Banchero's basket in final seconds leads Magic to a 112-110 win over the Pacers

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Indiana Pacers center Tony Bradley reaches out to block a shot by Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) shoots while being defended by Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler) — Indiana Pacers center Tony Bradley reaches out to block a shot by Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

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2:57 PM on Wednesday, December 31

By PHILLIP B. WILSON

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — 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.

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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