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With Game 3 between the Magic and the Celtics tied at 22 late in the first quarter, Anthony Black flipped a switch out of a Boston timeout.
The second-year pro picked up full-court defense, jumped ahead and stole the inbounds pass from Celtics forward Sam Hauser for an easy layup.
Moments later, Black picked off NBA Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard and was fouled near midcourt. The officials ruled it a clear-path foul and Black went 1 of 2 at the free throw line.
In about 15 seconds, the 2023 first-round pick made his presence felt on defense and provided a spark for the Magic, who trailed by 4 points after the opening quarter before going on to prevail 95-93.
“I try to do something like that every time I check in, especially when the game’s close and the momentum is kind of dead,” Black said after Sunday morning shootaround ahead of Game 4 at Kia Center. “I just try to check in, pick up [on defense] and change the game.
“For the most part, it’s part of what the [coaches] wants me to do.”
Bianchi: Celtics get taste of mud and blood of Magic basketball
Those types of plays aren’t only what the Magic coaching staff want him to do but they’re also a sign of how far Black has come in just a year.
Last season, the Arkansas product was a non-factor during Orlando’s first-round playoff series against the Cavaliers that went the distance. He only appeared in 2 of the 7 games and averaged 5.5 minutes.
Through 3 games against the defending champions, Black has averaged 7.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 0.7 steals during 16.7 minutes.
And he’s grown more comfortable as the series against Boston has progressed.
In 13 minutes of Game 3 action on Friday, his plus-minus rating (plus-13) led the Magic when he totaled 9 points, 3 of which came at the free throw line.
“For him, getting the opportunity has been big,” Magic guard Cole Anthony said. “We all know he’s capable. For him to be able to get out there and hoop like he has the last couple [of games], it’s been good to see.”
Whether or not the Magic are able to force a Game 6 back at Kia Center, they’ll need more of the same from Black, who said Sunday he’s feeling good after tweaking an ankle late in Game 3.
“He’s been ready when his name’s been called,” Anthony said. “He’s been playing at a high level.”
Jason Beede can be reached at [email protected]
Magic at Celtics, Game 5
When: 8:30, Tuesday, TD Garden
TV: NBA TV/FanDuel Sports Network Florida
Continue reading...
The second-year pro picked up full-court defense, jumped ahead and stole the inbounds pass from Celtics forward Sam Hauser for an easy layup.
Moments later, Black picked off NBA Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard and was fouled near midcourt. The officials ruled it a clear-path foul and Black went 1 of 2 at the free throw line.
In about 15 seconds, the 2023 first-round pick made his presence felt on defense and provided a spark for the Magic, who trailed by 4 points after the opening quarter before going on to prevail 95-93.
“I try to do something like that every time I check in, especially when the game’s close and the momentum is kind of dead,” Black said after Sunday morning shootaround ahead of Game 4 at Kia Center. “I just try to check in, pick up [on defense] and change the game.
“For the most part, it’s part of what the [coaches] wants me to do.”
Bianchi: Celtics get taste of mud and blood of Magic basketball
Those types of plays aren’t only what the Magic coaching staff want him to do but they’re also a sign of how far Black has come in just a year.
Last season, the Arkansas product was a non-factor during Orlando’s first-round playoff series against the Cavaliers that went the distance. He only appeared in 2 of the 7 games and averaged 5.5 minutes.
Through 3 games against the defending champions, Black has averaged 7.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 0.7 steals during 16.7 minutes.
And he’s grown more comfortable as the series against Boston has progressed.
In 13 minutes of Game 3 action on Friday, his plus-minus rating (plus-13) led the Magic when he totaled 9 points, 3 of which came at the free throw line.
“For him, getting the opportunity has been big,” Magic guard Cole Anthony said. “We all know he’s capable. For him to be able to get out there and hoop like he has the last couple [of games], it’s been good to see.”
Whether or not the Magic are able to force a Game 6 back at Kia Center, they’ll need more of the same from Black, who said Sunday he’s feeling good after tweaking an ankle late in Game 3.
“He’s been ready when his name’s been called,” Anthony said. “He’s been playing at a high level.”
Jason Beede can be reached at [email protected]
Up next …
Magic at Celtics, Game 5
When: 8:30, Tuesday, TD Garden
TV: NBA TV/FanDuel Sports Network Florida
Continue reading...
