Banchero's basket in final seconds leads Magic to a 112-110 win over the Pacers

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Paolo Banchero had 29 points and 10 rebounds and hit the go-ahead basket with 7.5 seconds remaining as the Orlando Magic rallied from a 10-point, third-quarter deficit and beat Indiana 112-110 on Wednesday, sending the Pacers to their 10th consecutive loss.

As the clock was winding down in regulation, Banchero backed down Aaron Nesmith and banked home an 11-foot shot for the final basket in a game that included 12 ties and 11 lead changes. The power forward finished 12 of 21 from the field and 5 for 7 at the line.

Nesmith missed a potential go-ahead 3-pointer with 3.1 seconds remaining.

Orlando's Desmond Bane scored 18, Anthony Black added 15 and former Pacers center Goga Bitadze 14.

The Magic (19-15), who have been without leading scorer Franz Wagner (22.7 points per game) since Dec. 7 due to a high-ankle sprain, welcomed back point guard Jalen Suggs from a seven-game absence with a hip issue. Suggs had 11 points and three assists.

The Pacers have the NBA's worst record at 6-28. The 10-game losing streak matches the fifth-longest in franchise history.

Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 26 points. Bennedict Mathurin scored 23 and Andrew Nembhard had 19.

Magic: At Chicago Bulls on Friday.

Pacers: Host San Antonio Spurs on Friday.

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Indiana Pacers center James Wiseman (11) shoots while being defended by Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (35) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

CORRECTS NAME TO ANTHONY BLACK NOT SIMONE FONTECCHIO Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) is defended by Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black as he brings the ball up court during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) shoots while being defended by Indiana Pacers center James Wiseman (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) shoots while being defended by Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

Indiana Pacers center Tony Bradley reaches out to block a shot by Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Tom Wilson had two goals and an assist to lead the Washington Capitals past the New York Rangers 6-3 on Wednesday.

Wilson, who earlier in the day was named a member of Canada’s Olympic roster, got into a fight with Sam Carrick in the second period for at least his second Gordie Howe hat trick — a goal, an assist and a fight — since March 3, 2025.

Justin Sourdif also had two goals and Anthony Beauvillier and Aliaksei Protas each scored for the Capitals, who have won two of the last three games.

Adam Fox, making his return from long-term injured reserve, had a goal and an assist for the Rangers, who have lost three straight. Vincent Trocheck and Braden Schneider also scored.

With the Capitals tied 1-1 and needing a spark in the second, Wilson rose to the occasion. The 31-year-old came streaking up ice and leveled Noah Laba before getting to the front of the net and roofing a feed from Connor McMichael to restore Washington’s lead as he became the first Capital to hit the 20-goal mark this season. Minutes later, he answered for Laba’s hit, fighting Carrick.

The fight, initiated by Carrick, put the Capitals on the power play. Sourdif snuck a loose puck past Jonathan Quick, who had 21 saves, to end a 16-game goal drought to make it 3-1.

Fox responded with a power-play goal of his own soon after to pull things to 3-2 going into the third.

Protas and Wilson, netting his 200th career goal, added insurance tallies late to cushion the lead.

Schneider brought New York back within two late.

Wilson assisted Sourdif on an empty-netter.

Charlie Lindgren made 22 saves for Washington.

Rangers: Visit Florida in the Winter Classic on Friday.

Capitals: Visit Ottawa on Thursday.

This story has been corrected to show that Wilson is 31 years old, not 28.

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL

Washington Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren (79) stops the puck during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals center Aliaksei Protas (21) scores a goal past New York Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick (32) during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (43) shoots the puck for a goal against New York Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick (32) and defenseman Braden Schneider (4) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (43) fights New York Rangers center Sam Carrick (39) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)