Goga Bitadze

Regardless of one’s approach, the Brooklyn Nets were likely to find trouble living up to their 56-year-old nickname, upon running into both the NBA’s No. 1-ranked defense, and its fifth-stingiest from the interior. Taking his paint-protecting responsibilities perhaps a step further, Goga Bitadze’s play on November 29, 2024 left a statement: not only would Brooklyn have trouble finding the net’s bottom, but even locating the rim would sometimes be a stretch. Radaring the home team’s every move, Bitadze, with the Orlando Magic comfortably ahead by 21 in the game’s final five minutes, rotates over after recognizing Keon Johnson’s driving intent. Emphatic enough to temporarily turn basketball’s battle into a volleyball-like demonstration, the sixth-year big ascends, swatting the attempt away with a spike-type block. Such plays proved key in helping Orlando secure a sixth-consecutive win, with Bitadze contesting a team-high eight shots, to go alongside eight points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and five rejections.