NBA roundup: Banchero flirts with triple-double in Magic win, LeBron's Lakers fall

Orlando, Florida - Paolo Banchero showed exactly why the Orlando Magic took him with the first overall pick in this year's NBA Draft, nearly posting his first career triple-double as his side defeated the Charlotte Hornets 113-93 on Friday.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero dribbles the ball past Charlotte Hornets forward JT Thor during the second quarter at Amway Center.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero dribbles the ball past Charlotte Hornets forward JT Thor during the second quarter at Amway Center.  © REUTERS

With last year's fifth overall pick Jalen Suggs and starting point guard Cole Anthony both missing through injuries, Orlando opted to not start a traditional point guard and instead let their new star run the show.

He looked right at home as the focal point of the Magic's offense, scoring 21 points on eight-of-14 shooting while adding 12 rebounds and seven assists to deliver their first win of the season.

Even more impressive was the fact that almost all of that production came in the first three quarters, as Orlando built an 82-53 lead heading into the fourth and Banchero sat out the final nine minutes.

WNBA Finals: Sabrina Ionescu seals Liberty lead over Lynx in stunning Game 3 final play
NBA WNBA Finals: Sabrina Ionescu seals Liberty lead over Lynx in stunning Game 3 final play

Through six career games, Banchero is averaging 24 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, and is yet to score less than 20 points in a contest.

The Lakers take another hit against the Timberwolves

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James works around Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels in the fourth quarter at Target Center.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James works around Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels in the fourth quarter at Target Center.  © REUTERS

LeBron James' 28 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals were not enough to bring an end to the Los Angeles Lakers' winless start to the season, falling to 0-5 after a 111-102 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

James shot 10-of-24 from the field and one-of-six from deep, and in his first game off the bench since his rookie season, Russell Westbrook was plagued by similar issues.

Westbrook shot six-of-17 for his 18 points, while also missing half of his 10 free throws and committing five turnovers.

WNBA Finals: Breanna Stewart leads Liberty past Lynx in thrilling Game 2
NBA WNBA Finals: Breanna Stewart leads Liberty past Lynx in thrilling Game 2

For the Wolves, Anthony Edwards led the scoring with 29 points on 11-of-22 shooting, while Rudy Gobert was seven-of-11 for 22 points and 21 rebounds to lift their record to 4-2.

Around the league

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo dunks over New York Knicks forward Julius Randle in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo dunks over New York Knicks forward Julius Randle in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum.  © REUTERS

With two MVP trophies already in his display case, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo made it clear why he is one of the favorites yet again this season with a powerhouse performance in a 119-108 win against the New York Knicks.

Antetokounmpo led the Bucks in made field goals (11), made free throws (seven), points (30), rebounds (14), and assists (nine) in a true virtuoso showing. He was supported well, with six teammates making their way into double figures, including 12 points and 12 rebounds off the bench from Bobby Portis.

With the win, the Bucks are now 4-0, and the only remaining unbeaten team.

Caris LeVert and Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers went head-to-head with star Boston Celtics duo Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown and emerged 132-123 winners in overtime.

While Brown and Tatum had 32 each at a combined 22-of-41 from the field (54%), the Cavs pairing played even better, scoring 41 each off a combined 27-of-47 (57%).

Second-year phenom Evan Mobley also had a big hand in the win, chipping in 19 points (seven-of-12 shooting) with 10 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.

Cover photo: Collage: REUTERS

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