What fueled Anthony Black’s career battle against the 76ers in the NBA Cup

The Orlando Magic had one of their most dominant outings of the season on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 144–103 in NBA Cup game behind the third-year quarterback’s career-best performance Anthony Black. The 21-year-old ignited Orlando’s offense from the moment he signed on, setting the tone for a back-to-back win that kept the Magic undefeated in East Group B play.

Black finished with 31 points, three assists, a rebound and a steal while shooting 12-for-17 from the field, 4-for-6 from three and 3-for-4 from the free throw line over 28 minutes. He posted a team-high +31 from the bench and had he had already piled up 27 points by halftime, helping Orlando to an 86-60 lead takes a break.

Black said his approach is rooted in determination and self-confidence.

“I think I’m just being aggressive, taking risks – I’ve taken a couple of shots that might make me look the other way, but just being aggressive, taking risks and trusting myself.”

He described the energy he played with and how that momentum carried through the roster.

“A lot of fun, you know, I feel like when I just get into the game and just have fun, talk, that’s when I do my best. And I think everybody else could do the same, it kind of raises our level, raises our intensity, so I think tonight was a good job of being tough and intense.”

Anthony Black cites career-boosting team confidence in NBA Cup win against 76ers

Black too credit to his teammates to encourage his rhythm.

“It’s love, these guys give me confidence every day – they see me work and I see them, so they’re my biggest fans and I’m their biggest fan. I appreciate all of that.”

Orlando’s 41-point victory marked its highest scoring total of the season and its largest margin of victory. Black pointed to the way the Magic executed on both ends of the floor as a clear sign of their growth.

“It’s just that when we play the right way, we play with the intention of being as good as we can offensively and defensively,” he said of the win. “It’s always good to be able to set the tone on the road against a good team.”

He added that the offense continued to develop through improved ball movement and defensive pressure.

“I think we’re just moving the ball a lot more. The ball is popping, guys are making close plays, guys are getting open shots. Our defense has also stepped up which allows us to get transition looks that fuel our offense, our defense and just the energy in our team when we go down for layups and dunks.”

Now in his third NBA season, Black is averaging a career-high 12.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game on 48.9% shooting from the field and 34.8% from three in 19 appearances and four starts. He said he believes there is still room for growth.

“I’m still trying to figure it out – I feel like there’s more levels that I can use to see, but it’s year three and the situation is what it is, but I think I can just make an impact on the two-way game. Yeah, I think I can do that.”

Jamahl Mosley highlights Black’s two-way aggression in the Magic’s rise to the NBA Cup

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley praised Black’s two-way impact, highlighting the defensive effort of the guard against the Philadelphia backfield.

“I think you said it right there, his aggression. But what I’m most proud of is his ability to do it on both ends. He guarded between him and Jaylen guarding Maxey all night, he was disruptive, took the full court, and then he was able to do it on the other end. I think that’s what we asked him to be and how we needed him out there and how we needed him that night.”

Mosley went on to point out Black’s physical strength, pace and confidence in attacking the basket.

“There’s a level of aggression with him. There’s a confidence, he’s got that swagger. You saw him down in transition where he attacks the lane, dunks over the top. Just that ability to go downhill and attack the lane and the basket like that is so big for him, and then he steps into his shot with confidence, and then I’m going to defend him and I’m going to put him back on defense. To be able to push the tempo is something special for him and that’s what we need from him.”

The Magic improved to 11–8 after a 3–5 start and moved to 3–0 in East Group B play with a +61 point differential. Detroit (15–2) is 2–0 in group play with a +27 differential. Orlando and Detroit will meet on Friday at 7:30 PM ET in their final NBA Cup matchup, wrapping up a three-game road trip before the Magic return to the Kia Center to host the Chicago Bulls on Monday night.