Paolo Banchero Erupts for 45 Points as Magic Shock Warriors 124-115

Paolo Banchero put on a scoring clinic with a career-high 45 points, leading the Orlando Magic to a stunning 124-115 upset victory over the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Sunday night.

The 21-year-old forward was unstoppable throughout the contest, shooting 17-of-26 from the field and 5-of-9 from three-point range while adding 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Banchero's explosive performance showcased the immense potential that made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

"Paolo was incredible tonight," said Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley. "He took what the defense gave him and made some really tough shots. When he's playing like that, we can compete with anybody. This is the kind of performance that shows why we believe in his future."

The Magic jumped out to an early 15-point lead behind Banchero's hot shooting, but the Warriors battled back to tie the game at halftime. Stephen Curry kept Golden State close with 32 points of his own, while Klay Thompson added 24 points in a vintage shooting display.

However, Banchero took over in the fourth quarter, scoring 16 points in the final frame to seal the victory for Orlando. His clutch three-pointer with 2:47 remaining gave the Magic a seven-point cushion they would not relinquish, silencing the Chase Center crowd.

The victory marks one of the biggest wins of the season for Orlando, who entered the game with a 24-32 record but showed they can compete with elite teams when Banchero is at his best. For the Warriors, the loss is a concerning setback as they continue to fight for playoff positioning in the competitive Western Conference. Banchero's breakout performance serves as a reminder that the Magic's young core is developing rapidly and could be a force to reckon with in the near future.