Banchero Shines in Return, Leads Magic to Victory Over Heat

Magic power forward Paolo Banchero returned to the starting lineup after a 10-game absence due to a left groin strain and helped lead Orlando to a 106-105 win over the Miami Heat on Friday night at the Kia Center.

Banchero played 20 minutes and had nine points on 3-of-8 shooting to go with six rebounds and two assists.

It was his first game since he injured his groin during the Magic’s win against the Knicks in New York on Nov. 12,

“Honestly, I thought he was great because he was just trying to find the rhythm, trying to find a way to stay within the flow of the game [by] making the simple play, making the easy read,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. “Defensively, moving and sliding his feet. I think those are key pieces as he continues to get back [that are] going to be important.

“I thought he just let the game come to him and just made his way through. He was great tonight.”

The Magic started playing their best basketball of the season one game before Banchero was hurt, and they won seven of the 10 games Banchero missed.

Banchero entered Friday averaging 21.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game on the season.

Orlando and Miami will face each other again Tuesday in an NBA Cup quarterfinal in Orlando.