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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 30: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic looks on during the first half of a basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on October 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)

Down in Florida, the Orlando Magic picked up a big win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Magic defeated the Cavs 128-122.

The veteran forward Paolo Banchero checked in for 37 minutes to score 25 points, while producing eight rebounds and seven assists.

With that victory, the Magic improve to 36-28 on the year. They entered the game just 0.5 games behind the Miami Heat, who dominated the Washington Wizards on Tuesday.

The Orlando victory was once again much-needed for Paolo Banchero and the Magic, who are now on a five-game winning streak.

Paolo Banchero’s Comments Are Aging Well

This week, an honest interview from Banchero with Andscape dropped.

The former No. 1 pick discussed how not being a part of the All-Star action for the 2025-2026 NBA season forced him to take a hard look at his situation.

via Andscape:

“I looked in the mirror first. Over the All-Star break, I watched a lot of film over the early part of the season. I just wasn’t happy with what I put out. Some of that had to do with me being injured and coming back…

I could’ve had a better mindset, and that was part of it. But I know I’m an All-Star in this league. My confidence is still the same. It’s about being honest with yourself and realizing that you didn’t really deserve to be an All-Star, honestly. It’s about taking that with a grain of salt and being better in the second half of the season.”

GettyOrlando Magic star Paolo Banchero is having a dominant post-All-Star break run for the Orlando Magic this season.

Banchero played in the Magic’s first 12 games of the year. He suffered an injury in mid-November, which took him off the floor through early December. Banchero returned on December 5 and stayed in the lineup, but had a hard time earning the full respect of the league again.

For the second year in a row, Banchero missed the cut for the All-Star game. After winning Rookie of the Year in his first NBA season and becoming an All-Star in year two, Banchero likely didn’t imagine he wouldn’t be a regular for the big game.

Now, he’s making a statement.

A Statement Stretch From Banchero

GettyPaolo Banchero drives the ball. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Since the Magic have returned from the All-Star break, Banchero has led his team to a 7-3 record heading into Wednesday’s outing against a talented Cavaliers team.

A win over Cleveland made it six in a row–and eight for the stretch. Banchero has scored at least 25 points or more in six of those matchups, while shooting efficiently.

This season, Banchero is averaging 22.2 points per game, on 46% shooting from the field. He is also coming down with 8.6 rebounds and producing 5.0 assists per game.

The Magic still have a lot to prove, as they are in Play-In territory, but they have a shot to make the playoffs and shock the Eastern Conference as dark horse contenders.