Key Takeaways:
- Anthony Black notched a career-high 31 points, with 27 scored in the opening half
- Orlando secured a decisive 144-103 NBA Cup victory over a depleted Philadelphia side
- Jalen Suggs was ejected late in the first half following an on-court altercation
Match Analysis
On Tuesday night in Philadelphia, Anthony Black delivered a standout performance, registering a career-best 31 points, including 27 before half-time, to power the Orlando Magic to a resounding 144-103 triumph over the injury-stricken Philadelphia 76ers in their NBA Cup fixture.
WAGIC WIN🪄 pic.twitter.com/9mojWeuaRV
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) November 26, 2025
Despite a level scoreline of 35-35 after the first period, Orlando seized control in the second quarter, outscoring the 76ers by 26 points to establish an 86-60 lead at the break. The home crowd began voicing their frustrations as the Magic extended their advantage to 17 points with five and a half minutes left in the second quarter.
The contest became heated in the closing moments of the half when a confrontation between the teams led to the ejection of Orlando’s Jalen Suggs, who collected two technical fouls with 27 seconds remaining. From there, the Magic comfortably maintained their dominance throughout the second half to secure their third consecutive Cup victory, while Philadelphia dropped to 0-3 in the competition.
Injury Report and Player Absences
Philadelphia fielded a depleted squad, missing Joel Embiid (right knee injury management), Paul George (right ankle sprain), and rookie VJ Edgecombe (left calf tightness). Joel Embiid missed his eighth consecutive match and eleventh this season, having started the campaign on strict minutes restrictions following left knee surgery and now dealing with a right knee issue.
Paul George, who signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the 76ers before the previous season, appeared for the first time this season on 17 November after an off-season knee procedure. He featured in two of the next three games but was sidelined against Orlando.
The 76ers’ injury woes deepened when Trendon Watford exited with just over four minutes left in the first half due to a left adductor strain and did not return. On the Orlando side, Paolo Banchero missed his seventh straight contest with a left groin strain.
| Team | Points | Top Scorer | Key Absentees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando Magic | 144 | Anthony Black (31) | Paolo Banchero (left groin strain) |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 103 | Tyrese Maxey (20) | Joel Embiid (right knee), Paul George (right ankle), VJ Edgecombe (left calf), Trendon Watford (left adductor – in-game) |
Looking Ahead
Orlando, now unbeaten in their first three NBA Cup group matches, will travel to Detroit on Friday night. Philadelphia, still seeking their first Cup win after three rounds, are scheduled to face Brooklyn on the road on Friday night.
