In securing an ugly win over the Orlando Magic, the Indiana Pacers moved into uncharted territory on the season, improving to four games over .500 at 26-22. The Pacers took the lead early in the first quarter as part of an 11-0 run and wouldn’t look back, but the Magic kept the Pacers on alert throughout the game.
The game began to get mucked up in the third quarter when whistles became a huge factor, sending Orlando to the line 14 times, closing a double figure lead to four late in the third. The biggest saving grace for the Pacers in a game where they ultimately found themselves outshot at the free throw line by two was Orlando’s struggles at the line, going just 20-28.