Hot Takes from Magic's Paolo Banchero vs. Kings' Keegan Murray Summer League Matchup
July 9, 2022
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero and Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray have dominated summer-league play thus far, and Saturday was no exception.
Banchero finished with 23 points, six rebounds, six assists, four steals, a 360-degree dunk, a game-saving block and the game-winning assist in sudden-death double overtime to Emanuel Terry for the 94-92 win.
Murray had 20 points, nine rebounds and a game-tying three-pointer with two-tenths of a second left in regulation after teammate Neemias Queta (23 points, eight rebounds) drilled a triple four seconds earlier.
Needless to say, both players drew rave reviews for their work.
Banchero, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, dropped 17 points and six dimes in his debut on Thursday. The positive comments kept rolling his way.
Josh Robbins @JoshuaBRobbinsMy initial scouting report on Paolo Banchero:<br>• superb court vision<br>• enthusiastic playmaker/passer<br>• strong, w/room to improve<br>• NBA-ready court presence/confidence<br>• confident ballhandler<br>• attacks mismatches well, w/fluidity<br>• 3-pt shooting stroke is OK but needs reps
Orlando Magic Daily @OMagicDailyPaolo Banchero today:<br><br>23 points<br>6/15 FG<br>11/15 FT<br>6 assists<br>6 rebounds<br>8 TO<br><br>Banchero knows he has to clean up the turnovers. But he was more assertive looking for his shot and taking tougher shots. Still made a lot of great passes. A lot to like. We'll see if he plays Monday.
Murray, who averaged 19.7 points and 9.7 rebounds in three summer-league games during the California Classic, got his compliments as well.
Matt Morris @mattchrismor777I’m super impressed by Keegan Murray. Dude can play and has the calm demeanor locked in. <a href="https://twitter.com/SacramentoKings?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SacramentoKings</a> got themselves a gem. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBA2K23SummerLeague?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBA2K23SummerLeague</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBASummerLeague?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBASummerLeague</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nba?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nba</a>
The Magic will now face No. 2 overall pick Chet Holmgren and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday at 9 p.m. ET.
The Kings will play No. 6 overall selection Bennedict Mathurin and the Indiana Pacers Sunday at 3 p.m.