Following the Orlando Magic’s tight 110-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on February 24, Wendell Carter Jr. lauded Paolo Banchero’s defensive efforts in a game that showcased the importance of defense. The Magic’s defensive performance came into sharp focus, as the young star’s contributions on that end of the floor proved crucial to hold off a late comeback attempt. Carter emphasized the significant role defense plays and encouraged Banchero to fully embrace his defensive capabilities.
Banchero’s Defensive Impact Against Elite Competitors
Paolo Banchero, standing 6-foot-10 and weighing 250 pounds, is often recognized for his offensive versatility, capable of scoring from multiple areas and handling the ball well for a forward. Yet, Carter shifted the spotlight onto Banchero’s defensive prowess after a challenging matchup with top-tier players like Kawhi Leonard and Luka Dončić. Carter noted,
“When [Paolo] is locked in defensively, he’s one of the best in this league. He has the potential to be one of the best two-way players to ever play this game, in my opinion. He had two big challenges with Kawhi the other night and then Luka tonight. He took that challenge head-on. When he’s in that mode, when he’s locked in, it unlocks this team and takes us to a whole other level,”
said Carter confidently.
Banchero’s defense was on full display as he helped limit Luka Dončić to 22 points, significantly below Dončić’s season average. Dončić struggled to find his usual rhythm, shooting 8-of-24 from the field and just 2-of-10 from three-point range. Despite Dončić’s status as a six-time All-Star, Banchero’s tight defense disrupted his scoring opportunities, an effort crucial in the Magic’s narrow win.
Crucial Defensive Moments Fueling a Close Victory
In a tense closing sequence, the Lakers designed a final play for Dončić to attempt a three-pointer. Despite a strong screen from Deandre Ayton, Banchero’s quick closeout played a key role in forcing the ball away from Dončić. With only a few seconds remaining, LeBron James launched a desperate three-point attempt that missed, clinching the victory for Orlando. This sequence underscored Banchero’s value as a defender capable of influencing results at critical moments.
How Banchero’s Physical Attributes Translate on Defense
Banchero’s combination of size, length, and agility allows him to guard a variety of opponents across different positions. He can hold his ground against larger forwards in the paint while also keeping pace with quicker guards on the perimeter. This versatility provides the Magic with defensive flexibility and helps compensate for other team injuries. However, the responsibility on Banchero to maintain defensive focus remains high.
Orlando’s Defensive Challenges Amid Player Absences
After finishing with a top-three defensive rating in the previous two seasons, Orlando currently ranks 13th in defensive efficiency with a 113.4 rating. This drop reflects some of the hurdles the team faces, including the absence of Franz Wagner, who is sidelined with a high ankle sprain. Wagner’s defensive presence and length have been missed, increasing the pressure on Banchero to consistently lock in on defense while also shouldering the offense.
The Magic’s ability to regain their elite defensive form may hinge on whether Banchero can sustain the level of commitment that Carter described. His defense could become the key to lifting the entire team’s performance and helping Orlando secure more victories in a competitive season.
Wendell on Paolo:
"When P is locked in defensively he's one of the best in this league. He has the potential to be one of the best two-way players to ever play this game in my opinion. He had two big challenges with Kawhi the other night and then Luka tonight he took that… pic.twitter.com/kt5uZ8wtxt
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 25, 2026
