Quick Read
- Anthony Black scored 19 points for Orlando Magic in their December 22, 2025 game against the Golden State Warriors.
- Magic lost 120-97 after a competitive first three quarters; turnovers and missed paint opportunities proved costly.
- Black’s athleticism stood out with emphatic dunks and defensive plays, drawing praise despite the team’s defeat.
Anthony Black’s Athleticism Stands Out in Orlando Magic’s Tough Night
On December 22, 2025, the Orlando Magic’s visit to San Francisco was marked by flashes of brilliance, gritty competition, and, ultimately, a lesson in perseverance. Among the brightest moments? Anthony Black’s soaring dunk, a testament to the rookie guard’s athleticism and growing confidence on the NBA stage. But as the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard told a harsher story: Warriors 120, Magic 97.
For fans watching from home or those lucky enough to be inside Chase Center, the game’s first 32 minutes were a rollercoaster. The lead ping-ponged between Orlando and Golden State, with 10 ties and 13 lead changes. Neither team could build a double-digit cushion until late in the third quarter, when the Warriors seized control and never looked back. As recounted in Orlando Sentinel, the Warriors’ 10-0 run to open the fourth quarter slammed the door on Orlando’s hopes.
Anthony Black’s Performance: More Than Just Numbers
While the box score lists Anthony Black with 19 points, his impact went deeper. Black’s assertive drives kept the Warriors’ defense honest, and his leaping ability was on full display with multiple dunks and shot blocks—moments captured in highlights by Yahoo Sports. Black, alongside Paolo Banchero (21 points) and Desmond Bane (20), accounted for 60 of Orlando’s points, a trio that kept the Magic competitive until Golden State’s late surge.
Speaking after the game, Black was candid about the challenge: “They did a good job packing the paint knowing our personnel are a lot of drivers,” he told reporters in his postgame interview, as shown on NBA.com. “They had a good game plan but we always feel like we have the advantage in the paint so this is definitely a game we should have finished better at the rim.”
Black’s words echoed the frustration of a night where Orlando racked up 50 points in the paint but missed 13 shots in the restricted area (just 14-for-27 as a team). The Warriors, meanwhile, converted 31-of-47 paint attempts for 62 points, a difference that proved decisive.
Turnovers and Missed Opportunities
For all Orlando’s offensive effort, turnovers were a thorn in their side. The Magic gave the ball away 18 times, fueling 21 Warriors points, compared to just 9 Magic points off 13 Golden State turnovers. Head coach Jamahl Mosley didn’t mince words: “They beat us to 50/50 balls. Our communication broke down one too many times in transition, finding bodies. You’ve got to give them credit for the way they defended, the way they made it tough on us at the rim.”
Banchero, despite flirting with a triple-double (21 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists), shot just 36.8% from the field and turned it over four times. The Magic’s inefficiency near the rim and their struggles to protect the ball combined to sap their momentum, especially as the Warriors clamped down defensively and pushed the pace.
Black’s Growth and Orlando’s Next Steps
Even in defeat, Anthony Black’s confidence and voice stood out. As a rookie, he’s quickly carving out a reputation for resilience and self-awareness. His ability to identify tactical issues, like paint congestion, and his willingness to challenge defenders at the rim, suggest a player who’s learning fast—and who’s not afraid to speak up about what needs to change.
Black wasn’t alone in showing promise: No. 25 pick Jase Richardson and second-rounder Noah Penda saw extended action, each contributing but also revealing areas for growth. Richardson notched 11 points in 22 minutes but struggled with turnovers, while Penda’s early fouls limited his impact.
As Orlando prepares for a back-to-back against Portland, the message is clear. Mosley said it best: “We’ve got to play a very good Portland team tomorrow, who’s just as physical and can turn you over so we’ve got to make sure that we take care of the basketball, learn from this game and then move on.”
Highlights: Black’s Explosive Plays Make Headlines
Social media lit up after Black’s emphatic dunks and rim protection. Clips from Yahoo Sports showed him rising above defenders, throwing it down with authority, and swatting shots—moments that punctuated Orlando’s otherwise rocky night. Such highlights are more than viral fodder; they’re signposts of a young player growing into his role and earning respect across the league.
For Magic fans, Black’s development is a silver lining in a season defined by ups and downs. His presence energizes the team and points to a future where Orlando’s backcourt could be a force to reckon with.
Assessment: Anthony Black’s performance against the Warriors was a microcosm of the Magic’s current trajectory—promising, athletic, but still learning the hard lessons of NBA competition. While his individual highlights show star potential, the team’s loss underscores the importance of collective focus and execution. If Black and Orlando can translate these flashes into consistent results, the outlook shifts from hopeful to truly exciting.