The Orlando Magic lost 128-126 against the Indiana Pacers at the Kia Center on Monday when Paolo Banchero's game-winning attempt was blocked as time expired.
The Pacers finally ended their franchise-record 16-game losing streak, while the Magic suffered their fifth consecutive loss.
Orlando won on a jump ball with just 6.4 seconds left in the game. Banchero attacked the rim, but was faced by Pascal Siakam and Jay Huff, who held down the fort.
After the game, the 23-year-old Banchero said may have been fouled On the last play, as reported by Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel.
"We took an aggressive step to the hoop. I thought they both jumped on me with their bodies, but they were both straight up, you know? So it could have been a foul, but it wasn't. It was a tough one," Banchero said.
I asked #magical Forward Paolo Banchero on the last game and whether he felt he was fouled by Indiana:
"I thought they both jumped into me with their bodies, but they were both straight up, you know? So, it could have been a foul, but it wasn't. And yes, it was a hard one." https://t.co/IugjbiTXq0 pic.twitter.com/4QsqqlTRLi
-Jason Beede (@therealBeede) 24 March 2026
The fourth-year forward had a heroic performance, finishing with a game-high 39 points on 13-of-27 shooting. He added four rebounds and six assists.
Banchero has found his rhythm after struggling with his efficiency in the first half of the campaign.
The Magic played without Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner and Anthony Black due to various illnesses.
While they admitted a painful loss at the hands of the Pacers, Banchero stressed they need to move on quickly as they face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday at Rocket Arena.
"We don't really have time to get our heads down. We've got to come back to Cleveland tomorrow and try to get a win there," Banchero said, quoting Beede.
The Magic are in eighth place in the Eastern Conference with a 38–33 record.
