Orlando Magic’s Black Shines in Tense Game 3 Against Celtics

ORLANDO, Fla. — In a thrilling Game 3 matchup against the Boston Celtics on April 25, 2025, second-year player Anthony Black made a decisive impact, helping the Orlando Magic secure a 95-93 victory.

With the game tied at 22 late in the first quarter, Black shifted the momentum after a timeout. He executed full-court defense, stealing an inbounds pass from Celtics forward Sam Hauser. This led to an easy layup, energizing his team. Just moments later, Black intercepted a pass intended for Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard, resulting in a clear-path foul that sent him to the free-throw line.

“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 a shootaround before Game 4 at Kia Center. “I just try to check in, pick up [on defense] and change the game.”

Black’s defensive prowess and scoring ability contrast sharply with his playoff performance last season, where he averaged only 5.5 minutes in Orlando’s series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This season, through the first three games against the reigning champions, Black has averaged 7.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.7 steals in 16.7 minutes of play.

In Game 3 alone, he recorded 9 points and a plus-minus rating of plus-13, the best for the Magic in that game. Teammate Markelle Fultz remarked, “For him, getting the opportunity has been big. 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.”

As the Magic head into Game 5, they will rely on Black, who has stepped up significantly despite a minor ankle tweak late in Game 3. “He’s been ready when his name’s been called,” said head coach Jamahl Mosley. “He’s been playing at a high level.”

The Magic will face the Celtics again at TD Garden on Tuesday at 8:30 PM.