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Paolo Banchero Has 1 Wish for Orlando Magic Fans Ahead of Game 3 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics
By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated 4/23/24

Even though Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic are down two games against the Cleveland Cavaliers, there’s still hope for them to pull the rug out of their opponents in the coming days. For that to happen, the All-Star forward has called out the team’s fans to help them win against the Cavs at home.

Just recently, the Cavaliers went home with the 96-86 win over Orlando to gain a 2-0 lead in the series. Donovan Mitchell showed up and posted 23 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Evan Mobley tallied 17 points, while Jarrett Allen dropped 16 points and 20 boards against the Magic.

For his part, Banchero finished the game with 21 points, three rebounds, and three assists, but committed six turnovers along the way. Even though he notched 18 points, Franz Wagner also committed the same number of turnovers Banchero made and only shot 29 percent from the field. Gary Harris, one of the team’s veterans, added 14 points on 57 percent shooting from deep.

The loss highlighted the Magic’s youth and lack of experience in the postseason. Cleveland, on the other hand, showcased their dominance on both ends of the court to get the 2-0 advantage over Orlando.

Orlando Magic Star Paolo Banchero Asks Fans To Show Up in Upcoming Game 3 Against Cleveland Cavaliers

After the first two games being played in Cleveland, the series will now shift to Orlando. This prompted Banchero to come out with a wish for Magic fans, as seen in a video posted by Fawzan Amer on X:

Paolo Banchero is calling for the fans to show out at home during Orlando’s game Thursday night: “We’re going to need them. I mean just seeing how much the fans lift them guys up being here playing these two games… We definitely gonna need the fans” pic.twitter.com/Ewr3NXKwTi

— Fawzan Amer (@FawzanAmer_) April 23, 2024

The Magic have a 29-12 record whenever they play in their own home court. On the other hand, the team has 18 wins and 23 losses when they go on the road during the regular season.

Having the home crowd show up may be the difference Banchero and the Magic need to turn the series around. Even though they’re seen as the underdogs here, winning all their games at home is more possible for Orlando in the coming days.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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