The Orlando Magic continued their climb in the Eastern Conference on Sunday, defeating the Indiana Pacers 135-127 at Kia Center to hand Indiana its 12th straight loss.
Orlando improved to 20-16 after a balanced and efficient offensive performance, while the Pacers fell to 6-30 despite one of their most productive shooting nights of the season.
Desmond Bane led the Magic with 31 points on 12-of-17 shooting and scored nine points during a decisive 17-0 run that erased an early 12-point deficit.
Paolo Banchero added 28 points and 12 rebounds, continuing a strong stretch of play and anchoring Orlando’s half-court attack late.
Anthony Black delivered one of his most complete games of the season with 27 points and 10 assists, giving the Magic three players with at least 27 points in the win.
Orlando shot 56 percent from the field and knocked down 15 of 32 3-pointers, consistently punishing Indiana’s perimeter defense during key stretches.
The Pacers responded with their best shooting effort in weeks, finishing at 55.2 percent overall after entering the game ranked last in the NBA in field goal percentage.
Pascal Siakam carried Indiana with 34 points, including a 20-point third quarter that briefly changed the momentum and kept the game within reach.
Aaron Nesmith added 25 points and eight assists, while Andrew Nembhard recorded 20 points and 11 assists, as Indiana’s ball movement repeatedly produced quality looks.
Indiana briefly took a one-point lead with 7:29 left after Nembhard’s free throws, but Bane responded with a layup and set up Banchero for a three-pointer to regain control.
The Magic closed the game by winning the final minutes at the free throw line, converting 26 of 34 attempts compared to Indiana’s 16 of 21 performance.
The loss tied a 43-year franchise record for Indiana, seven months after the club reached the NBA Finals and amid a roster still dealing with multiple injuries.
The teams have now split their recent miniseries unevenly, with Orlando winning two of the last three meetings, including a 112-110 victory in Indianapolis on December 31.
Indiana will look to halt the skid at home against Cleveland on Tuesday, while Orlando travels to Washington to build on its offensive momentum.
#Magic #extends #Pacers #skid #Bane #Banchero #Black #Power #Orlando #move #Indiana #TalkBasket.net