With a 125-120 win vs. the Bulls on Monday, the Magic improved to 13-8 in 2025-26. That’s impressive after the team started the year 1-4.
However, the Magic are 8-2 in their last 10 and have won three consecutive games. Additionally, Orlando has won six of their previous seven. Leading the way for the Magic on Monday was Desmond Bane with 37 points. After the game, Bane credited Anthony Black. He said the young PG is “blossoming” in year three for the Magic.
Anthony Black is playing at a high level to begin the year for Orlando
“He’s definitely blossoming for us.”
Desmond Bane had 37 in Orlando’s W last night…
But he took the time to praise Anthony Black’s 22 PTS and 9 REB as part of his breakout third season 👏 pic.twitter.com/4saAjKP9Zp
— NBA (@NBA) December 2, 2025
With the sixth pick in the 2023 NBA draft, the Magic selected Anthony Black out of Arkansas. The 21-year-old has appeared in 168 games over three seasons, including 47 starts. In 2025-26, Black has played in all 21 games for the Magic, along with four starts for Orlando. His 13.4 points. 3.2 rebounds, and 27.7 minutes per game are all new career-highs for Black.
On Monday, Anthony Black came off the bench for the Magic and scored 22 points. He added nine rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. Black played the second-most minutes of anyone on the roster on Monday. After Orlando’s 125-120 win, Desmond Bane spoke with sideline reporter Austin Rivers. The veteran guard credited Anthony Black for “blossoming” for the Magic in year three.
Anthony Black highlights vs. CHI:
22 PTS
9 REB
3 AST
8-15 FG
2 3PM
+25 +/-@Kia pic.twitter.com/a3yHfZwUPB— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) December 2, 2025
Bane said that Black has a strong work ethic. He knew before traning camp and preseason started that Anthony Black was primed for a breakout year. While Paolo Banchero has missed time due to a groin injury, Anthony Black has increased his production. He scored a career-high 31 points vs. the 76ers on November 25. The third-year pro has scored 20+ points four times this season.
While Anthony Black technically comes off the bench for Orlando, he plays more minutes than one of their starters. Jalen Suggs is the Magic’s starting PG. However, Anthony Black averages 27.7 minutes per game compared to Suggs’ 24.4. It’s not a drastic difference, but it’s enough to recognize that Anthony Black is earning more minutes. If Black continues to outproduce Suggs, he could become Orlando’s starting PG in the future.
