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ORLANDO, Fla. – Paolo Banchero had the best night of his career on Monday.
Banchero tied the Orlando Magic’s record for points in a first half, scoring 37 points in the first two quarters against the Indiana Pacers. He finished his career with 50 points – tying the fifth-highest scoring effort in Magic history. Orlando won 119-115.
“Man, I’m tired, I’m so tired,” Banchero said after his first 50-point effort in the NBA this season. “But it was a hell of a game.”
Banchero, the league’s Rookie of the Year two seasons ago and an All-Star last year, was 13 of 17 from the field in the half and finished 16 of 26 from the floor. He also had 13 rebounds and nine assists.
“It was just being in the area,” Banchero said. “I felt like I was in an open gym, at home, just working on improving my game. Every shot felt like it was going in, it’s a good feeling when you have a day like that. Not every game is going to be like that, but I’m happy today. “
At 21 years and 351 days old, Banchero became the youngest player in Magic history to record a 50-point game, and the second-youngest player with 50 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in an MLB game, behind only LeBron James (20). Years, 80 days) in 2005 against the Toronto Raptors.
Tracy McGrady still holds the record for most goals in a single game for the franchise, scoring 62 against the Wizards on March 10, 2004. This was also the last time a Magic player reached 50 points, meaning it took the franchise 20 years and 232 days between… 50-point games. – The fifth-longest drought in NBA history.
Other 50-point games in Magic history: Shaquille O’Neal had 53 points against Minnesota on April 20, 1994; McGrady had 52 goals against Chicago on February 21, 2003; McGrady had 51 career hits against Denver on November 14, 2003; Nick Anderson had 50 against New Jersey on April 23, 1993; McGrady had another 50 against Washington on March 8, 2002.
Banchero had the most assists (9) and second-most rebounds (13, trailing only 18 by O’Neal) in a 50-point game in Magic history.
His 37 points in the half tied the number McGrady scored, also in the first half, for Orlando against Denver on March 9, 2003.
“The first half was definitely magical,” Banchero said.
By comparison, the Pacers’ starting lineup combined for 37 points in the first half.
Banchero’s career high Monday was 43 points, set Jan. 3 against Sacramento. There were four first-half performances of 37 points or more last season — two from Phoenix’s Devin Booker, one from Karl-Anthony Towns (then of Minnesota, now of New York) and one from Dallas’ Luka Doncic.
ESPN Research and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
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