A Historic Night for Banchero and the Orlando Magic
Orlando, FL— What was supposed to be your average Pacers vs Magic Monday night NBA game in the first week of the season turned into a historic and memorable night that will go down in Orlando Magic history.
Paolo Banchero’s Career-High Performance Fuels Magic Victory
Third-year forward Paolo Banchero was a man on a mission all evening long as he finished with a career-high 50 points and led the Magic to a 119-115 victory over a talented Indiana Pacers team.
“I think so. He’s [Paolo Banchero] one of the best basketball players I’ve been around,” Jamahl Mosley on Paolo Banchero. “That’s what great players do, they make those around them great and they make our coaches look good too.”
Banchero and Suggs Set the Tone in the First Quarter
Paolo got things going early for his group as he came out with vengeance, getting downhill, being aggressive, playing with a ton of physicality, and asserting his dominance out there. In the first quarter, Banchero finished with 19 points, four rebounds, and cashed in all five of his attempts from the free-throw line. I cannot overemphasize how impressive Banchero was in that first period, but let’s not overlook what his running mate Jalen Suggs accomplished. Suggs scored 12 of his 25 points on the evening in that first quarter alone and was a perfect 4 of 4 from behind the arc.
A Record-Tying Half for Paolo Banchero
Banchero continued his dominance in the second quarter, tying Tracy McGrady’s Magic franchise record for the most points scored in a single half with 37. Paolo would lead the Magic vs Pacers, finishing the first half with 37 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and shot an impressive 13 of 17 from the floor. Orlando dominated the first half, entering halftime with a comfortable 72-59 lead. Despite Franz Wagner’s illness limiting his play to the first half, the Magic appeared in control.
Pacers Surge in the Third Quarter
What was a double-digit lead for the Magic quickly vanished as the team gave up seven turnovers, and the Pacers outscored them 39-21 in the third quarter alone. Moe Wagner’s back-to-back dunks electrified the crowd and kept the Magic in the game. Paolo struggled in the third quarter, scoring only four points and shooting 0-6. Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle credited Aaron Nesmith’s defensive pressure, which helped Indiana intensify their play.
Magic Responds in the Final Quarter
The fourth quarter wasn’t easy for Orlando, but they found a way to push through when it mattered most. Paolo Banchero stepped up in the last six minutes, scoring eight points to seal the victory. The biggest moment of the game was Anthony Black’s clutch corner three with 33.3 seconds left, giving the Magic a 118-115 lead. The crowd erupted as the shot effectively secured the win. Jalen Suggs ended with 25 points, five rebounds, and seven assists, shooting 6 of 13 from three. Suggs now has back-to-back games with 5+ made threes. Paolo Banchero finished his career night with 50 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists, shooting 16 of 26 from the field.
Banchero Joins Legendary Company
With his performance in this Magic vs Pacers matchup, Banchero became just the fourth player in Magic history to score 50+ points, joining Shaquille O’Neal, Tracy McGrady, and Nick Anderson. He also joined LeBron James as one of two players in NBA history to record 50+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in a game before turning 22.
Magic Get Ready Magic to Hit the Road
With three wins in their first four games, the Magic will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming five-game road trip, starting in Chicago on October 30th.
