Anthony Black dunked on 4 Grizzlies for NBA’s play of the year

Anthony Black is having a breakout third season for the Orlando Magic. The No. 6 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Black stood out after one year at Arkansas as a big guard who could lock down on the defensive end with a connective offensive skill set. His shooting and overall scoring punch were more of a question, but he’s answered both definitively this season.

As the Magic and Memphis Grizzlies played in Germany on Thursday, Black produced the signature play of his career so far — and maybe even the NBA’s dunk of the year. Teammate Paolo Banchero grabbed a loose ball and kicked it ahead to Black. He eyed up Memphis rookie wing Cedric Coward, crossed him over, and then rose for a dunk as three more Grizzlies defenders all jumped to try to challenge the shot.

Four leaping bodies could not stop Black. I’m not sure if there’s been a better dunk this season. Watch the play here:

The view from behind the play makes it look even better.

I remember watching Black, Jordan Walsh, and Nick Smith Jr. in March Madness on a star-studded 2023 Arkansas team that reached the Sweet 16. Black obviously had great size for a guard with a strong 6’6 frame, and he had a rare willingness to do the dirty work from a young age for a player who was a five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American. On the brink of his 22nd birthday, he’s now learning how to use that physicality on the offensive end. This is the most spectacular example yet.

Black has gone from 4.6 points per game to 9.4 to 15.7 this year in his first three seasons. He’s still scoring a tinge below league average in terms of efficiency, and his three-point shot has more room to grow at about 35 percent. Still, this play is proof that Black has some special gifts. He’s really starting to put it all together.