3 Takeaways from the Thunder's win over the Orlando Magic
By Alex Mcewen
Chet Holmgren Rookie of the Year hopeful vs. Reigning ROY Paolo Banchero
Just over a year ago, the Thunder and Magic were scheduled for a November matchup on TNT; however, because Chet Holmgren was injured, the game was pulled, and fans had been waiting to see the 2023 number-one overall pick face the second-overall pick ever since.
Fast forward back to the present, and fans finally got to see the pair go head to head. Unfortunately, they did not directly match up a ton in their first meeting. Regardless, both big men posted impressive numbers.
Holmgren went 7-14 from the floor, good for 15 points, grabbed eight boards, dished three assists, and recorded two blocks. Banchero posted similar numbers, going 8-19 from the floor, pulling down nine rebounds, dishing eight assists, and posting two blocks.
The Thunder and the Magic will meet for the second and final meeting of the season next month in Orlando on Tuesday, February 13.
Perhaps we will see more of a direct matchup between the two high draft picks then, and if not, there will be many more opportunities for these two young stars to meet up down the line.
Additionally, Holmgren got to reunite and face off against his former Gonzaga teammate Jalen Suggs, and the pair exchanged jerseys on the court after the game.