Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero delivered an outstanding performance Monday night, scoring a career-high 50 points to propel his team to a 119-115 win over the Indiana Pacers. The 21-year-old star nearly reached a triple-double, contributing 13 rebounds and nine assists to secure the victory at the Amway Center.
Banchero’s 50-point achievement included 37 points in the first half, tying the Magic’s franchise record set by Tracy McGrady in 2003. His offensive output kept Orlando in control despite Indiana’s mid-game rally that nearly overturned a double-digit lead.
The Pacers briefly took the upper hand in the third quarter with a 22-3 scoring run, sparked by Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton. However, Banchero’s momentum-shifting backcourt steal and an assist to Moritz Wagner brought the Magic within a single point, reinvigorating the home crowd and setting the stage for a strong final push.
Jalen Suggs provided vital support for Orlando with 25 points and seven assists, while Wagner came off the bench to add 14 points. The Magic overcame the absence of Franz Wagner, their second-leading scorer, who exited in the third quarter due to illness.
Siakam led the Pacers with 26 points and nine rebounds, while Haliburton neared a triple-double with 19 points, nine rebounds, and ten assists. The Pacers were plagued by missed free throws, converting only 20 of their 30 attempts, which limited their ability to secure a win.
Orlando’s defensive adjustments in the final quarter stifled Indiana’s attack, preventing the Pacers from attempting a single free throw after they had been awarded 22 in the third quarter alone. Banchero’s resilience and playmaking abilities proved essential in the Magic’s comeback and highlighted his promising role as the centerpiece of Orlando’s roster.
