT), 16 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, and 5 turnovers in Game 7.
Overall, Banchero averaged 27.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game in the 2024 NBA Playoffs.