Magic's Paolo Banchero Scores 50 as Orlando Outlasts Indiana Pacers

Paolo Banchero, the Orlando Magic's All-Star forward, scored 37 points in the first half, then led a fourth-quarter rally to beat the Indiana Pacers.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) shoots the ball over Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) and forward Pascal Siakam (43) in the first quarter at Kia Center. / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

ORLANDO, Fla. – Paolo Banchero just had a night that superstars are made of.

The 21-year-old Orlando Magic All-Star scored 50 points, a career high, and led a fourth-quarter comeback to beat the Indiana Pacers 119-115. Banchero's 37 points in the first half tied a franchise record for the most points in a single half (Tracy McGrady, March 9, 2003).

Banchero's full statline:

• 50 points (career high)
• 16-of-26 FG
• 3-of-9 3PT
• 15-of-22 FT
• 13 rebounds
• 9 assists

here are the first half highlights u ordered https://t.co/L6zwIY4Z7y pic.twitter.com/UbWNXTES2U

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) October 29, 2024

Some more milestones:

• Banchero's 50 points are a Kia Center-best for his career. He surpassed his previous career-high of 36 points for a home game with two free throws at the end of the first half.
• His previous career high was 43 points in January against the Sacramento Kings.
• The Magic's franchise high is 62 points, set by Tracy McGrady on March 10, 2004, vs. the Washington Wizards.

Only three other players have scored 50 points in Magic franchise history:

• Tracy McGrady (4 times)
• Nick Anderson
• Shaquille O'Neal

The Magic defeated the Pacers 119-115 and improved to 3-1. Beginning Wednesday in Chicago, the Magic play five road games in eight nights.

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