NBA fans react to Orlando Magic duo’s stunning pre-game handshake going viral

Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images

Orlando Magic took a decisive step in their playoff series on Tuesday night, extending their lead over the Detroit Pistons to 3-1 with a 94-88 victory.

However, the attention was not focused solely on the outcome inside the Amway Center. Before tip-off, an unexpected moment between two Magic players quickly spread across social media.

Footage captured outside the locker room showed Goga Bitadze and Noah Penda sharing an unusual pre-game handshake, which immediately sparked debate online.

Goga Bitadze and Noah Penda handshake leaves fans stunned

Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images

The viral clip of Bitadze and Penda caught supporters off guard, largely due to the nature of the handshake. Many viewers suggested it appeared to reference drug use, which added to the intrigue surrounding the video.

Even if that interpretation is misplaced, and both players were simply joking, the routine between teammates became a talking point across X. The reaction was swift, with fans expressing surprise at the gesture.

“Not even a full year in the league and doing s— like that,” one fan wrote about Penda.

Another questioned, “What does Noah Penda know about that life?” while a third added, “You can definitely tell where that handshake came from…”