Paolo Banchero scored a playoff career-high 45 points for the Orlando Magic but the team lost to the Detroit Pistons 116-109. Banchero's performance included nine rebounds, seven assists, and two steals.
Former Duke Blue Devil Paolo Banchero put on a show for the Orlando Magic Wednesday night, scoring a playoff career-high 45 points.
The former 2021-22 ACC Rookie of the Year finished the night with 6-for-11 shooting from three-point range to go along with nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals.
Unfortunately for Banchero, Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons had 45 points of his own as Detroit stayed alive with an 116-109 victory.
Free throws were an issue for the Magic, as Banchero accounted for seven of the team's 14 misses (53%) from the line.
That said, Banchero's night was still historic, as the fourth-year forward nearly broke a Magic franchise record for most points in a playoff game.
Banchero's 45 points sit third all-time, behind both Dwight Howard and Tracy McGrady, who each scored 46. Howard did so in 2011 against the Atlanta Hawks, while McGrady ironically did his damage against Detroit as well in 2003.
Despite suffering the defeat, Banchero and Orlando remain in control, heading home for Game 6 with a 3-2 series lead.
This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Paolo Banchero nears Magic franchise record, sets playoff career-high
Paolo Banchero nearly set the franchise record by scoring a playoff career-high of 45 points.
In the game against the Pistons, Banchero scored 45 points, had nine rebounds, seven assists, and two steals.
The Orlando Magic lost to the Detroit Pistons with a final score of 116-109.
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