Magic end 13-year drought, Banchero makes history

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero. Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

Magic end 13-year drought as Paolo Banchero makes history

By Sai Mohan | Last updated 4/26/24

The last time the Magic won a home playoff game, Paolo Banchero was an eight-year-old kid falling in love with basketball. Exactly 13 years later, Banchero has guided Orlando back to prominence.

As the Magic ended their 13-year drought with a 121-83 win over the Cavs on Thursday, it was only fitting that Banchero broke several records himself.

First, he became the only player in history with a 30/10/5 playoff game in less than 30 minutes (he sat out the entire fourth of the blowout win).

Second, Banchero, 21, became the third-youngest player in history with that specific stat line, behind only Magic Johnson and LeBron James.

Paolo Banchero is special.

(h/t @ohnohedidnt24) pic.twitter.com/w9QCMILJSC
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 26, 2024

Third, the Italian-American star became the youngest in 40 years with a 30/10 game and zero turnovers.

The youngest player in over 40 seasons with

30+ PTS
10+ REB
0 TOV

in a playoff game. pic.twitter.com/pIcFLTuhwl
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 26, 2024

And finally, Banchero became the youngest player in Magic history with a 30-point playoff game. Yes, even the great Shaquille O'Neal couldn't achieve that feat.

The youngest player in Magic history with a 30-point playoff game: pic.twitter.com/c7vnHxA8sl
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 26, 2024

It can't be argued that Thursday was Banchero's coming-out party. While the versatile forward has been consistently putting up numbers since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2022, he hasn't been in the national spotlight until this year's playoffs.

The Magic trail the Cavs 2-1 in the first round of the playoffs. Game 4 is on Saturday.

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