Magic: Paolo Banchero Shares What Happened During Intriguing Moment With Cavs' Donovan Mitchell in Final Seconds of Game 7

CLEVELAND, OHIO - Paolo Banchero (#5) of the Orlando Magic reacts as he walks down court during the first quarter of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 30, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo : Jason Miller/Getty Images)

The Orlando Magic have been eliminated in the first round of their first postseason appearance in four years after losing on the road to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 7, 106-94, at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Sunday, May 5.

During the final seconds of the series decider, the best players on both teams, Cavs star Donovan Mitchell and Magic forward Paolo Banchero, shared a moment on the center court while paying each other's respects.

Banchero went on to say what they were talking about at the post-game conference with the media.

"We had a moment when the clock was running down and he had the ball. He just told me he got a lot of respect for me, and we shared words," the 21-year-old said. 

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Banchero balled out in Game 7 despite the loss, dropping 38 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, three steals, and one block in 42 minutes of action.

Paolo Banchero recalls history vs Donovan Mitchell

Banchero also revealed an instance when he played against Mitchell during a pickup game before he entered the NBA.

"He was the first guy that I kind of went at it before I got in the league. We were in a pickup game together... That was our first meeting each other and playing against each other. So, it's funny now that my first playoff series was against him as well," the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year added.

Banchero concludes a stellar sophomore year in the league, where he made his first NBA All-Star Game appearance.

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