ORLANDO, Fla. — Paolo Banchero delivered the performance of his career on Monday, scoring a remarkable 50 points in a thrilling game against the Indiana Pacers, leading the Orlando Magic to a 119-115 comeback victory.
Banchero’s first half alone was extraordinary, as he tied the franchise record by scoring 37 points in the first two quarters. His performance marked the highest scoring game in the NBA for the season thus far. Post-game, he expressed his fatigue, saying, “Man, I’m tired. I’m tired as hell. But it was a hell of a game.”
The 2023 Kia Rookie of the Year and 2024 All-Star shot an impressive 13-for-17 from the field in the first half and concluded the game with a shooting percentage of 61.5% overall, making 16 of his 26 field goal attempts. In addition to his scoring, Banchero also contributed 13 rebounds, nine assists, and two blocks.
Reflecting on his performance, he noted, “It was just being in the zone. Felt like I was in an open gym, 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.”
Banchero’s career-high prior to this game was 43 points, achieved on January 3 against Sacramento. His feat of 37 points in the first half matches the previous record held by Tracy McGrady against Washington in a game where McGrady scored 62 points.
Other notable 50-point games in Magic history include:
– Tracy McGrady with 62 points against Washington on March 10, 2004
– Shaquille O’Neal with 53 points against Minnesota on April 20, 1994
– Tracy McGrady with 52 points against Chicago on February 21, 2003
– Tracy McGrady with 51 points against Denver on November 14, 2003
– Nick Anderson with 50 points against New Jersey on April 23, 1993
– Tracy McGrady with another 50-point game against Washington on March 8, 2002
Banchero summarized his remarkable first half succinctly, stating, “That first half was a magical first half, for sure.”