Paolo Banchero Not Taking Any Moral Victories From Playoff Loss

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero wasn’t interested in talking about moral victories after his team’s first round series loss to the Boston Celtics. Banchero made it clear he’s only interested in actual victories.

“We wanted to go to the second round. I don’t think anyone is necessarily happy that we didn’t get blown out in four games. That wasn’t the goal,” Banchero said. “The goal was to win and go to the second round. I’m not taking any moral victories from this series. The goal was to win.”

Banchero averaged 29.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists over the five-game series. In two playoff appearances over the last two years, the third-year forward has performed well over 12 total games.

Banchero is extension eligible this offseason, as he’ll be entering the final year of his rookie scale contract. The Magic are expected to lock up their franchise player to a maximum contract extension, including language to bump Banchero’s deal to 30% of the cap as a designated player extension.