A strong second half performance helped propel the Indiana Pacers past the Orlando Magic, snapping their 11 game losing streak in the process. The Pacers outscored Orlando 70-56 after the break, going ahead for good on a 17-2 run to open the third and leading by as many as 19 in the fourth quarter.
Indiana struggled to capitalize against the Magic defense in the first half, shooting just 38%, but remained in the game by limiting Orlando’s offense to 39% shooting. As such, neither team was able to find much separation from the other, going back and forth throughout the half, Franz Wagner hitting two free throws at the end of the half to put the Magic ahead 52-51.