Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero has set his sights on securing homecourt advantage for the 2024-25 season.
The Magic forward emphasized how crucial it is to have the edge in playoff series, based on the team’s experience last season.
Orlando dominated at home during their first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning all three games at the Kia Center.
However, they struggled on the road, suffering losses in all four games and ultimately losing the series in seven games.
Reflecting on the difference between playing at home and away, Banchero noted in an interview with Dan Savage of NBA.com, “We all saw the difference between having it and not having it.”
He stressed the need for the team to focus on long-term goals throughout the regular season to secure homecourt advantage by playoff time.
“So, now that we know that, during the regular season, we’ll have the foresight that we’re not just playing game by game. We’re trying to play and build up to April, so that we can get homecourt,” the former No. 1 draft pick said.
Banchero’s awareness comes as Orlando prepares for the upcoming season and begins training camp on Tuesday.
The Magic’s success in the 2023-24 regular season, where they finished 47-35, showed the importance of consistent performance.
Orlando improved significantly from the previous season, notching 13 more wins than in 2022-23.
Their record of 47 wins was the highest for the franchise since the 2010-11 season, marking a major step forward.
The Magic’s strong regular season earned them their first playoff berth since 2020 and a division title in the Southeast Division.
Despite their playoff exit, Banchero’s focus remains on improving the team’s standing for the future.
