Is it just me or is Paolo Banchero the most slept-on former first overall pick and Rookie of the Year? His impact on winning goes unrecognized far too often but his career performance versus the Pacers may right that wrong.
The Duke University alum tied the Orlando Magic record for points in a half, with 37 in the first; tying the record set by Tracy McGrady in 2004 on his way to the franchise leading 62 points in a game. Banchero would finish with 50 points; his career high in scoring and added 13 rebounds with nine assists.
Jalen Suggs finished with 25 points and seven assists and Mo Wagner tallied 14 points off the bench.
Pascal Siakam had 26 points and nine rebounds while Tyrese Haliburton did what he could with 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists.
There are only six other 50-point performances in Orlando Magic History, four of which belong to Tracy McGrady. T-Mac had 62 against Washington in 2004, 52 against Chicago in 2003, 51 against Denver in the same year, and 50 against Washington in 2008. Shaquille O’Neal tallied 53 against Minnesota in 1994 and Nick Anderson had 50 against New Jersey in 1993.
The Pacers fall to 1-3 and welcome the reigning champion Celtics to Indiana on Wednesday. The Magic improve to 3-1 and begin a five-game road trip in Chicago Wednesday night.
Written by Raven Ullah, WUFO Intern
