Nicolas Batum notched a singular line Friday in New Orleans, posting 22 points (8-16 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 18 rebounds, five assists, and one steal in 45 minutes.

Batum notched a spectacular line Friday in New Orleans, posting 22 points (8-16 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 18 rebounds, five assists, and one steal in 45 minutes.

Analysis:

Someone had to pick up the slack with LaMarcus Aldridge out of commission due to a lower back contusion, and the do-it-all Batum contributed one of the rarest lines in NBA annals Friday. With at least 22 points, 18 boards, five dimes, and four treys on the ledger, he joined three other players in history (LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Antoine Walker) to reach those thresholds in the same game. As long as Aldridge is sidelined -- one more contest, at least -- Batum will have every opportunity to uphold his March splits (13.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.9 threes, and 0.8 swipes in 37.3 minutes) to date.