The stoic Batum uncharacteristically said his team would beat the 76ers at home. Well, word definitely got around to Philly, which took control early and won 105-99. The Sixers led by as many as 14 points in the fourth quarter.
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Sixers guard T.J. McConnell had a ready response for Batum, even if he inflated the value of his own squad a little. Philly is digging out of a big early-season hole and is 21-34 for the season.
Batum’s bravado likely was rooted in the Hornets’ recent struggles. Charlotte (24-31) has lost 10 of its last 11 after Monday’s defeat and fallen out of the top eight in the East. Despite that, the Hornets are still just 1 1/2 games out of the No. 8 spot, behind the Pistons. To show how mediocre the bottom of the East playoff field is, the Sixers are just 4 1/2 back of Detroit.
Batum finished with 16 points, four assists and a rebound in 38 minutes.
