Nic Batum Leads the Charlotte Hornets to an Impressive Win Over the Chicago Bulls

Dec 23, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) shoots the ball over Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) in the second half at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Bulls 103-91. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) shoots the ball over Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) in the second half at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Bulls 103-91. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nicolas Batum had one of his best games of the season as he led the Charlotte Hornets to an impressive victory over the Chicago Bulls.

In a fantastic game that Nicolas Batum said had a playoff atmosphere, he and his fellow Charlotte Hornets handled their business against the Chicago Bulls. The team got an extra day of rest heading into this one and it sure did help. On defense, the Hornets were swarming well… like hornets! Charlotte had a season-high 13 blocks and they had a fantastic all-around game.

Player of the Game:

A++. . SG. Charlotte Hornets. NICOLAS BATUM

I don’t know if Nic was trying to do his best Russell Westbrook impression or what? Either way, there was a nice resemblance. Nic had a fantastic game recording his first triple-double of the season. Batum was the best player on the court and it was clear all game. He was everywhere and he was doing everything. Nicolas finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. He even managed to play strong defense gaining a steal and a block.

. PG. Charlotte Hornets. KEMBA WALKER. A

Kemba is usually the player of the game but this was Nic’s night. Walker still had a great showing as he scored 20 points, grabbed five boards, and dished out four assists. The All-Star campaign continues for the Hornets’ starting point guard.

A-. . SF. Charlotte Hornets. MICHAEL KIDD-GILCHRIST

MKG had a great game against the Bulls. We all know what to expect on the defensive end and he didn’t disappoint. Kidd-Gilchrist had a very good game on the defensive end pulling down nine boards, blocking four shots, and making a steal. On the offensive end, he was not too shabby either, scoring 12 points.

B-. . PF. Charlotte Hornets. MARVIN WILLIAMS

Marvin continues to do what he does best. And that is everything. His numbers aren’t gaudy but they are always spread out across the stat sheet. Mr. Relieable put up nine points, a couple rebounds, a steal, and a block. He is always solid.

A-. . C. Charlotte Hornets. CODY ZELLER

Cody Zeller is a heck of a player. The more I watch him, the more I am impressed. He is so quick to the basket. He does so many things well on the floor and he is never hurting his team. I truly look forward to his play as a finished product. When all was said and done, Cody delivered 13 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.

FRANK KAMINSKY. C. . Back-up PF/C. Charlotte Hornets

Frank continues to struggle slightly with his shooting but his hustle in this one made up for his struggles. The Tank worked hard for 13 points and five rebounds. If he can provide double-figure scoring off the bench, Charlotte will be happy with that sort of return.

Charlotte Hornets. JEREMY LAMB. C. . Back-up SG/SF

Jeremy gave good minutes off the bench in Belinelli’s absence. He just didn’t get many but in his 16 minutes of court action, he provided seven points. Not a great shooting night but he also didn’t hurt the team. Solid outing from Lamb.

B-. . Back-up C. Charlotte Hornets. ROY HIBBERT

Like Jeremy, Roy didn’t have many minutes, but also like Lamb, he did not waste them. In his 15 minutes, he pulled down five boards and matched his four points with four blocks. Those four blocks came in the span of five minutes as he was making his defensive presence felt.

C. . Back-up PG. Charlotte Hornets. RAMON SESSIONS

I read quite a few negative comments on Ramon, but they are not realistic. It is not Ramon’s job to come off the bench and put up big numbers. His job is to come off the bench, manage the team, and allow Kemba to get some rest. He does a fantastic job of that. Coach Clifford never has to put Kemba back in the game early, because the game is getting out of hand. Sessions always gives good minutes doing his job. This game was no different. Mr. Myrtle Beach provided us with five points, three boards, and two assists.

Next: Beat: Hornets the Surprise Team in the East

Note: Marco Belinelli had to be helped off the floor after suffering a sprained left ankle early on. It doesn’t look to be serious going forward but his grade for this game was incomplete.