Orlando Magic Rookie Anthony Black 'Pretty Prepared' for Starting Role

Anthony Black shined in the first start of his career in the Orlando Magic's win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

ORLANDO - It's easy to find out when they're thrown right into the fire. 

That was the case for Orlando Magic rookie Anthony Black when he made the first start of his career on Saturday against the Los Angeles Lakers with Markelle Fultz, Gary Harris Jr. and Wendall Carter Jr. out with injuries. 

Black didn't just fill in admirably in the first start of his NBA, he thrived, scoring 11 points and had four rebounds, two assists and a steal in the Magic's 120-101 win over the Lakers (3-3) at the Amway Center. 

"I think it was good for me to get out there and kind of get a feel," Black said. "But yeah, I mean, [it's] just basketball. But I definitely felt like I was pretty prepared for it."

Anthony Black blocking a shot from Austin Reaves / Mike Watters-USA Today Sports

For Magic (4-2) head coach Jamahl Mosley, Black's ability to stay poised in his first start and not let the moment get to him stood out. 

"He wasn't afraid," Mosley said. "That's the thing about that young man that we said from the beginning. He embraces moments, he's got a high basketball IQ, he's tough and he's a team guy. He's willing to make the easy play, the easy pass and the right decisions. Those are the things that stand out the most [and] his maturity level for a young man in his rookie year."

Black also put together a strong performance on Thursday in the Magic's 115-113 win over the Utah Jazz (2-5). In his first game getting meaningful minutes, the rookie guard shot a perfect 4-4 from the field and had nine points, three rebounds, two steals and an assist.  

Orlando took Black with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Through his four appearances, he's averaging six points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists. 

Heading into this season, it was clear Black would have to earn his minutes in a crowded backcourt. While injuries have led to the rookie guard immediately playing meaningful minutes, Black has proven that he belongs and can be a difference-maker even when Fultz and Harris return from their injuries. 

Orlando will look to extend its winning streak to three when they face the Dallas Mavericks (5-1) on Monday at the Amway Center at 7 p.m. ET.