Nicolas Batum has a career-high 31 points last night in a Blazer 110-91 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

(Discuss Nicolas Batum, French players in the NBA)

“I just wanted to play my game,” Batum said. “I got some open shots. Today was my day. “I knew I was close to 30 (points). When I made my last shot (to hit 31), Coach told me, ‘You got it. Now you get out.’”

Batum hit 5-8 from beyond the three-point line, his attempts and makes also setcareer marks. In all Batum had a career night in not only points, but assists (7), field goals attempted (16), field goals made (11), three point field goals attempted (8), three point field goals made (5), and tied a career high with three steals. He also added 7 reabounds.

As for filling up the stat sheet, “That’s my game as much as anything,” said the 21-year old French forward. “Play defense, get rebounds, help my teammates.”

Batum had missed 46 games this season due to injury and has been inconsistent in his return 15 games ago. LaMarcus Aldridge added 21 and Rudy Fernandez scored 18 for the Blazers.