Led by Anthony Black's career-high 38 points, the Orlando Magic secured on of the most electric wins of their 2025-26 season on Saturday night.
ORLANDO — After an uninspiring loss on Friday night, the Orlando Magic had a chance to right their wrongs against the Denver Nuggets. Thanks to a career night by Anthony Black, they did.
Orlando outlasted Denver in a thrilling 127-126 showdown in which Black notched a career-high 38 points and seven 3-pointers. The Magic trailed by as many as 17 points, but a 79-point second half propelled them to a one-point lead with seven seconds remaining.
One more defensive stand stood between the Magic and victory, and they executed it by forcing Nikola Jokić to give the ball up to Jamal Murray for the final shot. Once Murray got the ball, Black was there to defend, and Murray’s attempt at the buzzer rimmed out.
“We just told them in the locker room [we are] proud of how they responded after last night,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said after the game. “Knowing we could play better basketball than we did. [I’m] more proud of how they kept their composure the entire time, communicated at a high level of what we were trying to do and what we're trying to accomplish throughout that game.”
“And you got it. You know, our fans were great. Our guys were composed. They did it the right way. They trusted each other and got the stops when we needed them. confidence, stepping into a shot, playing the right way.”
For Black, this performance is indicative of the tireless work he has put into his game.
“Definitely pleased,” he said. “I feel like I put in a tremendous amount of work in the summer. And I feel like this year is just showing. And I'm just leaning into it, leaning into my confidence and my abilities and what I worked on this summer for sure.”
Black’s work ethic is not lost on Desmond Bane, who finished with 24 points and hit all nine of his free throws in the fourth quarter.
“I mean, he's put the work in,” Bane said. “You know, I was just telling the story about how he's, you know, first guy back in the gym for a second workout of the day. You know, he laid the foundation for a great season with the way he approached the summer and with the way he works.”
“And, I mean, he's a vocal guy; talking about trying to get the group together. Play with heart, play with energy; do it on both sides of the ball. So, I'm really happy for his growth and he's a special player and he's only gonna get better.”
After coming off a 56-point triple-double on Christmas Day, Nikola Jokić came into the Kia Center and logged 34 points, 21 rebounds and 12 assists. At half time, he had only nine points, four rebounds and two assists. In the second half, he made Orlando pay, but it was not enough in the end.
“Obviously, he's a tremendous player,” Black said. “There's not really an answer for him on the defensive end. But we knew it was a five-man job coming into the game. And we just did a good job. Wendell did a great job making it tough for him, being physical with him.”
“And then the rest of the guys did a good job being in the gaps, forcing them to get off the ball at times, and just closing out. And then playing on the backside from there, I think we did a good job, even though you know he had what he had.”
The Magic also allowed just eight turnovers and four points off them. Meanwhile, they forced Denver into 17 turnovers for 27 points. Since Nov. 15, they lead the league with the fewest turnovers committed.
“It's so key for us,” Mosley said regarding ball security. “Being decisive in what we're doing. When you're open, you shoot it. If you're not, you put two on the ball. You come off of it and find the open man.”
“And that's what I was saying down the stretch. We made the right play at the right time. And that's exactly why you can take care of the basketball, because you're not trying to force it.”
The Magic will now embark on a three-game road trip that starts with the Toronto Raptors to end the year and open 2026.