Pacers down Magic 128-126

Pascal Siakam delivered a dominant two-way performance Monday night, scoring 37 points and coming up with a game-saving block in the final seconds to lift the Indiana Pacers to a 128-126 win over the Orlando Magic, snapping a franchise-record 16-game losing streak.

Indiana hadn’t won since Feb. 11, but leaned on one of its most efficient offensive nights of the season to finally break through.

Paolo Banchero led all scorers with 39 points for Orlando, which dropped its fifth straight. He nearly forced overtime after the Magic gained possession on a jump ball with 6.4 seconds remaining. Driving hard to the rim, Banchero attempted a game-tying layup — but Siakam, along with 7-foot-1 Jay Huff, closed the door at the basket, with Siakam swatting the shot to seal the win.

The Pacers got key contributions across the board. Jarace Walker added 20 points, while Aaron Nesmith chipped in 19. Andrew Nembhard orchestrated the offense brilliantly, finishing with 13 points, 14 assists, and seven rebounds, including a clutch three-pointer with 1:33 left that proved to be Indiana’s final points.

After struggling offensively for much of the season, the Pacers erupted, shooting 55% from the field and knocking down 16-of-35 from beyond the arc (45.7%).

Indiana appeared in control early in the fourth quarter, stretching its lead to 109-97 behind a quick burst from Siakam and T.J. McConnell, who combined for three layups in just 39 seconds — the last coming after McConnell’s steal in the backcourt.

The Pacers still led by 12 with 3:36 remaining after Siakam sank two free throws, but Orlando mounted a late push with a 9-0 run to make it a one-possession game.

Desmond Bane helped fuel the comeback, scoring 14 of his 17 points in the second half while adding seven assists, but the Magic couldn’t complete the rally.

Orlando was also short-handed, missing Jalen Suggs (illness) and Anthony Black (abdominal strain).

Up Next: The Pacers return home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, while the Magic head to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday.