Nic Batum's block goes viral as Team France advances to gold medal game

The Olympic basketball gold medal matchup is set, and Team France will take on the United States for the title of World Champion on Saturday. The French national team eked out a win over Germany in the final minutes on Thursday, winning 73-69 to ensure they will medal for the first time since 1996. LA Clippers fans tuning in got to see Nic Batum in action.

While the top performer for France was Guerschon Yabusele who made seven of his 11 shot attempts and scored 17 points, Batum certainly made his presence felt as well. He finished with nine points and three assists while playing the third-most minutes of any French player.

Midway through the third quarter, Batum made a highlight-reel play with a chase-down block on Dennis Schroder. As Germany threw the ball ahead in transition, Batum came in from behind and knocked Dennis' layup attempt nearly into the stands.

Batum's block set social media ablaze

The play sent fans into a frenzy on social media, with some even saying it resembled LeBron James' iconic chase-down block on Andre Iguodala in the 2016 NBA Finals. FranceTV Sport's video of Batum's block has over 25,000 views as of this writing. Their video is blocked in the United States, but clips of it exist elsewhere as well.

Around a month after Batum became a Clipper once again, this type of action will serve to remind fans in Los Angeles what they will be getting with him on the roster once again. Batum became a bit of a household name for Clippers fans from 2020 until 2023 when he was ultimately dealt to the Philadelphia 76ers in the James Harden trade.

Now, Nic will be a big boost to the Clippers' depth as they look to stay in the playoff race in a tough Western Conference. If Batum continues playing like he has in the Olympics next NBA season, that task will be made just a bit easier.