Anthony Black shines with 38 points as Magic stun Nuggets in power rankings thriller
The Orlando Magic are riding a wave of confidence following a standout performance from Anthony Black, who dropped a career-high 38 points to lead his team to an exhilarating win against the Denver Nuggets. This victory was crucial for the Magic, especially after they faced a disappointing loss to the Charlotte Hornets the prior night. The outcome not only revitalized their spirits but also helped maintain their position at number 11 in NBA.com writer John Schuhmann’s power rankings for the second consecutive week.
A Tale of Two Games
The Magic’s weekend was a rollercoaster ride, featuring one of their worst losses against the Hornets on Friday, followed by one of their most thrilling victories over the Nuggets. Schuhmann noted, “The Magic’s weekend back-to-back produced one of their worst losses of the season and one of their best wins: a one-point, rest-disadvantage victory over the Nuggets.” Black’s performance against Denver was nothing short of spectacular, highlighted by a crucial play where he stripped Nikola Jokić and sprinted down the court to put the Magic ahead with just over a minute remaining. His offensive prowess has been evident, as he has averaged 24.2 points over the last six games, stepping up in the absence of Franz Wagner.
Black’s Cornerstone Shooting
In Saturday’s game, 18 of Black’s 38 points came from corner threes, showcasing his sharp shooting ability. This season, he boasts an impressive 47% shooting rate from the corners, hitting 22 of 47 attempts. His ability to stretch the floor and create opportunities has been a significant advantage for the Magic, who are looking to solidify their spot in the playoff race.
Power Rankings Snapshot
Despite their ups and downs, the Magic remain just outside the top 10 in the league, which is currently dominated by the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and San Antonio Spurs. The Magic see a chance to break into that upper echelon with a favorable schedule ahead, beginning with a matchup against the Raptors, who are coming off a back-to-back.
Upcoming Challenges
As Schuhmann pointed out, “The Magic trail the fourth-place Raptors by just a half game, and the first of their three head-to-head meetings is Monday in Toronto.” This game marks the beginning of a crucial stretch for the Magic, where they will play five of six games on the road. Following the Raptors clash, nine of their next ten games will be against teams currently holding losing records, providing an opportunity for the Magic to climb the rankings.
Tip-off between the Magic and Raptors is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, with fans able to catch the action on FanDuel Sports Network or stream it on NBA League Pass. As the Magic look to build on their recent success, all eyes will be on Black and the team’s ability to maintain their momentum.
