Philadelphia 76ers: 35-Year-Old Nic Batum Helps Spark Sixers Comeback vs Heat And Fans Can’t Believe It

The NBA is full of surprises, especially in the postseason. On Wednesday night, Philadelphia 76ers veteran Nic Batum turned into one to the chagrin of the Miami Heat, who squandered a 12-point halftime lead and allowed the Sixers to get away with a 105-104 come-from-behind win,

Batum was instrumental in the Sixers’ erasing the Heat’s big lead and taking over the game. The 35-year-old forward came off the bench and fired 20 points while firing several 3-pointers that helped shift the tide toward Philly’s favor in the second half. Batum, who averaged just 5.5 points per game back in the regular season, scattered 17 of his points in the final two quarters of the Heat game, including five triples.

But it wasn’t just his offense that benefited the Sixers greatly. Batum also played fantastic defense,as noted after the game by Tyrese Maxey.

“[Batum] has guarded the smallest guys like Trae Young to the tallest man in the NBA like Wemby. His defensive versatility is second to none. Tonight he guarded Herro, Butler, Bam, what’s he’s done for this team has been remarkable,” Maxey said, per Daniel Olinger of the Rights To Ricky Sanchez Podcast.