Trending Now - NBA Players’ Controversial 'cocaine' Handshake Sparks Outrage

WHO:

Sportskeeda - Orlando Magic players Goga Bitadze and Noah Penda are involved in the controversy.

Daily Mail Sports - NBA star Noah Penda is identified as a 21-year-old French forward.

TMZ - The Orlando Magic team is mentioned in the context of the NBA playoffs.

WHAT:

Daily Mail Sports - Noah Penda was caught performing a handshake that appeared to mimic drug use.

TMZ - The Orlando Magic enacted a cocaine-themed handshake before their Game 4 victory.

TMZ - The Orlando Magic have a 3-1 lead over the Detroit Pistons in the NBA playoffs.

WHERE:

Daily Mail Sports - The incident occurred in a tunnel before the Magic's playoff game against the Detroit Pistons.

TMZ - The game referenced is part of the NBA playoffs.

WHEN:

Daily Mail Sports - The handshake incident occurred before a playoff game on a Monday night.

TMZ - The Game 4 victory referenced is part of the ongoing NBA playoffs.

WHY:

Sportskeeda - An ex-Knicks guard criticized the handshake, stating, "It’s bullsh*t to the brand of NBA."

HOW:

Daily Mail Sports - The handshake involved mimicking drug use, which was captured by NBC cameras.

(UPDATED April 28, 2026 23:19 UTC)

Orlando Magic players Goga Bitadze and Noah Penda are at the center of controversy after Penda was seen performing a handshake that appeared to mimic drug use in a tunnel before a playoff game against the Detroit Pistons. This incident, which was caught on NBC cameras, has drawn criticism from an ex-Knicks guard who called it detrimental to the NBA brand. Despite the backlash, the Magic celebrated a Game 4 victory, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.