'Bucket-Getter' Cole Anthony Back in Form for Magic
Cole Anthony is a good basketball player. Fans know that, as does pretty much anyone who casually tunes into an Orlando Magic game, but recently, he's been playing poorly.
Averaging 11.9 points on the season, Anthony was in a slump entering the All-Star Break, averaging only 7.8 points on disappointing shooting and only average defense.
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Anthony summed up his recent play and did not seem happy with himself.
"I’ve been playing like doo-doo for a while," Anthony said after the Magic beat the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday.
But in that game, Anthony returned to form, scoring 13 points and dishing six assists.
"That was a nice little breakthrough tonight. I just wanna try to build off of this," Anthony said.
Moe Wagner, Anthony, and Orlando's bench led the Magic to the 116-109 victory over the red-hot Cavaliers. None of Orlando's starters recorded a positive box plus/minus, but the second unit stepped up when it counted.
"He's cold man, he's a hooper. I always tell him we need him...we need a bucket-getter," said Wagner after the game about Anthony.
To his credit, Moe Wagner scored a game-high 22 points and took over for the starters, including his younger brother.
While Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are the motor of the Magic and have led them to a successful season, they can't be counted on every night. Easily the team's best players, their youth sometimes stands in their way, and when the starting five drop a game, knowing that the reserves can step it up is a key to success.
Orlando's depth will be appreciated come playoff time, when Anthony is expected to take on a leadership role.
