ORLANDO, Fla. — Paolo Banchero had the best night of his career Monday.
Banchero tied the Orlando Magic record for points in a half, scoring 37 in the first two quarters against the Indiana Pacers. He finished with a career-high 50 points — tying the fifth-highest scoring effort in Magic history. Orlando won 119-115.
“Man, I’m tired; I’m tired as hell,” Banchero said after the first 50-point effort in the NBA this season. “But it was a hell of a game.”
Banchero, the league’s Rookie of the Year two seasons ago and an All-Star last year, was 13-of-17 from the field in the half and finished 16-of-26 from the floor. He also had 13 rebounds and nine assists.
“It was just being in the zone,” Banchero said. “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…