Goga Bitadze

Defying conventional wisdom one hustle play at a time, the Orlando Magic have discovered that, even with all-world talent missing from their rotation, athleticism and ambition have left any win — and, seemingly, any dunk — well within reach. Among the many leaders of Orlando’s above-the-rim attack, Goga Bitadze works himself into a much-discussed highlight, dealing first a physical screen that creates the gap for a short roll opportunity. Unphased by neither the nationally-televised stage, nor the soon-to-arrive clash against former Defensive Player of the Year Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bitadze goes airborne, delivering a fierce one-handed facial over the Milwaukee Bucks’ superstar. Antetokounmpo would gain a measure of revenge a quarter later, gifting worldwide watchers an intriguing clash between two players inside 2024-25’s top-20 in dunks finished. The spirited-yet-shorthanded Magic would ultimately short in the final minute, though Bitadze left December 10, 2024’s NBA Cup Quarterfinals clash as a standout nonetheless, powering in 12 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block.