Anthony Black reveals the key to becoming a top six seed

After that Orlando Magic bounced off double overtime loss to the Phoenix Suns with a two-point victory (111-109) over the LA Clippers, Anthony Black discussed his team’s key to becoming a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference. In a season where the young and up-and-coming Detroit Pistons sat comfortably atop the standings, Black and the Magic are looking to build on their play-in tournament performance last season.

The Magic finished with a .500 record (41-41) in 2024-25, which was seventh best in the Eastern Conference. Black says the league can expect the Magic to play their game the best brand of basketball midway through the final stretch of the regular season, he told ESPN’s NBA Today.

“Just getting consistent, you know, with the way we play. Just the energy that we bring every night, especially on the defensive side of the ball,” Black said. “We’re just putting pressure on. We expect to play our best basketball in this part of the season. Let’s just figure it out.”

“Just getting consistent, you know, with the way we play.”

Magic guard Anthony Black on what the team needs to do to become a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference 🏀 pic.twitter.com/iaki7rodM3

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 23, 2026

Anthony Black scored 11 points in the Magic’s win against the Clippers. Desmond Banae’s 36 points led all five players in double figures, including Paolo Buncher (16 points) and Wendell Carter Jr. (15 points).

Paolo Banchero reveals the Magic’s biggest problems after the Suns loss

After bouncing back with a tough win against the Clippers, c The Magic could have Jalen Suggs back for Tuesday when the Lakers. Magic forward Paolo Banchero highlighted his team’s shortcomings in Sunday’s double-overtime loss, which he appeared to carry over into Sunday’s win against the Clippers.

“I wasn’t on the ball so I was focused on guarding the inbounder. I didn’t really see too much, I just turned my head and the ball was in the air,” Banchero said.

“I mean, it’s not ideal, but (I) thought we played hard, I just didn’t think we made enough plays during their stretch – a couple more than we did and yeah, it definitely stings a little bit. Just (a) tough game.”

Tuesday’s game against the Lakers will conclude the Magic’s four-game road trip.