"Like when you're in 2K" - Paolo Banchero proudly reflects on 50-pt outing against Pacers

Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero hit the 50-point mark for the first time in his young career on Monday against the Indiana Pacers. Aside from his magnificent scoring performance, he nearly got a triple-double with 13 rebounds and nine assists.

Banchero talked about his career game with ESPN's Malika Andrews on "NBA Today." Andrews mentioned that the young star was getting MVP chants from the home crowd. She asked him how he felt when he heard this.

"It's a dream come true," Banchero said. "I've said before, it feels like when you're in 2K. You're playing 2K, you're having a great game, they start chanting 'MVP.'"

Banchero added that hearing the fans chant this was a "surreal" feeling. He also said that this was something that he'd dreamt of. Afterward, the Magic star thanked the fans for supporting him and the team.

Paolo Banchero's 50 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists against the Pacers placed him in rare company. According to StatMuse, he is one of two players to have a 50-point, 10-rebound, five-assist stat line in a game before turning 22 years old.

LeBron James is the other player on this list. LeBron accomplished this in his sophomore season against the Toronto Raptors. On March 20, 2005, LeBron registered 56 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. However, the LeBron-led Cleveland Cavaliers lost by seven to the Raptors (105-98).

Banchero's performance on Monday is also the first 50-point game of the 2024-25 season.

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What is Paolo Banchero's current rating on NBA 2K25?

Paolo Banchero is probably the best player on the Orlando Magic's roster, and his NBA 2k25 rating reflects that, as well.

The third-year player is rated 89 overall on NBA 2k25, the highest among all Magic players. Banchero has a total of 20 badges in the game. Of these 20, nine are silver, eight are bronze and three are gold. Most of his badges highlight his reliable scoring, especially on the interior.

His teammate Franz Wagner is not far behind, with an overall rating of 86. They are also joined by Jalen Suggs (82) and Wendell Carter Jr. (80) as the only Magic players rated 80 or better.

However, with his 50-point performance, it won't be surprising if he gets an upgrade to his stats. He could likely become the first Magic player rated 90 overall or better this season if he continues to play at a high level.