The Orlando Magic continued their climb in the Eastern Conference on Sunday, defeating the Indiana Pacers 135-127 at Kia Center and handing Indiana its 12th consecutive loss.
Orlando improved to 20-16 behind 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, scoring 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 while anchoring Orlando’s half-court offense 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 three-pointers, consistently punishing Indiana’s perimeter defense during key stretches.
The Pacers countered 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 swung momentum and kept the game within reach.
Aaron Nesmith added 25 points and eight assists, while Andrew Nembhard posted 20 points and 11 assists as Indiana’s ball movement repeatedly generated quality looks.
Indiana briefly took a one-point lead with 7:29 remaining after Nembhard’s free throws, but Bane responded with a layup and set up Banchero for a three-pointer to restore 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-old franchise record for Indiana, coming 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 mini-series unevenly, with Orlando taking two of the last three meetings, including a 112-110 win in Indianapolis on Dec. 31.
Indiana will look to halt the skid Tuesday at home against Cleveland, while Orlando travels to Washington seeking to build on its offensive momentum.
