Anthony Black shines as Magic edge Nuggets in nail-biter
The Orlando Magic celebrated a thrilling victory over the Denver Nuggets, finishing the game with a narrow 127-126 scoreline at the Kia Center. The atmosphere was electric as the Magic fans reveled in Black’s standout performance, which propelled the team to a much-needed win.
Dramatic Final Moments
Tension filled the air with just 11.9 seconds remaining on the clock. A jump ball between Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and Magic’s Wendell Carter Jr. turned into a pivotal moment. Initially, a foul was called on Jokic, but after a brief review, it was reversed, placing the foul on Carter. Jokic calmly converted both free throws, putting the Nuggets ahead by one point.
The Magic, undeterred, had one final opportunity. Desmond Bane drew a foul from Nuggets guard Bruce Brown with 6.9 seconds left, stepping up to the line with composure. Bane sank both free throws, reclaiming the lead for Orlando. As the clock ticked down, Jamal Murray had a chance to clinch the game for Denver, but Black’s defensive effort forced a missed shot, sealing the win for the Magic.
Black’s Career Night
The victory was particularly sweet for Orlando, especially after a tough loss to the Charlotte Hornets just a day prior. Black’s 38-point performance not only marked his career high but also represented the highest scoring output by any Magic player this season. He was instrumental in the comeback, showcasing a blend of skill and determination that left fans and teammates alike buzzing.
Bane contributed significantly with 24 points, while Carter Jr. added a solid 18 points alongside seven rebounds. Off the bench, Tristan da Silva stepped up with 17 points, and Paolo Banchero chipped in with 12, demonstrating the depth of the Magic’s roster.
Jokic’s Triple-Double Not Enough
For the Nuggets, Jokic delivered a stellar triple-double, finishing with 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 12 assists. His performance was complemented by Jamal Murray, who scored 24 points, and Tim Hardaway Jr., who added 20. Peyton Watson also had an impressive outing, shooting 6 of 9 from the field to finish with 15 points, while Spencer Jones contributed 14 points to the effort.
Looking Ahead
With this hard-fought victory, the Magic will now shift their focus as they prepare to face the Toronto Raptors. The matchup promises to be another challenging contest, with tipoff scheduled for Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena. Fans can catch the action on FanDuel Sports Network or stream it via NBA League Pass.
