How's Paolo Banchero Feeling Going Into Orlando Magic Playoffs? 'Not Different!'
Paolo Banchero is leading a playoff charge for the first time in his young career. As the Orlando Magic prepares to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, Banchero and the Magic are trying to keep their heads in the same place that saw regular season success.
While some players were giddy about making a postseason run, Banchero is trying to play with the same pace, style, success, and grit that saw the Magic secure the fifth seed and got him his first career All-Star nod.
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"I don't think it feels very different," said Banchero. "Just, you know, with us playing [Cleveland] as many times we played them...They know us very well. So it does feel kind of regular just prepping for but obviously the environment, the atmosphere, the lights, and everything will be a little different, but I'm just looking forward to getting out there competing again."
When Banchero and the Magic tip off on Saturday, nearly a week will have passed since they last played. Heading to Rocket Morgage Field House will be quite the task, but the Magic are 2-2 against Cleveland this season and 1-1 when on the road.
While the Magic is a slight underdog, expect this first-round matchup to go the distance and be a testament to physical basketball. If the Magic can play on its terms, don't be surprised if Orlando walks out of Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen's house with an advantage before the playoffs come home to Flordia.
