INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Paolo Banchero had 29 points and 10 rebounds and hit the go-ahead basket with 7.5 seconds remaining as the Orlando Magic rallied from a 10-point, third-quarter deficit and defeated Indiana 112-110 on Wednesday, sending the Pacers to their 10th consecutive loss.
As the clock was winding down in regulation, Banchero backed down Aaron Nesmith and banked home an 11-foot shot for the final basket in a game that included 12 ties and 11 lead changes. The power forward finished 12 of 21 from the field and 5 for 7 at the line.
Nesmith missed a potential go-ahead 3-pointer with 3.1 seconds remaining.
Orlando’s Desmond Bane scored 18, Anthony Black added 15 and former Pacers center had Goga Bitadze 14.
The Magic are 19-15 to end 2025 and have been without leading scorer Franz Wagner (22.7 points per game) since Dec. 7 because of a high-ankle sprain.
On Wednesday, they welcomed back point guard Jalen Suggs from a seven-game absence with a hip contusion. Suggs had 11 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.
In his 1st game back after missing 7 games because of a hip contusion, Magic guard Jalen Suggs could be found in his usual spot, diving on the floor for the basketball in a game against the Pacers on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
The Pacers have the NBA’s worst record at 6-28. The 10-game losing streak matches the fifth-longest in franchise history.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 26 points. Bennedict Mathurin scored 23, and Andrew Nembhard had 19.
Up next
Magic: At Chicago Bulls on Friday.
Pacers: Host San Antonio Spurs on Friday.