Orlando Magic Click on All Cylinders in Win vs. Indiana Pacers
ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic is heading back home on a happy flight after a 128-116 win against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday evening at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The Magic started off hot and never let the foot off the gas. Orlando was up double digits early and became the kryptonite of the league's No. 1 offense by simply sticking to its principles ... sound defense, trust and confidence in one another.
The team was also able to keep control of the basketball, only committing one turnover in the first half, and that came on a Joe Ingles lost jump ball very late in the first half.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) celebrates his made slam dunk with guard Cole Anthony (50) in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
It was a collaborative effort to pull out the win, but Paolo Banchero scored a team-high 24 points on 9 of 14 shooting from the field. Franz Wagner scored 19 points, while Jalen Suggs added 18 in his return from the lineup.
Moe Wagner, Cole Anthony and Gary Harris were also sound offensively, scoring in double digits off the bench.
For the Pacers, seven players scored in double figures, but Jordan Nwora led the way with 19 points off the bench.
With the win, the Magic improves to 3-1 on the road trip and 8-5 overall to start the season. Orlando won its eighth game last season on Dec. 11, putting the team nearly a month ahead of its pace from a year ago.
The Magic now returns for a six-game homestand that begins Tuesday in an In-Season Tournament matchup against the Toronto Raptors. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
