Nicolas Batum will return for Hornets-Heat Game 5
By Tom West
After missing the first four games of the Charlotte Hornets’ first round series against the Miami Heat, Nicolas Batum (ankle) will return off the bench in Game 5.
After the Charlotte Hornets were blown off the floor 123-91 in Game 1, and then went down 0-2 in their first round series, it looked like the Miami Heat would take control thanks to their experienced veterans, defense and dominance in the paint. Then, as the Hornets found their footing to defeat the Heat and hold them to no more than 85 points in games three and four, Charlotte tied up the series with new-found momentum. Now, they have a chance to keep it going with the return of Nicolas Batum.
He’s been a brilliant acquisition for the Hornets since they signed him last summer, providing three-point shooting, versatile perimeter defense, and excellent passing for a 6’8″ wing. After he missed the first four games against Miami due to a left foot sprain, those are assets the Hornets will be thrilled to have back.
“It’s a little sore, but manageable for tonight,” Batum said to Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer when discussing his ankle issue. “I worked out yesterday and this morning and my ankle (felt) well.”
Batum’s return will be music to the Hornets’ ears. They’ve won the last two games at home, but they’ll be expecting a tougher contest as the series heads back to Miami. And with the importance of perimeter players such as Dwyane Wade, Joe Johnson and Josh Richardson, Batum’s defense will be vital alongside the efforts of Marvin Williams and Courtney Lee.
Batum also added that he doesn’t want to alter the Hornets’ current rhythm, though, and asked head coach Steve Clifford to come off the bench.
“I don’t want to mess up the way we’re playing right now, because we’re rolling… I just want to play as much as I can and as effectively as I can.”
However Batum will alter their current play, there’s no doubt that he’s needed. Even if he returns with limited minutes, the Hornets could use the extra body. They played only eight guys in Game 4. If the team keeps that up, they could struggle physically as the series continues. Thankfully, Batum is coming back at just the right time to take some of the scoring pressure away from Kemba Walker.
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