As the Orlando Magic continue to navigate the absence of star forward Paolo Banchero, the focus has shifted to second-year guard Anthony Black to provide a steadying influence on the team. Expecting Banchero to miss several more weeks due to injury, the struggling Magic are turning to the former 6th overall pick to take on a larger role and navigate a challenging stretch of their schedule.
Black Provides Energy And Aggression Off The Bench
Following the Magic’s latest defeat, a 118-111 road loss to the Indiana Pacers, head coach Jamahl Mosley highlighted Black’s performance as a positive takeaway. “The aggressiveness with which he was getting downhill, attacking the basket, finding the open man, and then defending the right way—that’s what we’re asking Anthony Black to play,” Mosley stated.
Against the Pacers, Black delivered a well-rounded effort off the bench, scoring 12 points while adding 6 rebounds and 2 steals. His presence on the court gave the Magic a much-needed energy boost, especially in the second half as they attempted to claw their way back into the game.
Playmaking Abilities Are Key To The Magic Offense
Black acknowledged his evolving role, emphasizing his goal to facilitate his teammates and generate scoring opportunities through his playmaking. “I think I make my team better whenever I get into the paint just because I’m willing to spray the ball out for a three or get to the line,” Black commented. “I definitely appreciate the coach putting the ball in my hands.”
The Magic’s need for Black’s offensive initiation has become even more pronounced with Banchero sidelined. As the team’s leading scorer and primary playmaker, Banchero’s absence has exposed vulnerabilities that Black must help address.
Defensive Intensity: A Point Of Emphasis
While Black‘s offensive contributions were a bright spot, he acknowledged the team’s need to shore up its defensive intensity, particularly at the start of games. The Magic have struggled with slow starts, often finding themselves in deep holes that prove difficult to climb out of.
“I think we should just focus on coming out locked in on defense,” Black said. “We’ve done a good job responding to our first quarters where we were giving up.” I believe that in a few of these games, if we improve our defensive performance in the first quarter, we can stay in the game and improve our chances of winning later on.
Mosley Calls For Improved Spacing And Shot Selection
Head coach Jamahl Mosley echoed Black‘s concerns about the team’s defensive lapses, noting that Orlando’s offensive miscues often fuel their opponents’ transition opportunities. Addressing this, Mosley underscored the need for improved spacing and a more deliberate approach to shot selection.
Mosley stated, “We need to be more deliberate in our crashing, improve our spacing, and be able to step in and knock shots down—now that we’re playing against a team that’s taking the ball out of bounds versus getting out in transition.”
Homestand Presents An Opportunity For Turnaround
As the Magic (3-6) prepare to return home for a five-game stretch, Black‘s role as a primary facilitator and defender becomes even more critical. Their upcoming matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night presents a chance to get back on track, with both teams currently sporting identical 3-6 records.
With Banchero’s absence extending into a crucial part of the season, Black‘s contributions on both ends of the floor will be essential as the Magic look to gain traction and overcome their early season challenges. The young guard’s development and ability to provide stability will be a key factor in determining whether the Magic can weather the storm and regain their footing in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
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