Anthony Black delivered a career night as the Orlando Magic edged the Denver Nuggets 127-126 on Saturday at Kia Center. “We just did a much better job of controlling what we could control…keeping our composure,” Black said, reflecting on his team’s poise down the stretch.
The third-year guard scored a career-high 38 points on 14-of-24 shooting, including 7-of-11 from three-point range. “I feel like this year is just showing…I’m just leaning into my confidence and my abilities,” Black explained regarding his season-long growth.
Black capitalized on open corner threes early in the game. “I was glad…we got a lot of good players on the court, so it’s kind of pick your poison. My teammates did a good job getting me the ball and I’m just shooting it,” he said.
The Magic maintained strong ball control, committing only eight turnovers. “Winning the turnover battle, taking care of the ball…getting the ball up and on the rim, that’s the most important thing,” Black said.
Defensively, Black played a key role containing Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. “Super happy…we knew it was a five-man job…Wendell did a great job making it tough for him, being physical, and the rest of the guys did a good job being in the gaps,” Black noted about guarding Jokic.
On the challenge of defending Murray, Black said, “He does a good job creating space, coming off the screen…you just got to work really hard and try to limit him. It’s a tough assignment.”
Black capped the game with a decisive defensive play, stripping Jokic and converting a layup in the final minute. Orlando overcame a 17-point deficit, shooting 67.4 percent in the second half, with Desmond Bane adding 24 points, 15 in the fourth quarter.
Jokic finished with 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 12 assists, but the Nuggets saw their seven-game road winning streak snapped. Wendell Carter Jr. added 18 points and seven rebounds before fouling out late, while Paolo Banchero struggled with 12 points and six assists.
Orlando improved to 18-15, while Denver fell to 22-9. The Magic travel to Toronto on Monday, and the Nuggets continue their road trip in Miami.
