Magic's Banchero Embraces New Playoff Energy After Frustrating Regular Season

Orlando forward looks to move past criticism and inconsistent play as team enters postseason

Apr. 20, 2026 at 10:09am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or playoff action, with sharp, overlapping shapes in vibrant shades of blue, orange, and purple, conveying the intensity and energy of the playoffs.Banchero and the Magic embrace a new playoff energy after a frustrating regular season, determined to prove themselves on the postseason stage.Today in Orlando

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero has faced criticism this season after the team struggled to a mediocre record and had to fight through the Play-In Tournament to reach the playoffs. Despite the frustrations, Banchero is focused on the new energy and opportunity the playoffs bring, saying the team is 'fully healthy' and 'clicking as a group' after their Play-In win over the Charlotte Hornets.

Why it matters

The Magic were expected to take a big step forward this season with Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs leading the way. However, injuries, inconsistency, and reported feuds with the coaching staff derailed their regular season. Banchero's ability to rally the team and make a playoff push could be crucial for the franchise's long-term trajectory.

The details

Banchero struggled with consistency throughout the regular season, while also reportedly feuding with head coach Jamahl Mosley. Wagner and Suggs were also hampered by injuries. But after squeaking into the playoffs by beating the Hornets in the Play-In Tournament, Banchero said the team is 'fully healthy' and 'clicking as a group', and they can't dwell on the past. In Game 1 of their first-round series against the Detroit Pistons, Banchero had 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Wagner added 19 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.

  • The Magic finished the regular season with a mediocre record and had to play in the Play-In Tournament.
  • On April 16, 2026, the Magic beat the Charlotte Hornets in the Play-In Tournament to clinch the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
  • On April 19, 2026, the Magic defeated the Detroit Pistons 112-110 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.

The players

Paolo Banchero

A 23-year-old forward for the Orlando Magic who has faced criticism for his inconsistent play and reported feuds with the coaching staff this season, but is now focused on leading the team's playoff push.

Franz Wagner

A 22-year-old forward for the Orlando Magic who has been hampered by injuries this season, but contributed 19 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals in Game 1 of the playoffs.

Jalen Suggs

A 21-year-old guard for the Orlando Magic who has also dealt with injuries this season, but added 16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals in Game 1 of the playoffs.

Jamahl Mosley

The head coach of the Orlando Magic, who has reportedly feuded with Paolo Banchero during the team's frustrating regular season.

Desmond Bane

A 25-year-old guard the Magic added in the offseason to provide more offensive firepower, but the team has still struggled this season.

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What they’re saying

“There's nothing you can do to go back and change what happened. At the end of the day, we're here in the playoffs, and we have a chance to go and do what we've set out to do since October. You can't get too caught up in what happened in the regular season and the frustrations.”

— Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic Forward

“We're fully healthy right now, and we feel like we're clicking as a group. We found something against Charlotte with our defense, our energy, and our communication. We know that if we can replicate that, we give ourselves a chance every night, no matter who we're playing. It's definitely a new season and a new energy.”

— Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic Forward

What’s next

The Magic will look to build on their Game 1 victory over the Pistons as they continue their first-round playoff series. A deep playoff run could help erase the frustrations of their regular season and provide momentum heading into the offseason.

The takeaway

Paolo Banchero and the Magic are embracing a new mindset and energy as they enter the playoffs, determined to move past the disappointments of their regular season and prove they can be a force in the postseason. Banchero's leadership and ability to rally the team will be crucial as they look to make a surprising playoff push.