How Paolo Banchero showed the two-way potential of all time in the confrontations of Kawhi Leonard, Luka Doncic

Paolo Banchero capped the Orlando MagicA four-game Western Conference road trip with a A 36-point performance in a 110-109 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, but his impact went beyond the goals. In consecutive matches against Kawhi Leonard and Luka DončićBanchero accepted primary defensive assignments that highlighted his potential as an elite two-way player.

Wendell Carter Jr., who had 20 points, 11 rebounds and two assists in 36 minutes — including a game-winning putback — praised Buncher’s defensive focus and competitiveness.

“Man, when P is locked down defensively, he’s one of the best in this league. He has the potential to be one of the best two-way players to ever play the game in my opinion. He had two big challenges with Kawhi the other night, and then with Luke tonight. He accepted that challenge. When he’s in that mode, when he’s locked in, man, it takes it to another level.”

on sunday, Leonard scored 37 points against Orlandoadding eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks while shooting 14-for-25 from the field. Two nights later, Doncic faced the disruptive defensive presence of the Magic. The Lakers star finished with 22 points, 15 assists and nine rebounds, but shot 8-for-24 from the field and 2-for-10 from 3-point range with two turnovers.

Wendell Carter Jr. on Paolo Banchero’s defense this season:

“When P is locked down defensively, he’s one of the best in this league. He has the potential to be one of the best two-way players ever. … When he’s in that mode, it takes us to another level.” pic.twitter.com/kHDu8BIgJ6

— Julian Ojeda (@jovepafm) February 25, 2026

Paolo Banchero accepts the challenge of guarding the elite scorers

Banchero tackled the defensive responsibility of guarding top scorers around the league.

“Yeah, I think it’s just me, you know, accepting the challenge. You know, I think a lot of times, you know, coaches want, you know, some of the better players to guard a guy. They don’t have to expend as much energy. But, you know, Jalen coming out, Franz coming out, those are two of our best perimeter defenders, I know they’re big defenders. guy, I can move, I feel like I’m a good defender, especially one-on-one, guarding bigger guys, bigger guardian.”

He acknowledged the difficulty of keeping up with the stars, but emphasized effort and physicality.

Paolo on the defense of Kawhi Leonard, Luka Doncic in the last two games:

“When Jalen and Franz left, I know I have to step up on that side. I’m a big guy, I can move. You’re not going to stop guys like that, but you can make it difficult for them — make them miss a couple, make them work.” pic.twitter.com/HMurC2OMrI

— Julian Ojeda (@jovepafm) February 25, 2026

“And so guarding guys like that, you’re not going to stop them from scoring, but you can put your heart on them, make them miss a few shots, just make them use up a lot of energy. So that’s what I was trying to do. Kawhi obviously had a big night, but he got some stops and just made it difficult and just watching him with the ball and you know, just looking at his hands. you know, I’m just trying to show my body and you know, be there when he he’s trying to look, he’s making plays.”

Bancher’s offensive performance remained stable. Against the Lakers, he added 10 rebounds and six assists while shooting 12-for-22 from the field and 10-for-11 from the free throw line in 38 minutes.

The Magic contain Luka Doncic while Banchero is late against the Lakers

Head coach Jamahl Mosley emphasized vcollective defense challenge Dončić highlighting Bančer’s well-timed shot.

“Listen, sometimes when he shoots, you just have to hope it doesn’t go in. Because he’s so good and when the game was on the line, he took a big three that put them up three. And Paolo comes back and hits one. As soon as that one goes in the corner, you know it’s good because that’s what he did. I saw him when we played in Portland, when we did it in Dallas. accurate shot, so you have to keep mixing coverage against him, making it difficult, do your best to do it without fouling, and just keep making it difficult for him.

Orlando held Doncic below his season average of 32.5 points while limiting his effectiveness. With the win, the Magic improved to 31-26 and secured road wins over both Los Angeles teams in the same season for the first time since 2012-13.

The Magic return home Thursday to begin a four-game homestand against the Houston Rockets (35-21). As Orlando continues to move up the Eastern Conference standings, Buncher’s willingness to defend elite scorers while carrying the offensive load underscores the franchise’s growing two-way ceiling.