Duke in the NBA: Jalen Johnson and Paolo Banchero square off
Former Duke alumni Jalen Johnson and Paolo Banchero squared off in one Wednesday's most exciting NBA games.
In an electrifying opening to the 2026-27 NBA season, Duke alumni Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. collided with their former teammate Jalen Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks. Beginning in Orlando, Banchero ignited the game, ending as the highest scorer with 35 points, ten assists, seven rebounds, and a steal. Carter Jr. contributed significantly as well, registering 22 points on eight successful shots, seven rebounds, and a steal.
Despite not matching his teammates' production, Jalen Johnson and the Hawks secured a narrow seven-point victory, 132-125. The former No. 20 overall pick finished the game with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists. Another Duke alum, RJ Barrett, led the Toronto Raptors to the most lopsided early-season win, scoring 20 points, grabbing four rebounds, and delivering three assists as the Canadians dominated the Chicago Bulls 143-100.
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