Breakdown
NewsPowered by
Powered by
30. April 2026
Increased role Wednesday
Black totaled 19 points (7-12 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT), five rebounds, three assists and three steals over 39 minutes during Wednesday's 116-109 loss to the Pistons in Game 5 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Analyse
Black saw an uptick in both playing time and production off the bench, essentially serving as the fifth starter due to Franz Wagner being ruled out with a calf injury. While it has been a relatively quiet series for Black, his efforts in the loss were much-improved. In his five appearances, Black has averaged just 8.2 points, 2.0 steals and 1.2 three-pointers. Should Wagner be forced to miss additional time, expect to see Black playing upwards of 32 minutes moving forward, and he could replace Jamal Cain in the starting lineup in Game 6.
26. April 2026
Makes impact on defense in Game 3
Black contributed eight points (1-6 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 5-8 FT), one rebound, one assist, three blocks and three steals in 26 minutes off the bench during Saturday's 113-105 win over the Pistons in Game 3 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Analyse
It's the first time in Black's career that he's recorded at least three blocks and three steals in the same game. The third-year guard has been making his mark on defense so far in the series, averaging 6.7 points, 2.3 boards, 2.3 steals, 1.7 assists and 1.7 blocks in 24.0 minutes with the second unit.