"Paolo Banchero making a b**ch out of Jabari Smith Jr", "Paolo is now a dad", "Gonna cook his a** worse in regular-season" - Fans react as Banchero dominates fellow rookie Smith Jr in Summer League 

The showdown between Paolo Banchero and Jabari Smith Jr. was one of the most highly-anticipated match-ups of the 2022 Summer League. Banchero, the No. 1 pick, dominated the No.3 pick, sending fans into a frenzy.

Banchero led the Orlando Magic to an impressive win against the Houston Rockets.

Banchero recorded a statline of 17 points, four rebounds and six assists.

Meanwhile, Jabari Smith Jr. was slow to get going. Smith was starved of possession and only attempted 10 shots in 30 minutes. He had an underwhelming performance and finished with 10 points, seven rebounds and three assists.

The next meeting between the two will take place in the regular season.

That said, here are some of the best reactions from fans on Twitter following their first meeting:

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Drama surrounding Paolo Banchero and Jabari Smith Jr.

Paolo Banchero and Jabari Smith Jr. at the 2022 NBA Draft

Banchero vs. Smith Jr. has the makings of a future rivalry.

Several mock drafts saw Smith go as the No. 1 pick. As such, the Magic drafting Banchero at No. 1 came as a bit of a shock.

Houston had plans to draft Banchero at No. 3 and also suggested a trade when Orlando snapped him up. Unfortunately for the Rockets, Orlando was unwilling to trade for their newest acquisition.

Having players of their caliber is bound to do a world of good for the NBA. It will set an example for future draft classes and is likely to be one of the major talking points moving forward.

The rivalry is still farfetched. But the existing narrative could see Smith head into the regular-season with a massive chip on his shoulder.

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