Paolo Banchero Scores Career-High 50 As Magic Win THRILLER
The Orlando crowd was treated to an absolute spectacle tonight as the Orlando Magic ground out a 4-point win over the Indiana Pacers 119-115.
Paolo Banchero was the leader as always for Orlando, as he put up an incredible stat line while leading the team to an important early-season win.
Banchero finished with a career-high 50 points, including 37 in the first half. He also had 13 rebounds and 9 assists in 39 minutes, in a near triple-double performance from the third-year man.
Jalen Suggs was also excellent tonight, with a season-high 25 points and 7 assists, including six three-pointers. Anthony Black scored just 8 points tonight but was a huge factor in this Orlando win. He hit two clutch three-pointers, including effectively the game-winning shot.
The game was relatively free-flowing in the first half but slowed right down in the second half. The teams combined for 68 free throws, 22 of which Banchero took. After a decent lead heading into the half, the Magic slowly lost momentum as Indiana went on a run in the third. But it was Orlando that finished strong, with a furious fourth-quarter comeback to steal the win.
Another tough loss for the Pacers, who have lost multiple close games already this season. On the bright side, it was the best performance from Tyrese Haliburton this season, putting up a near triple-double himself. He finished with 19 points as Pascal Siakam added 26 points of his own.
Franz Wagner sat the second half of this contest out with an illness, allowing for big minutes from Anthony Black down the stretch, he should be back by Wednesday. The Magic go to 3-1 on the season as Indiana slide to 1-3.
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