Orlando Magic closed out 2025 with a dramatic 112-110 road win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The victory pushed Orlando to 19-15 and extended Indiana’s losing streak to 10 games.
Paolo Banchero delivered the defining moment, scoring the go-ahead basket with 7.5 seconds remaining. He finished with 29 points and 10 rebounds while anchoring a comeback from a 10-point third-quarter deficit.
Banchero backed down Aaron Nesmith on the final possession and banked in an 11-foot shot. The forward shot 12-of-21 from the field and 5-of-7 at the free-throw line in a game that featured 12 ties and 11 lead changes.
Nesmith had a chance to respond but missed a potential game-winning three-pointer with 3.1 seconds left. Orlando then secured the rebound to seal the result.
The Magic leaned on balanced scoring to stay within reach before the late push. Desmond Bane scored 18 points, while Anthony Black added 15 points and five assists.
Former Indiana center Goga Bitadze contributed 14 points and nine rebounds off the bench. Orlando shot 48 percent overall and converted 23 of 28 free throws to offset a 3-of-21 night from three-point range.
The Magic also welcomed back Jalen Suggs after a seven-game absence due to a hip issue. Suggs finished with 11 points and three assists, providing stability at the point of attack.
Orlando continues to play without leading scorer Franz Wagner, who has missed time since Dec. 7 with a high-ankle sprain. The Magic have relied more heavily on half-court execution and defensive pressure during his absence.
Indiana received strong production from Pascal Siakam, who led all Pacers with 26 points. Bennedict Mathurin scored 23, and Andrew Nembhard added 19 points and seven assists.
The Pacers fell to 6-28, the worst record in the NBA. Their 10-game skid matches the fifth-longest losing streak in franchise history.
Orlando out-rebounded Indiana 49-39 and recorded 28 assists, helping erase the third-quarter deficit. The Magic closed the game with defensive stops on two of Indiana’s final three possessions.
The Magic continue their road trip Friday at Chicago. The Pacers remain home to host San Antonio the same night.
