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Nicolas Batum · Squared into a defensive stance with the NBA’s No. 1 playoff scorer poised to attack and the rival crowd anxious to partake in a series-clinching celebration, Nicolas Batum took his reputation as one of the Philadelphia 76ers’ unsung heroes to the next level. Down to four seconds remaining in a tie game and even less time to react with a daunting offensive task dribbling into his vicinity, the 16-year veteran steps up to the challenge, mirroring Jalen Brunson’s movements well enough to stay attached to his left-sided drive. Savvy enough to defend without fouling, Batum silences the New York Knicks’ crowd with a suffocating, game-saving block, extending the win-or-go-home game into OT. Quietly one of the NBA’s more versatile producers of clutch plays in high-consequence situations over his career, Batum added to that collection during the resilient road win on April 30, 2024, helping the 76ers trim the deficit to 3-2. With the earned trust of his coaches, Batum played the fourth quarter and overtime’s entirety, contributing eight points, eight rebounds, one assist, one block, and two 3-pointers on the stat ledger. · State of Mint