Paolo Banchero and Kevin Durant at one point both called Seattle home.
Banchero, who is a Seattle native, recalled being 12 years old while watching Durant, who was drafted by the SuperSonics, play at Seattle Pacific University for a Pro Am game.
“So, it’s crazy to be on an NBA floor against him,” Banchero said Monday after the Magic lost to Durant’s Nets 109-102. “It’s a full-circle moment.”
By the time that circle was completed, Durant had a season-high 45 points on 19-for-24 shooting, while adding seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks.
“That was definitely a great performance,” Banchero said.