Banchero drops 39, denied by Siakam at the buzzer: “That was a foul”
Paolo Banchero scores 39, but it’s not enough: the Orlando Magic fall 128–126 to Indiana in a heartbreaking finish at the buzzer, their fifth straight loss
The Kia Center held its breath until the final tenth of a second, but the verdict was bitter: the Orlando Magic, led by Paolo Banchero, fell 128-126 to the Indiana Pacers. A loss that stings twice, as it allows Indiana to snap a franchise-record 16-game losing streak, while condemning Orlando to its fifth straight defeat.
The final sequence was pure adrenaline. With just 6.4 seconds left and possession secured off a won jump ball, Banchero attacked the rim for the potential game-winner. Waiting for him in the paint, however, were Pascal Siakam and Jay Huff, who protected the basket and blocked the attempt at the buzzer.
Postgame, the 23-year-old addressed the play with composure, though not without some regret over possible contact that went uncalled:
I tried to attack the rim aggressively. I felt like they both jumped into me with their bodies, but they were vertical, you know? It could’ve been a foul, but it wasn’t called. It was a tough play
Paolo Banchero
Banchero’s strong stretch continues
Despite the loss, Banchero’s performance was outstanding: 39 points (game-high) on 13-of-27 shooting, along with 4 rebounds and 6 assists. After an inconsistent start to the season in terms of efficiency, the former Duke product appears to have rediscovered his best form, carrying a team depleted by the absences of Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, and Anthony Black.
Banchero continues to grow into the role of leader for a franchise battling with the Heat, 76ers, and Hawks for a guaranteed playoff spot. Currently eighth in the Eastern Conference at 38-34, Orlando is leaning on its star, who over the last 20 games has averaged 24 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Paolo is going through the most productive and consistent stretch of his season, marked by a significant improvement in efficiency: 46% from the field and 32% from three-point range. It’s a crucial development at a time when the Magic are struggling with the inability to consistently field the trio Banchero-Wagner-Bane. If the Duke product maintains this level of efficiency, it could represent a true turning point in his young career.