Paolo Banchero’s 34-point performance propelled the Orlando Magic to a 117-110 win over the Indiana Pacers during the NBA’s Saturday slate, ending their four-game losing streak.
Banchero’s efficiency was displayed as he shot 11-20 from the field and excelled at the free-throw line, making 12-16 attempts. Franz Wagner contributed 24 points to the Magic’s victory. Banchero highlighted the team’s determination to break their losing streak, emphasizing a focus on defense as the key to their win.
“Obviously dropping four straight, we were desperate to get back in the win column,” Banchero said. “So everyone was really focused on what we had to do to win the game. We knew it was going to be defense that we had to do it with”
Tyrese Haliburton led with 29 points and 14 assists for the Pacers, while Myles Turner and Buddy Hield added 24 and 20 points, respectively. Haliburton expressed disappointment with his recent performances, feeling he had been more of a hindrance than a help to the team.
“I’ve been bad for the last week and a half,” Haliburton said. “I’ve been hurting the team more than I’ve been helping it.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic, Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers Updates
The game’s shooting stats were closely matched, with Orlando slightly edging Indiana in field goal percentage. However, the Magic’s advantage came from the free-throw line, where they significantly outperformed the Pacers.
Despite the Pacers’ efforts to close the gap through their 3-point shooting, the Magic maintained their lead. Indiana managed to reduce a 14-point deficit to just one point by the end of the third quarter, but Orlando regained control in the final stretch, aided by their dominance in rebounding and inside shooting.
“They came out firing after halftime and we expected that,” Mosley said. “Our guys did not blink. They say, ‘OK we have to settled ourselves down.’ We executed offensively and then down the stretch we got some big time stops.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic, Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers Updates
Magic coach Jamahl Mosley praised his team’s approach to the game, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the game’s flow without forcing plays.
“I love that we played the right way,” Mosley said. “People always say what is the right way. It’s taking what the game gives you. You’re not forcing it. You’re not chasing it. You’re finding the right situation.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic, Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers Updates
The Magic were without Jalen Suggs due to a sprained wrist, but Gary Harris stepped up in his absence with a 15-point performance. The Pacers also faced an injury challenge, with Bruce Brown out and Andrew Nembhard starting in his place.
The Magic are set to face Washington in their next game, concluding their three-game road trip, while the Pacers will begin a two-game trip against Houston.
