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In a span of 22 days, Batum already has established new career highs in scoring (35 points, twice), steals (six vs. Houston), blocks (five vs. San Antonio) and field goals made (13 vs. Houston). With averages of 20.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.09 blocks per game, Batum isn’t just averaging career highs in nearly every statistical category, he’s also among the NBA leaders in multiple areas.
Batum ranks 11th in scoring, seventh in steals, third in three-pointers made (32) and fourth in minutes played (38.9 per game). All while shooting an incredible 48 percent from the field, including 40 percent from three-point range. He’s been efficient, balanced and — for the first time in his career — consistent. As Batum’s offseason crush, the Minnesota Timberwolves, prepare to visit the Rose Garden on Friday night, he’s justifying their aggressive offseason pursuit.
“He’s such a unique player that you can do a bunch of different things with him,” Blazers coach Terry Stotts said. “His ability to shoot, his quickness to the rim, his length. As a coach, you see all the possibilities and you know it can’t happen all at once, but … he’s doing a little bit of everything right now.”
— Reported by Joe Freeman of the Oregonian
