Vote and discuss Nicolas Batum's performance in today's FIBA World Championships game between France and Turkey.
It was a disappointing and frustrating end to the FIBA tournament for France who struggled to penetrate Turkey's zone defense and had no answer for some hot outside shooting from Hedo Turkoglu and the host country's post power. France kept it close for roughly the first 17 minutes but after that the rout was on. The final score: Turkey 95, France 77.
It was an equally disappointing and frustrating night for Batum, who competed hard on defense but floated on the perimeter on offense, never really a factor as France's guard play was not up to the task. Batum's offensive activity picked up a bit in the second half as he threw down back-to-back dunks, but it was far too little too late for France. Batum finished with 11 points (4 of 7 from the field), 1 rebound, 1 assist,1 steal and 2 turnovers.
Here's a video of Batum throwing down a crushing two-hand dunk in transition over Turkey's Semih Erden.
And here's a link to another video of Batum finishing an alleyoop on a clever inbounds setup.
Patty Mills and Australia were also eliminated today. Rudy Fernandez and Spain have advanced to the round of 8. Nate McMillan and Team USA face Angola in the round of 16 tomorrow morning at 11 AM on ESPN2.
Read the blow-by-blow game reaction in the gameday open thread.
-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter