Duke Basketball One-And-Done Gets Emotional After Draining Game-Winner

Former Duke basketball player Paolo Banchero, who has not missed a game this season, led the Orlando Magic to a 112-109 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night. Banchero showed off his clutch one-on-one abilities by making a game-winning and-one fadeaway.

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View the replay of the particularly challenging shot that helped Orlando win three games in a row and raise their overall record to 32-25 for the fledgling team:

Alongside fellow Duke basketball prospect Wendell Carter Jr., Banchero was a frontcourt starter. However, he missed Sunday night’s 109-92 loss at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks due to an illness.

Hence, the 21-year-old All-Star’s performance against the Pistons wasn’t his best: five rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and 15 points on 5-for-17 shooting from the field.

Duke Basketball One-And-Done Gets Emotional After Draining Game-Winner - Sports Illustrated Duke Blue Devils News, Analysis and More

He battled through the illness and poor shooting, though. And that effort paired with the perfect ending culminated in Paolo Banchero having to step away from the camera for a moment and wipe away tears as he explained his emotions to Bally Sports:

With an average of 22.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, Banchero is the current NBA Rookie of the Year. “It was important,” he stated regarding the result. “The game was difficult…I’ve been ill.Man, it’s simply been hard. I have not been feeling well. I performed horribly. I simply acknowledge my teammates. They made me feel better the entire time.

“I have no idea why I’m crying at this moment. It was a challenging game, and I’m very happy of my team.”