The Indiana Pacers finally found their breakthrough moment Monday night in Orlando Magic territory, riding a dominant performance from Pascal Siakam to a dramatic 128–126 victory that snapped a franchise-record 16-game losing streak.
Siakam delivered one of his most complete performances of the season, pouring in 37 points and making the game-saving defensive play in the final seconds. With Orlando trailing by two after winning a jump ball with 6.4 seconds remaining, Paolo Banchero attacked the rim looking to tie the game. But Siakam, alongside 7-foot-1 center Jay Huff, contested the shot at the basket, forcing a miss that sealed Indiana’s long-awaited win.
Banchero was sensational despite the loss, finishing with a game-high 39 points as Orlando dropped its fifth straight contest.
Indiana’s offense clicked throughout the night, posting one of its most efficient outings of the season. Entering the game ranked near the bottom of the league in field-goal percentage, the Pacers responded by shooting 55% from the field and knocking down 16-of-35 shots from beyond the arc (45.7%). The balanced attack included 20 points from Jarace Walker and 19 from Aaron Nesmith.
Meanwhile, Andrew Nembhard orchestrated the offense brilliantly, recording 13 points, 14 assists, and seven rebounds. His clutch 3-pointer with 1:33 remaining proved to be Indiana’s final points of the night—and ultimately the difference on the scoreboard.
The Pacers appeared to be in control early in the fourth quarter after Siakam and T. J. McConnell combined for three quick layups in a 39-second stretch to extend the lead to 109–97. Indiana later pushed the advantage back to 12 when Siakam knocked down two free throws with 3:36 remaining. But Orlando responded with a late surge, scoring nine unanswered points to set up a dramatic finish.
For the Magic, Desmond Bane contributed 17 points—14 coming after halftime—while also adding seven assists in a strong all-around effort. Orlando, however, continued to feel the effects of injuries and absences. Guard Jalen Suggs missed his 24th game of the season due to illness, and Anthony Black sat out his ninth straight contest with an abdominal strain.
The victory marked Indiana’s first win since Feb. 11 and could provide a much-needed confidence boost as the schedule tightens down the stretch.
Next up, the Pacers return home to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, while the Magic hit the road to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday.
