Big bench performances lift Magic to play-in win over Hawks

Anthony started the fourth quarter with two assists and a three-pointer as the Magic stretched their lead to 12 points. He finished with 26 points and five assists and was +32 in 20 minutes. 

During the fourth quarter, Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley rode with his reserves, keeping Anthony and rookie Anthony Black on the floor on the court as the Magic dominated the final quarter, 41-22.

Black seemed to frustrate Atlanta's Trae Young, blocking his shot and getting into some trash-talking on the court. Perhaps that helped lead to his fourth-quarter ejection, which essentially ended the game with just under five minutes to go.

The Magic's backup point guard was one of a number of supporting players who made big offensive contributions in the Magic's 120-95 win over the Hawks. All season, the Magic have been looking for more help alongside stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. They got it on Tuesday night.

21-year-old Black scored 16 points and was a +38 in 26 minutes. Center Wendell Carter, Jr. averaged 9.1 points per game this season, but exploded for 19 points, adding seven rebounds and two blocks.

Banchero and Wagner contributed in other ways. The two were a combined 10-for-28 from the field and 0-for-8 from three-point range, but Wagner grabbed 13 rebounds to go with his 13 points. Banchero had 17 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

Besides, Black making all three of his triples and Anthony shooting 4-for-9 compensated for Orlando's starters going 3-for-22 from deep. Black even blocked two shots as the Magic bench stifled the Hawks reserves. 

Atlanta got 15 points from Georges Niang, including a big shot to end the third, but even with Jalen Suggs and Moe Wagner out for the season, the Magic's depth was superior.

Orlando will play the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics this weekend, a team that has a very deep bench of its own. Based on Tuesday night, Anthony and Black will be ready.