It did not take long for Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero to clinch his redemption moment.
After what was a dismal performance against the Philadelphia 76ers in the play-in tournament earlier this week, Banchero flipped the script against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night.
With the Magic’s season on the line in the win-or-go-home contest, the 2024 All-Star overpowered Charlotte’s defense to help his team secure a playoff berth.
Paolo Banchero Turns Heads With Play-In Redemption
Heading into Friday’s clash, the narrative around Banchero was not positive, to say the least. Just 48 hours earlier, on April 15, the Magic stumbled in their play-in game against the Philadelphia 76ers. In that 109-87 loss, Banchero looked completely out of sorts, finishing with 18 points on 7-of-22 shooting from the floor and committing 6 turnovers.
With NBA analysts and fans on his back, Banchero bounced back in the best way possible against the Hornets.
Shaking off Wednesday night’s shocker, Banchero finished Friday’s game against Charlotte with a game-high 25 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds on 9-of-17 shooting from the field in the 121-90 win to lift Orlando into the postseason.
Naturally, following the dramatic turnaround, social media erupted, with the NBA community flooding the timeline to praise Banchero.
“What a statement game for Paolo Banchero after 48 hours of intense hate,” PFSN’s deputy editor Alex Kennedy posted. “This is why Paolo Banchero is maddening to evaluate. He really struggles at times, but he’s capable of putting a team on his back and dominating. Across 12 playoff games, the 23-year-old has averaged 28 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 4.1 APG, and 2.3 3PG on 41.8 3PT%.”
What a statement game for Paolo Banchero after 48 hours of intense hate. pic.twitter.com/T4q6TcnCol
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) April 18, 2026
The NBA’s X handle posted: “Paolo Banchero goes WAY UP for the tough jam 😤”
Paolo Banchero goes WAY UP for the tough jam 😤
Winner tonight faces DET in Round 1! pic.twitter.com/nZE0AAjPtE
— NBA (@NBA) April 18, 2026
“Paolo Banchero is doing everything he can to disprove the narrative about him tonight. Credit where credit is due,” podcast host Will Fortson wrote.
“Paolo Banchero just threw one of the craziest passes I’ve seen all season,” Fortson added during the game.
The Orlando Magic’s X handle shared a clip of the pass with the caption: “how did Paolo Banchero make this pass?? P5 to Dell for three!”
how did Paolo Banchero make this pass??
P5 to Dell for three! pic.twitter.com/WxZZr5gLX0
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 18, 2026
Meanwhile, HoopCentral posted: “Paolo Banchero tonight: 25 Points, 6 Assists, 5 Rebounds, 9/17 FGM, 33 Minutes. Respect Paolo. 🔥🔥”
“Paolo Banchero when he finally realizes that he’s 6’10 250,” one influencer posted with a video of LeBron James dominating his NBA peers.
Paolo Banchero when he finally realizes that he’s 6’10 250 pic.twitter.com/PFHWMqCIt1
— Kyrie Center (@kyriecenterig) April 18, 2026
Ahead of the game against the Hornets, the pressure on Banchero to perform was huge.
NBA champion Kendrick Perkins slammed the 23-year-old’s performance against the 76ers and said, “I’m so sick and tired of Paolo Banchero… All he’s been doing all season long is making f***ing excuse after excuse, throwing his coach under the bus.”
After the Magic’s win, Banchero’s father Mario was quick to respond to Perkins.
“The Internet is a cold place! Shout out to my guy KP……….. but , um, you got some sprinkles in your beard. Lol,” he wrote attached to a photo of Banchero dunking on Perkins, who is holding a donut.
The Internet is a cold place!
Shout out to my guy KP……….. but , um, you got some sprinkles in your beard. Lol pic.twitter.com/Y18eCFlcxI— Mario Banchero (@MarioBanchero) April 18, 2026
Banchero finished the regular season with averages of 22.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists.
With the play-in drama firmly in the rearview mirror, Banchero and the Magic will face the No. 1 seed Detroit Pistons in the first round. The series tips off on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET in Detroit.
