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Inside Paolo Banchero's Comments Ahead Of Crucial Road Matchup Against Raptors  cover image
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Andrew Cherico
Dec 29, 2025
Updated at Dec 30, 2025, 04:57
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Banchero dissects Toronto's unique challenge, discusses teammate growth, and reveals his offensive adjustments after injury.

On the momentum from the big win against Denver heading into the three-game road trip:

"Definitely is a big momentum boost. Denver being a great team, championship level team with an MVP. Just to be able to beat them in the way that we did, close game down to the wire, definitely is a big boost for the team and especially coming off tough loss against Charlotte."

On the Toronto team and what it will take to get a win tonight:

"They're a really good team. They've been playing good basketball all season. And like you said, they win a lot of different ways. They're a pretty versatile type of team. They got guys who play different positions, guard different positions so it's a unique challenge. They just love to get out in transition, try and turn you over. They play kind of run and jump defense. But we just got to be ready to take care of the ball. Run our stuff, get clean looks on offensive end. And then on defense, just keep them out of the paint. They got some talented guys, Scotty Barnes and Brandon Ingram, who can score from all three levels. So, just trying to keep them out of the paint, make it tough on them. And then when we got the opportunities, get out and run."

On Anthony Black's growth and recent performance (career-high in Denver game):

"Just his confidence night in night out. Whether he has a rough game, good game, he comes out the next day with the same level of confidence and belief in himself. And that's just a credit to him and how hard he's worked and the improvements he's made over the course of his three years already. Just seeing how much he's improved this year, it makes you wonder what his potential really is."

On dealing with post-groin injury defenses (building a wall) and using playmaking:

"I think just taking what the defense gives me. I've been feeling good as far as physically. So, it's more just getting back in that rhythm, getting those looks that I'm used to getting and making those plays when the opportunity presents itself. But like you said, the playmaking is obviously very important just for me to always create good looks for my teammates."

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