Paolo Banchero’s 50-Point Game Ignites the Magic’s Hot Start: Can He Make Orlando an East Contender?

Locked On NBA – Daily Podcast On The National Basketball Association

In today’s Locked On NBA episode, Doug Branson, Matt Moore, and Hayes dive into a thrilling night in the NBA as Paolo Banchero drops a near-50-point game against the Pacers, sparking debate on whether it’s time to elevate his status among the league’s rising stars. The guys also dissect the Magic’s defensive-focused hot start and ask if they’re ready to disrupt the Eastern Conference elite.

Later, it’s “Gimme More” time where Matt and Haize break down the Lakers’ loss to the Suns and debate if LeBron’s off night or Phoenix’s defense was more to blame in the game’s outcome. And the team assesses whether the Bulls’ big three is finally clicking, or if Memphis is being too cautious with Jaren Jackson Jr. Plus, are the Knicks already regretting the Karl-Anthony Towns trade? We hear from Locked On Knicks host Gavin Shaw on how Towns fits—or doesn’t—into Tom Thibodeau’s system. And the hosts pick sides on the moment that had NBA Twitter buzzing: Peyton Pritchard’s buzzer-beating three against the Bucks and Doc Rivers’ priceless reaction.

0:32 Paolo Banchero's 50-point game

4:11 Orlando Magic's strong start

7:02 Magic's offensive improvements

10:17 Gimmie More! Was the Lakers first loss MORE about LeBron James' off night or the Suns defense?

13:47 Gimmie More! Is the Bulls Big 3 finally coming together or was their close win over the Grizzlies more about Ja's absence and coaching decisions

19:37 Knicks and Karl-Anthony Towns are an awkward fit so far

25:14 Peyton Pritchard's buzzer-beater

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