Paolo Banchero had a standout performance on Monday night, marking the best game of his career as he led the Orlando Magic to a 119-115 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Banchero tied the franchise record for points scored in a half by netting 37 in the first two quarters. He finished the game with a career-high 50 points, making him the fifth-highest scorer in Magic history. His impressive showing also signaled the first 50-point game of the NBA season.
After the game, Banchero expressed his exhaustion, saying, “Man, I’m tired; I’m tired as hell.” However, he was thrilled with his performance, describing it as a “hell of a game.” The young star, who was named the NBA’s Rookie of the Year two seasons ago and earned an All-Star selection last year, showcased his scoring ability by shooting 13-of-17 in the first half and ending the game with 16-of-26 from the field. In addition to his scoring, Banchero contributed significantly on the boards with 13 rebounds and facilitated plays with nine assists.
Banchero’s 50-point game also set a new milestone in Magic history, as he became the youngest player to achieve this feat at 21 years and 351 days old. He is now the second-youngest player in NBA history to record a game with at least 50 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, just behind LeBron James, who accomplished this at 20 years and 80 days in 2005. The Magic had not seen a player score 50 points in a game for over 20 years, with Tracy McGrady holding the franchise record of 62 points since March 10, 2004.
Before Banchero’s performance, the Magic had experienced a long drought regarding 50-point games, making this achievement even more significant for the franchise. The only other players in Magic history to score 50 points in a game include Shaquille O’Neal, who had 53 points, and McGrady, who had multiple 50-point games. Banchero’s 37 points in the first half tied McGrady’s previous record for the most points scored in a half for Orlando, set against Denver in 2003.
Banchero’s stellar performance is a promising sign for both him and the Magic as they look to build on this momentum throughout the season. Comparatively, the Pacers’ starting lineup managed to score a total of 37 points in the first half, highlighting the dominance of Banchero’s individual performance. This game not only adds to Banchero’s personal accolades but also places him among the elite young talents in the NBA, showcasing his potential for future success.
