Anthony Black Leads Orlando Magic to 144-103 Win Over 76ers

Anthony Black scored a career-high 31 points to lead the Orlando Magic to a commanding 144-103 victory over the host Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday in an NBA Cup game. Black was unstoppable, scoring 27 points in the first half, including an incredible 20-point performance in the second quarter. His efforts helped Orlando set a franchise record with 51 points in a single quarter and 86 points in the first half.

Despite playing without their star Paolo Banchero, who is sidelined with a groin injury, the Magic showed depth and teamwork. Nine players scored in double figures, including Franz Wagner with 21 points and Desmond Bane contributing 15 points. The bench was particularly impressive, combining for 82 points — the highest total by any NBA team this season. Black and Jett Howard led the bench scoring, with Howard adding 13 points.

The 76ers tried to keep up but were hindered by the absence of key players Joel Embiid, Paul George, and VJ Edgecombe. Tyrese Maxey was the top scorer for Philadelphia with 20 points, while Jared McCain added 15. After the first quarter, the teams were tied 35-35, but Orlando quickly pulled ahead in the second quarter.

In less than four minutes, Orlando built a double-digit lead. Black scored seven points in that stretch, including a crucial 3-pointer to make it 49-39. Jalen Suggs then set up Black with an alley-oop from beyond half court. Black followed with two more 3-pointers, both assisted by Suggs, as Orlando opened a 57-43 lead. The Magic extended their advantage to 68-52 with less than 3 1/2 minutes left in the half and went on a 9-0 run before the break. Wagner and Howard contributed all nine points in that burst, sending Orlando into halftime with a massive 86-60 lead.

Early in the third quarter, Black’s finger roll increased the lead beyond 30 points. The Magic then went on a 17-0 run, with Tristan da Silva hitting a 3-pointer to make it 111-69. Orlando maintained control throughout the quarter and increased their lead, showing excellent shooting, teamwork, and defensive pressure.

The Magic’s dominance continued in the fourth quarter, leading by as much as 46 points. Black’s performance was the highlight, but the team’s combined effort, bench scoring, and defensive plays made the victory decisive.

Near the end of the second quarter, an altercation resulted in six technical fouls. Suggs received a double-technical and was ejected from the game. Despite leaving early, he recorded a career-high 11 assists in just 16 minutes, contributing significantly to Orlando’s record-setting first half.

Orlando Magic’s Black showcased his scoring talent while the team displayed depth, teamwork, and strategic execution. Philadelphia’s missing stars contributed to the one-sided scoreline. The Magic’s record-breaking quarter and first half set the tone for an emphatic win, boosting confidence for the rest of the season.