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Banchero’s basket in final seconds leads Orlando Magic to a win over the Pacers

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 31: Jarace Walker #5 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball while being guarded by Desmond Bane #3 of the Orlando Magic in the fourth quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on December 31, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) (Dylan Buell, 2025 Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

INDIANAPOLIS – 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 beat 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.

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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 Goga Bitadze 14.

The Magic (19-15), who have been without leading scorer Franz Wagner (22.7 points per game) since Dec. 7 due to a high-ankle sprain, welcomed back point guard Jalen Suggs from a seven-game absence with a hip issue. Suggs had 11 points and three assists.

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.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba


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