Banchero ends 20-year wait for Magic 50

If the Orlando Magic needed reasons to believe they’re on the right path after last season’s strong performance, they now have them: a 3-1 start, capped by a win over a peer contender, the Indiana Pacers (Eastern Conference finalists in last year’s playoffs).

The 119-115 victory was highlighted by a colossal performance from Paolo Banchero. The 2022 draft pick, still under 22, recorded the first 50-point game of the season, with a stunning first half that saw him score 37 points, grab 7 rebounds, and dish out 6 assists. He finished with 50 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists, along with 2 blocks, shooting 16/26 from the field and 3/9 from three, though he missed seven free throws (15/22).

Banchero is the first Magic player to reach 50 points since Tracy McGrady in 2004, and he matched T-Mac’s franchise record for first-half points (2003).

Banchero had already scored 33 points in the Magic’s season opener against Miami, a big win. This time, he had to dig deep, with Franz Wagner limited to the first half due to illness and Jonathan Isaac and Goga Bitadze also sidelined. The Magic overcame a dreadful third quarter (22-39) where Banchero was scoreless from the field (0/6, scoring only four free throws) and saw a 13-point lead vanish in a 3-22 run. In the fourth quarter, Indiana appeared to be in control (97-105 with eight minutes left) but only managed ten more points, allowing Orlando to close with a 22-10 run. Jalen Suggs was hot from the perimeter, opening the game with five consecutive threes and finishing with 6/13 from deep and an impressive 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists, complementing his usual strong defense. Off the bench, Mo Wagner stepped up in his brother’s absence with 14 points and 4 rebounds, while Anthony Black, who had an underwhelming rookie year, hit two key threes in the final minutes.

Pacers struggling early on

As for the Pacers, their 1-3 start reveals early-season struggles, with three consecutive losses. Following a nail-biting overtime loss to the Sixers, they again failed to close out the win in Orlando, and they now face a tough matchup against the Boston Celtics. Tyrese Haliburton showed improvement (19 points, 9 rebounds, 10 assists, 4/9 from three, and only one turnover) but still hasn’t reached his form from the first half of last season. Pascal Siakam contributed 26 points and 9 rebounds, but the Pacers need more from Myles Turner and young players like Bennedict Mathurin and Jarace Walker. So far, it’s been a disappointing start, but the season is just beginning.

Cavs show their strength

In Madison Square Garden, the Cavaliers (4-0) clinched a gritty 110-104 win over the Knicks (1-2), their best season start since 2016. Under Kenny Atkinson, Cleveland’s ball movement and strong defense, led by Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, kept the Knicks at bay.

Darius Garland powered the fourth quarter, scoring 34 points, including three clutch threes. Donovan Mitchell added 25 points, and Allen notched a double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 21 points but struggled, and rookie Ariel Hukporti saw extended minutes with key injuries in the lineup.

Celtics overpower the Bucks

The Celtics (4-0) continued to dominate the East with a 119-108 win over the Bucks (1-3). Boston’s 18 three-pointers and a pivotal 25-7 run sealed the game.

Giannis (30 points) and Lillard (33 points) led Milwaukee, but turnovers and poor shooting hampered them. Jaylen Brown scored 30 for Boston, with Payton Pritchard adding 28 off the bench, hitting eight threes.

Other Eastern conference results

Atlanta Hawks 119 - 121 Washington Wizards
Miami Heat 106 - 98 Detroit Pistons