Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum does spend an awful lot of time with fellow Frenchman Rudy Gobert whenever they get called up by their national team. On Sunday, the Clippers swingman did his best impression of the two-time Defensive Player of the Year, stifling Detroit Pistons rookie Saddiq Bey's dunk attempt.
Bey thought he'll get a free dunk after blowing past Clippers All-Star Paul George in their game at Staples Center. Batum, however, met him at the rim with his go-go gadget arms and swatted away the rook's poster attempt. Here's the terrific defensive play from the 32-year-old forward.
Met at the peak of his leap.
📺 @BallySportWest | @nicolas88batum pic.twitter.com/61EAT7zzLs
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) April 12, 2021
Batum was not done showing up Detroit's young guns, as he also denied Saben Lee a few possessions later. LA's 6-foot-8 winger came over the weak side and perfectly timed Lee's shot and sent it out of bounds.
Get that weak stuff outta here.
Nicolas Batum showing us he's still got it 😤 pic.twitter.com/5uUbn2bCII
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) April 12, 2021
Batum, meanwhile, has actually gone under the radar over the last few years following his disappointing stint with the Charlotte Hornets. But looks like signing with the Clips this offseason rejuvenated his career, as he's been a vital cog for the Western Conference powerhouse squad this campaign.
He scattered 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and one steal in 31 minutes versus Detroit. Batum was efficient all game for the Clippers, missing just one of his six field goals and draining all four of his 3-pointers.
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