Orlando, FL – The Orlando Magic fell to the Milwaukee Bucks 109-104 in a highly anticipated matchup at the Kia Center, highlighted by the return of Paolo Banchero. The star forward and leading scorer for the Magic had been sidelined since October 30th due to a torn oblique injury sustained just five games into the season.
Banchero has been a cornerstone of Orlando’s 2024-25 campaign, and his absence forced Head Coach Jamahl Mosley and his staff to adapt creatively to keep the team competitive. But on this night, the Magic welcomed back their linchpin.
In his return, Banchero delivered an electrifying performance, scoring 34 points and grabbing seven rebounds despite still working his way back into game shape. Facing off against Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and the formidable Milwaukee Bucks, Banchero helped elevate the game to a playoff-like intensity.
The excitement was palpable as the Magic’s starting lineup introductions reached their peak. When it was time to announce Banchero, the usual walk-up music stopped, and the iconic chimes of The Undertaker’s theme song echoed through the arena. The crowd erupted, greeting their star player with deafening cheers in a moment befitting his return. Banchero, smiling as he took the court, soaked in the atmosphere.
“I was just really excited from the moment I woke up,” Banchero said after the game. “I woke up, realized I’d actually be playing today, and couldn’t stop smiling. The fans were amazing – the reception was incredible, and everyone showed so much support. It felt special. I told some of the coaches it didn’t even feel real being out there after so long. But I had a lot of fun.”
Without Banchero, the Magic had struggled at times to maintain their energy and confidence. On this night, however, they matched – and often exceeded – the intensity of the Bucks. Orlando outscored Milwaukee 31-29 in the first quarter, and the game remained tightly contested until the final seconds.
Banchero’s presence opened opportunities for his teammates, including rookie forward Tristan Da Silva, who scored 16 points, and Cole Anthony, who added 18. The Magic also held their own on the boards, narrowly losing the rebound battle 44-43. However, Milwaukee’s dominance in the paint (48-34) – fueled by the physical prowess of Antetokounmpo – proved decisive.
Down by eight with just over four minutes remaining, the Magic rallied behind a strong closing effort from Banchero, who was on a minutes restriction. He scored 12 points during the final stretch, including a clutch 3-pointer with 23 seconds left that brought Orlando within one.
A wild series of events followed. A foul call on Anthony Black was upheld after a challenge, and a clock malfunction disrupted play following a Magic steal in the final seconds. Banchero attempted a potential game-tying 3-pointer from the left corner, but the shot missed – and wouldn’t have counted, as it left his hands just after the buzzer.
Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 41 points and 14 rebounds, while Lillard contributed 29 points, including two critical free throws with 9.1 seconds remaining.
Despite the loss, Banchero’s performance was a promising sign for Orlando. However, he acknowledged there’s still work to do to regain full form. “I had a couple of chances to dunk tonight, but my legs just weren’t there yet,” he said, referencing an ambitious dunk attempt over Antetokounmpo that fell short.
Turnovers were another area for improvement, as Banchero committed three miscues, often fumbling the ball as he adjusted to the game’s pace. “My mind was moving faster than my body,” he admitted. “I’ve got to get back to making quicker decisions.”
Coach Mosley praised Banchero’s effort, saying, “I didn’t see that kind of performance coming, but that’s who he is. He’s been working tirelessly to get back, and tonight he showed his poise, his timing, and his determination. That’s why he’s a star.”
The Magic will look to rebound on Sunday when they host the Philadelphia 76ers at 6 p.m.
