The Orlando Magic defeated the Indiana Pacers 119-115. The Magic now improved to 3-1 in this young NBA season. The Indiana Pacers drop to 1-3 on the season. The Magic were missing Franz Wagner for part of the game due to an illness. Despite losing Wagner their Superstar Paolo Banchero stepped up in a huge way.
Paolo Banchero scored 50 points on 16-for-26 shooting. Banchero knocked down 3-for-9 from the three-point stripe. He also hit 15-for-22 from the free-throw line. Banchero also grabbed 13 rebounds, dished out nine assists, recorded a steal, and blocked two shots. He set a Magic franchise record in the first half scoring 37 points. Banchero spoke on his virtuoso performance postgame.
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“It was just being in the zone. Felt like I was in an open gym, back at home, just working on my game. Every shot felt like it was going in and it’s a good feeling when you’ve got a day like that. Not every game is going to be like that, but I’m glad today was.”
Banchero’s 50-point or higher performance was the first 50-point performance since 2004, when Tracy McGrady scored 62 points against the Washington Wizards. Banchero is in rare company with this performance.
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More Magic Contributions
- Jalen Suggs 25 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished out seven assists.
- Wendell Carter Jr. scored 11 points, and 10 rebounds, dished out an assist, and blocked a shot.
- Moe Wagner scored 14 points, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out an assist.
The Orlando Magic travel to Chicago next to face the Bulls on October 30th. Tip-off from the United Center is 8 pm Eastern/7 pm Central.
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