Paolo Banchero had a career-defining performance on Monday night as the Orlando Magic beat the Indiana Pacers 119-115.
In an incredible first half, Banchero tied the Magic record by scoring 37 points against the Pacers.
By the end of the night, he reached a career-high 50 points, marking the fifth-highest single-game scoring total in Magic history.
Banchero, previously named Rookie of the Year and an All-Star last season, made 13 of 17 shots in the first half and finished 16-of-26 from the field.
He also grabbed 13 rebounds and dished out nine assists.
Speaking after the game, he said: “Man, I’m tired; I’m tired as hell. But it was a hell of a game.”
WAGIC WIN 🪄 pic.twitter.com/mZybyJaQ7H
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) October 29, 2024
“It was just being in the zone. Felt like I was in an open gym, back at home, just working on my game.
“Every shot felt like it was going in and it’s a good feeling when you’ve got a day like that. Not every game is going to be like that, but I’m glad today was.”
Banchero is now the youngest Magic player to hit the 50-point milestone and the second-youngest in NBA history to record 50 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in a single game.
Only LeBron James achieved this at a younger age, scoring 50 points with 10 rebounds and 5 assists in 2005 at 20 years and 80 days old.
While Tracy McGrady still holds the Magic’s all-time single-game scoring record with 62 points, Banchero’s feat ended a 20-year and 232-day stretch since any Magic player last hit 50.
Banchero also recorded the most assists (9) and the second-most rebounds (13) in a 50-point game for the Magic.
His 37 points in the first half tied McGrady’s record, set against Denver back in 2003.
Previously, Banchero’s scoring high was 43 points against the Sacramento Kings.
