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“Been Tough”: Unwell Paolo Banchero Breaks Down On National TV After Ruining Pistons’ Tribute Night

Published 02/24/2024, 11:11 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

Paolo Banchero poured out emotions after the game-winner. The Orlando Magic star couldn’t contain his overflowing emotions while taking on the post-game interview. Amid illness, the sophomore star locked in for the team to drop the crucial game-winner against the Detroit Pistons tonight. He credited his teammates for helping him get through the game.

He said, “It was important. It was a hard game… I have been sick… It’s been tough, man. I am feeling terrible. I just give credit to my teammates. They lifted me up the whole game.” The 21-year-old recorded 15 points with 5 rebounds and 2 steals in a close 112-109 game.

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Apart from winning the game, the Magic ruined the tribute night for Detroit rap legend Frank Nitt, Dilla, and others around him. Moreover, the Pistons wore a special patch tonight to honor the late, great Earl Cureton.

On the other hand, Banchero continued to flush his emotions out in the post-game press conference as well. He added, “I have feeling terrible really past couple of days. Just battling… Just the whole game, I was out of it, mad at myself that I just haven’t felt like myself.”

He again went on to credit his teammates and coaches for keeping him in check. Speaking of his teammates’ support, he said, “There are a couple of moments in the game where I kind of just easily could have drifted off…But they didn’t let me do that.”

Tonight, Banchero stamped his own version flu game after dropping a tough game winner amid his poor shooting night. He recorded a poor 5-17 FG, missing both his 3pt attempts.

Read M0re – “It’s Our Duty to Keep His Name Alive”: Paolo Banchero and Other Magic Stars Pay Emotional Tribute on Martin Luther King Day

Let’s take a closer look at the game.

Banchero snatches the Pistons’ victory in the last second

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After having a rough night shooting the ball, the team trusted Banchero to take the game-winner. He not only dropped the game-deciding bucket but also a tough shot from an awkward angle.

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The All-Star revealed that the trust which the teammates and management had made him emotional after the game. Following him, the star’s teammate Jalen Suggs dropped a bit of insight about the star. Speaking of trust that the team has on Banchero, Suggs said, “We’re gonna have full faith in him whenever the games on the line. Time and time again [Paolo] continues to prove us right.” 

Currently, the Magic are in the sixth seed and it’s just a matter 3 or 4 wins to take them to the top 3 on the East ladder. Will the Magic continue to ride on the trust? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Shahul Hameed

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Shahul Hameed is a Senior NBA Writer at EssentiallySports. Armed with a Master's Degree in journalism from a distinguished institute, his journey into sports writing began during his college days, and since then, Shahul has been captivated not only by the remarkable consistency of Stephen Curry but also by the enduring legacy of LeBron James. He specializes in covering the live basketball action.
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Edited by:

Vishav