The Orlando Magic’s home dominance continued on Wednesday night as they secured a gritty 94-90 victory over the Indiana Pacers, remaining unbeaten at home this season.
The win, their 13th consecutive home victory dating back to last season, showcased key performances from Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, who helped push the Magic past a tough Pacers squad in a back-and-forth affair.
Wagner, who has been an emerging star for Orlando this season, finished the night with 29 points, showcasing his scoring ability across all areas of the floor. Meanwhile, Suggs provided the clutch play when it mattered most, hitting two critical free throws with just 9.8 seconds left to ice the game. His composure in the closing moments was a testament to his growing confidence and maturity as a leader on this Magic roster.
Orlando’s defense was also a major factor in the win. The Magic forced 10 blocks and eight steals while limiting Indiana to just 38% shooting from the field. This defensive effort was crucial, particularly as the Pacers struggled from behind the arc, finishing the game 10-for-30 from three-point range, a far cry from their usual efficiency from deep.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 29 points, putting together an impressive offensive performance despite the loss. Siakam was a constant threat throughout the game, but his efforts weren’t enough to overcome Orlando’s defense and timely scoring. Bennedict Mathurin also had a strong showing for Indiana, contributing 23 points, including a personal 12-point run late in the fourth quarter that briefly gave the Pacers a glimmer of hope. Mathurin also added 12 rebounds, showcasing his all-around game.
Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers’ floor general and one of the NBA’s most dynamic playmakers, struggled for much of the night, finishing with just nine points and 12 assists. His performance was particularly surprising, as he failed to score in the first half. Despite his struggles, Haliburton’s playmaking helped keep the Pacers competitive, but his lack of scoring left a noticeable void in the offense, especially in the second half.
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Goga Bitadze was a key contributor for the Magic, finishing with 12 points and 12 rebounds in a solid double-double performance. His work on the boards, along with contributions from Jonathan Isaac (11 rebounds) and rookie Tristan daSilva (9 rebounds), helped Orlando dominate the glass. The Magic finished with a 50-41 rebounding advantage, allowing them to control second-chance opportunities and limit Indiana’s offensive rebounds.
The Pacers looked poised to take control early in the fourth quarter when they held a four-point lead, and momentum seemed to be on their side. But a critical moment occurred when Anthony Black blocked a layup attempt by Indiana’s Johnny Furphy, sparking a 13-1 run for the Magic. This sequence not only shifted the momentum in Orlando’s favor but also set the tone for the remainder of the game. Indiana wouldn’t score again until Siakam nailed a three-pointer at the 7:26 mark, but by then, the Magic had already taken control.
Orlando’s defense was the backbone of their victory, forcing Indiana into tough shots and limiting their opportunities. The Pacers, who rank as the third-best 3-point shooting team in the league, simply couldn’t find their rhythm from beyond the arc, and that proved to be their downfall. The Magic’s ability to stifle Indiana’s perimeter shooting, coupled with their rebounding and timely offense, allowed them to weather the storm and maintain their perfect home record.
The Magic also benefitted from strong bench play, with Anthony Black coming off the bench to provide a well-rounded performance. Black contributed six points, six assists, four steals, and a block, showing his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor. His defensive presence was especially notable, as he helped disrupt Indiana’s offense during crucial stretches of the game.
Looking at the numbers, Orlando’s rebounding advantage (50-41) was a decisive factor in the win. Bitadze, Isaac, and daSilva all made significant contributions on the glass, which allowed the Magic to control the pace of the game and limit Indiana’s second-chance points. It was a reminder that in tight games, winning the battle on the boards can often be the difference between victory and defeat.
For Indiana, despite the loss, there were bright spots. Siakam and Mathurin were impressive offensively, and the Pacers did show resilience, especially in the face of Haliburton’s off night. However, their inability to consistently hit shots from deep and their struggles to finish at the rim left them with too much ground to make up in the second half.
Looking ahead, the Pacers will return home on Friday to face the Miami Heat, hoping to bounce back from the loss and continue their strong season. The Magic, on the other hand, will look to extend their home win streak when they host the Philadelphia 76ers, a matchup that will test Orlando’s defense against one of the league’s most potent offenses.
With their defense firing on all cylinders and Wagner and Suggs continuing to lead the charge, the Magic are proving to be a team to watch this season. As they remain undefeated at home, they are sending a clear message to the rest of the league: Orlando is a force to be reckoned with, especially in the friendly confines of the Amway Center.