Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero made NBA history Wednesday night despite the team's 132-125 loss to the Atlanta Hawks in its 2026-27 regular-season opener at home.
As the Magic began a new era under first-year head coach Sean Sweeney, Banchero delivered a historic performance, becoming the first player in NBA history to record at least 35 points and 10 assists while shooting 80% or better from the field in a season opener.
Orlando confirmed the achievement Thursday via X, formerly known as Twitter.
“On October 21 against Atlanta, Paolo Banchero became the first player in NBA history to have 35+ points and 10+ assists while shooting 80+% from the floor in a season opener.”
Banchero finished with a game-high 35 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds and one steal across 41 minutes. The 23-year-old shot an efficient 10-for-12 from the field, including 3-for-4 from 3-point range, and converted 12 of his 16 free-throw attempts.
His 83.3% field-goal percentage helped establish the unprecedented opening-night milestone.
On October 21 against Atlanta, Paolo Banchero became the first player in NBA history to have 35+ points and 10+ assists while shooting 80+% from the floor in a season opener.
(via @Magic_PR)
stat of the week presented by @HardRockBet pic.twitter.com/TgHsbuMdlj
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) October 22, 2026
Paolo Banchero joins exclusive NBA company despite Magic loss
Banchero's performance also placed him alongside two of the NBA's biggest superstars in another statistical category.
According to StatMuse, Banchero joined Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic as the only players during the 2020s to record at least 35 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists while shooting 80% or better from the field in a single game.
The historic showing provided an encouraging individual start for Banchero, who enters his fifth NBA season looking to lead Orlando deeper into the postseason.
Article Continues BelowThe former No. 1 overall pick averaged 22.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists across 72 games during the 2025-26 campaign.
However, Banchero's offensive efficiency wasn't enough to prevent Orlando from opening Sweeney's tenure with a loss.
The Magic will now look to regroup after surrendering 132 points to Atlanta in their first regular-season game under their new coach.
Orlando (0-1) will return to action Friday night when it hosts LaMelo Ball and the new-look Minnesota Timberwolves (1-0) at 7 p.m. ET.