Cole Anthony

Work was certainly cut out for the Orlando Magic, as they adjusted to temporary life without both their already-proven All-Star forward, and one that appeared poised to earn his first nod in February. Unwilling to allow that to be an excuse, though, Cole Anthony took it upon himself to ensure that two things remained well-defended: Orlando’s home floor, and the rim above. Among those well-positioned to earn additional opportunities, Anthony hustles in transition, hoping to amend for a teammate’s ill-advised turnover by tracking down Devin Booker’s transition attack. A step or two behind the Phoenix Suns’ superstar throughout, the former Slam Dunk Contest challenger compensates with raw athleticism and ambition, skying through the air for a ferocious chasedown block. Anthony’s rejection — one that, without context, had the look of a game-saving swat — was a third quarter play that set the tone for Orlando’s victory, and a perfect 10-0 start at Kia Center. It was ultimately that kind of versatile evening for the fifth-year guard, as he turned a season-high 29 minutes into a 14-point, two-rebound, three-assist, one-steal, two-block, two-triple contribution.