Paolo Banchero scores 50, ties Magic record with a 37-point first half

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Paolo Banchero had one of the best evening of his profession on Monday evening.

Banchero tied the Orlando Magic file for factors in a half, scoring 37 within the first two quarters in opposition to the Indiana Pacers. He completed with a career-high 50 factors — tying the fifth-highest scoring effort in Magic historical past. Orlando earned a 119-115 comeback victory.

He grew to become the second participant in NBA historical past to file 50 or extra factors, 10 or extra rebounds and 5 or extra assists in a sport earlier than turning 22.

“Man, I’m drained. I’m drained as hell,” Banchero mentioned after the primary 50-point effort within the NBA this season. “However it was a hell of a sport.”

50 BALL AYE AYE pic.twitter.com/2Rz9u2YdD8

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) October 29, 2024

Banchero, the 2023 Kia Rookie of the Yr and 2024 All-Star, was 13-for-17 from the sector within the half. He completed 16-for-26, additionally taking pictures 15-for-22 on the line and amassing 13 rebounds, 9 assists and two blocks.

“It was simply being within the zone,” Banchero mentioned. “Felt like I used to be in an open gymnasium, again at dwelling, simply engaged on my sport. Each shot felt prefer it was moving into and it’s feeling whenever you’ve received a day like that. Not each sport goes to be like that, however I’m glad in the present day was.”

The opposite 50-point video games in Magic historical past:

• Tracy McGrady had 62 in opposition to Washington on March 10, 2004;
• Shaquille O’Neal had 53 in opposition to Minnesota on April 20, 1994;
• McGrady had 52 in opposition to Chicago on Feb. 21, 2003;
• McGrady had 51 in opposition to Denver on Nov. 14, 2003;
• Nick Anderson had 50 in opposition to New Jersey on April 23, 1993;
• McGrady had 50 once more in opposition to Washington on March 8, 2002.

the one participant since (at the very least) 1996 to have at the very least 37 factors, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in a half

the 4th participant in Magic historical past with 50+ factors in a sport becoming a member of Tracy McGrady (4x), Nick Anderson and Shaquille O’Neal

go off @Pp_doesit https://t.co/6Ci38IITnK pic.twitter.com/MoDVq2nMuw

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) October 29, 2024

The 37 factors within the half tied the mark set by McGrady, additionally within the first half, for Orlando in opposition to Washington within the sport the place he completed with 62.

“That first half was a magical first half, for certain,” Banchero mentioned.

Banchero’s career-high getting into Monday was 43 factors, set Jan. 3 in opposition to Sacramento. There have been 4 first-half performances of 37 or extra factors final season — two by Phoenix’s Devin Booker, one by Karl-Anthony Cities (then of Minnesota, now of New York) and one by Dallas’ Luka Doncic.

Info from The Related Press was used on this report.