ORLANDO – The two times the Orlando Magic played Indiana earlier this season, they were the more physical, aggressive and disciplined team.
On Sunday, the roles were reversed, as the Pacers not only matched the Magic in those categories, but they also got hot in key periods during their 111-97 victory at the Kia Center.
Things started off well for the Magic. They took a 12-2 lead and led by as many as 15 early in the second quarter. But like what happened in New York on Friday night, they struggled to find an offensive rhythm and ended up shooting just 37.5 percent from the field and 25 percent from 3-point range.
The third quarter is really where things went downhill for the Magic, who were outscored by 18 points in that span.
“We embarrassed ourselves,” guard Cole Anthony said. “I think we stopped moving that rock. We started trying to isolate ourselves more. There are times when it will work and times when it won’t. That’s two games in a row where we’re shooting under 40 percent from the field. It’s hard to win like that. I think our defense is still solid. We always hold teams well below their average, but these are crucial possessions – and we have to put that ball in the basket at the end of the day.
Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 19 points, but the 2024 NBA All-Star made just six of his 20 total shot attempts and one of his eight 3-pointers. Franz Wagner, who finished with 13 points, was also ineffective, going 5 of 14 from the field and 0 of 3 from downtown.
Anthony scored 16 points, Joe Ingles had 11 points and Wendell Carter Jr. recorded his sixth double-double of the season with 13 points and 15 rebounds. Jalen Suggs (right thigh contusion) and Markelle Fultz (maintained left knee injury) were out for a second straight game.
The special part of Sunday’s contest was that the Magic played their style of basketball – a tough, tough style of play. And while that’s not what the Pacers are known for, they were up for the challenge that night.
Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam led six Indiana players in double figures with 20 points each, while Obi Toppin and TJ McConnell each scored 17.
Each team committed 13 turnovers, but it was the Pacers who benefited the most. They scored 21 points off Orlando’s miscues, while the Magic had just 10 off Indiana’s.
“We had a few turnovers with live balls, and they had leaks and we just didn’t do a great job with that sense of urgency while sprinting,” Anthony said. “I’m guilty myself, obviously.”
The Magic will look to bounce back on Wednesday when they host the Brooklyn Nets at 7 p.m.
