ORLANDO – The first half of Monday night’s Indiana Pacers-Orlando Magic games was Paolo Banchero’s show.

The Magic led 71-59, with Banchero doing a lot of everything: 37 points (a club record), plus seven rebounds and six assists. The NBA world was in turmoil.

Then the Pacers turned things around in the third quarter, outscoring the Magic 39-22 and taking a five-point lead. Orlando was about to squander the record performance of its 21-year-old star.

But the Magic rediscovered their defensive identity as time went on, holding Indiana to three points in the final four minutes and getting strong shots from Banchero, Jalen Suggs and Anthony Black to secure their third win in four starts: Magic 119 , Pacers 115.

“This whole group was amazing,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. “The boys went under, the next man stepped forward. No matter what it was, these guys found a way to step in and step up. So you’re proud of a group that understands the importance of these moments and these possessions.”

“One of our fundamentals is courage,” said Jalen Suggs, whose 25 points and six three-pointers complemented Banchero’s dominance. “That’s what the ‘G’ in Magic stands for.”

But Banchero’s historic night must be noted. At 21 years and 351 days, he became the second-youngest player (LeBron James, 20 years-80 days in 2005) in NBA history with more than 50 points, more than 10 rebounds and more than 5 assists in a game. And the Magic needed every single point. As a plus, Banchero added 13 rebounds and nine assists. It’s plausible to assume that he also left a few points at the foul line; he missed seven free throws.

“I just wanted to come into the game with an aggressive mindset and get to the rim to start the game,” Banchero said. “It just felt good. I played confidently. To be honest, I didn’t even know how much I had in the first half. I was just out there making hoops.”

“It was one of those games where you’re watching and you’re training, but you’re just sitting there enjoying the process and watching a great player perform,” Mosley said. “He was an artist out there.”

But just as important as his offense were his contributions to defense. When Franz Wagner left after 11 minutes due to illness, Pascal Siakam from Indiana became Banchero’s job.

In the fourth quarter, when Orlando’s defense went into lockdown, Siakam made just two of seven shots. The Magic held the Pacers to 17 points in the final 12 minutes – just enough of a lead for the home team to regain the lead and stay there as the Kia Center crowd roared in approval.

Then, with the game tied at 115, Anthony Black noticed the ball swinging toward him in the corner and he calmly practiced the ultimately game-winning three-pointer. He scored eight crucial points for the Magic, but none were bigger than those three points. Wendell Carter Jr. posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, and Moritz Wagner had 14 points off the Magic’s bench.

“I think it just shows we’re taking another step forward,” Black said. “We’re a young team… so it could be easy to just collapse in situations like that.”

Last season, the Magic won 21 of 35 “clutch” games – what the NBA defines as any game within five points and less than five minutes left in regulation. Monday night’s thriller gives Orlando a 1-0 lead this year.

The Magic embark on a five-game road trip beginning Wednesday, October 30 against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.

Consequences ‘Orlando Magic on SI‘ on Facebook and like our page. Follow Magic Beat reporter Mason Williams on Twitter/X @mvsonwilliams. Also bookmark ours Homepage This way you never miss a story.