The last time the Magic had won a home playoff game Paolo Banchero he was an eight-year-old boy who had just started learning about basketball. Exactly 13 years later, Banchero brought Orlando back to victory thanks to a 121-83 victory over the Cavaliers. and on such an occasion it was possible that Banchero would break several records himself.
First, he became the only player in history with a 30/10/5 playoff game in under 30 minutes (he missed the entire quarter of the final victory). And second, Banchero, at just 21 years old, became the third youngest player in history with that specific statistic, behind only Magic Johnson and LeBron James and ahead of Luka Doncic. Third, the Italian-American star became the youngest in 40 years with a 30/10 game and zero turnovers.
And finally, Banchero became the youngest player in Magic history with a 30-point playoff game. Yes, not even the great Shaquille O’Neal could achieve a similar feat. Although he has put up impressive numbers in these two professional seasons (and became Rookie of the Year just a year ago), the real spotlight will now turn on with the 2024 playoffs.
