CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Hornets forward Nicolas Batum said he is "running on adrenaline" as he prepares for Game 6 of Charlotte's first-round playoff series against the Miami Heat, following the birth of his son early Friday.
Batum's wife gave birth to their child, Aiden, shortly after midnight Friday. Batum said he slept only about two hours.
"To have a baby is always an amazing thing, but to have a baby before Game 6 with a chance to close a series -- that is pretty crazy too," Batum said before the game. "It's a unique experience."
After the birth of his son, Batum took to twitter to celebrate the news.
Ayden Richard Batum was born last night at 1.30 AM ! His mom did a wonderful job (so do I 😅) Baby Bat I Iove you ! pic.twitter.com/slgjmvSdbv
— Nicolas Batum (@nicolas88batum) April 29, 2016
The Hornets lead the series 3-2 and can close out the Heat with a win at home. Charlotte started the series down 2-0 but has bounced back to win three straight games.
Batum said beating the Heat on Friday and advancing to the second round of the NBA playoffs would make the perfect end to a perfect day.
Batum, who had purple and teal birthday balloons hanging next to his locker, said he feels "tired" but hopes to get some rest in the days to come if the Hornets can put the Heat away.
"It's been tough to sleep, but I want to win this game tonight and go back and see my wife and my kid," Batum said. "I'm just too excited about everything that has happened. It has been a good day, and hopefully it will be a good night too."