Paolo Banchero’s 50-Point Masterclass Leads Magic Past Pacers.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero takes our MVP of the day for October 28, delivering a career-high 50 points to lead the Magic to a thrilling 119-115 win over the Indiana Pacers. In a historic performance, Banchero became Orlando’s first player in 20 years to reach the 50-point mark, cementing his name among franchise greats.
The 21-year-old nearly clinched a triple-double, grabbing a game-high 13 rebounds and dishing out nine assists. His explosive first half, where he scored 37 points, tied Tracy McGrady’s franchise record for points in a half. Though he fell short of McGrady’s 62-point team record, Banchero joined McGrady, Shaquille O’Neal, and Nick Anderson as the only Magic players with 50-point games.
At 21 years and 351 days, Banchero also became the second-youngest player in NBA history to record 50+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ assists, a feat only surpassed by LeBron James at age 20.
Banchero’s efficiency shone through, shooting 16 of 26 from the field and making 15 of 22 free throws. His unforgettable night lifted Orlando past a resilient Pacers team and announced his arrival as one of the league’s brightest young stars.
Paolo Banchero’s clutch performance powered the Orlando Magic to a hard-fought 119-115 win over the Indiana Pacers. The victory handed Indiana their third straight loss. Banchero’s heroics offset a balanced Pacers attack and marked a strong statement win for Orlando.
Indiana’s Pascal Siakam led all Pacers scorers with 26 points. Tyrese Haliburton notched his first double-double of the season, posting 19 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds. Haliburton fueled a 39-22 third quarter, turning a 12-point Pacers deficit into a 98-93 lead entering the final period.
The Pacers stretched their lead to eight early in the fourth, but Orlando rallied back. The Magic defense clamped down, holding Indiana to five points in the last five minutes. Banchero reignited his scoring, adding nine points in the final 6:56. Jalen Suggs chipped in with a critical free throw, giving Orlando a 113-112 edge with just over two minutes left.
Haliburton tied the game with a 3-pointer at the 52.8-second mark. Suggs then found rookie Anthony Black, who sank a go-ahead triple to put Orlando up 118-115. Suggs finished with 25 points, shooting 6-of-13 from beyond the arc, and recorded seven assists and five rebounds.
Wendell Carter Jr. sealed the win with a crucial rebound off a Myles Turner miss. He closed with 11 points and 10 boards. Moritz Wagner added 14 points off the bench. For Indiana, Obi Toppin (14 points), Turner (13), Andrew Nembhard (13), and Aaron Nesmith (10) rounded out the Pacers’ scoring.
Image Credits: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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