Paolo Banchero had the best night of his career on Monday night, tying the Orlando Magic record for points in a half – scoring 37 in the first two quarters against the Indiana Pacers.

He finished with a career-high 50 points to equal the fifth-highest scoring effort in Magic history. Orlando won 119-115.

“Man, I'm tired.” Banchero said after the first 50-point effort in the NBA this season.

Banchero, the league's rookie of the year two seasons ago and an All-Star last year, was 13 of 17 from the field in the half and finished 16 of 26 from the floor. He also had 13 rebounds and nine assists.

“It was just being in the zone,” Banchero said.

“Felt like I was in an open gym, back at home, just working on my game," he added. "Every shot felt like it was going in, and it's a good feeling when you've got a day like that. Not every game is going to be like that – but I'm glad today was.”

The 37 points in the half tied the mark set by NBA legend Tracy McGrady, also in the first half, for Orlando against Washington in the game where he finished with 62.

“That first half was a magical first half, for sure,” Banchero said.

Banchero's career-high entering Monday was 43 points, set January 3 against Sacramento. (AP)