Anthony Black exploded for a career-high 31 points, fueling the surging Magic's dominant victory and showcasing a new level of offensive aggression.
The Orlando Magic have won 10 of their last 14 games and continue to ride a heat wave despite missing superstar Paolo Banchero, who has been out the past seven games with a hip injury. In recent matchups, their depth has carried them—players like Tristan da Silva and Jett Howard have stepped up—but most recently, guard Anthony Black delivered a career night with 31 points in a 144-103 statement win over the 76ers.
Black entered the season determined to become an X-factor in the lineup, and he’s taken a significant leap on both ends. His finishing at the rim has stood out, and it fueled his breakout performance. When asked what drove his night, he pointed to an attacking mindset.
“Just being aggressive, taking risks,” Black said. “I saw a couple shots that I might get looked at sideways for, but just being aggressive, trusting myself… I’m still trying to figure it out – I feel like there’s more levels I can tap into. It’s year three, situation is what it is, but I think I can impact the game on both sides. Yeah, I think I can do it.”
“It’s just love,” Black said about his teammates' support. “These dudes instill confidence in me every day. They see me put in the work like I see them. They’re my biggest fans, I’m their biggest fans. I appreciate all that.”
Despite the career-high performance, coach Jamahl Mosley was most proud of Black’s defensive effort guarding star Tyrese Maxey while still delivering an electric night on offense. Mosley said he wants Black to keep carrying that same confidence on both ends of the floor every opportunity he gets.
“That’s what we’ve asked him to do and how we need him to be night in and night out,” Mosley added. “He and Jalen guarded Maxey all night long – being disruptive, picking up full-court – and then he was able to do it on the other end. He’s got a level of aggression, a confidence, that swagger. That’s what we need from him.”
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