The Orlando Magic bounced back from their defeat to the Charlotte Hornets by beating the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.
The Magic had lost five of their last eight games before facing the Nuggets, so they needed a big performance to turn things around.
And despite Paolo Banchero scoring only 12 points, they had just enough to overcome Nikola Jokic’s team 127-126.
The biggest reason for Orlando’s win was the performance of one player who could be in contention for two awards this season.
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START, BENCH, CUT: Orlando Magic edition
Anthony Black could win Sixth Man of the Year and Most Improved Player awards
Anthony Black powered the Orlando Magic to victory with a career-high 38 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
But the 21-year-old’s scoring spree was not completely out of the blue, as he had averaged over 20 points in his last five games.
Black’s season averages have now improved to 15.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, and they are more likely to go up than down.
Given that he scored less than 10 points per game last season, he has to be considered a contender for the Most Improved Player award.
The key will be for him to continue his improved efficiency from the three-point line (35.6%) and average over 17 points.
Meanwhile, Black is a stronger candidate to win another award this season: the Sixth Man of the Year.
He should be eligible for the award because he has only started 12 games so far, and will return to the bench when Franz Wagner comes back from injury.
Black will face less competition for the 6MOY, with the Atlanta Hawks’ Nickeil Alexander-Walker currently his biggest rival.
Anthony Black should win the Sixth Man of the Year!
Prove me wrong… ✍️
Anthony Black’s stats this season
- 15.1 points
- 4.2 rebounds
- 3.5 assists
- 1.3 steals
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Anthony Black reflects on Jamal Murray matchup
Anthony Black has taken such an impressive leap in his offensive game that it is easy to overlook his defensive ability.
Black is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA and often guards the opposition’s biggest outside threat.
After holding Jamal Murray to 24 points on 43% field goal efficiency, both below his season averages, he reflected on the assignment.
“It’s just tough. He does a good job creating space to come off the screen, causing some indecision between the guard and the big in that handoff,” Black told Ryan Kaminski.
“It’s a tough action, but you just have to try to fight through the screens, communicate 1-5, and try to bring them inside the three-point line.
“He made a lot of tough shots this game and the last time we played him. He’s just a good player. You have to work really hard to try to limit him; he’s a tough assignment.”
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