When Tyronn Lue was busy embracing the mystery in the playoffs, he did not start Nicolas Batum when he should have. The French Knight still resigned after considering retirement, and despite the optimism around his continued tenure with the LA Clippers, he has faced adversity on both sides of the ball this season. Yet, all was resolved on Saturday night, as Batum delivered in the most effective way.
In the 11-point loss versus the Phoenix Suns, Batum drilled three three-pointers and added three rebounds, two blocks, and one steal in 25 minutes off the bench.
This two-way effort was starter-worthy, and Lue would not have seen any criticism about it, if Batum was chosen over Bradley Beal, who unironically also had his best game as a Clipper this season, with 12 points, three assists, and two makes from beyond the arc in 20 minutes of action.