Just when everyone thought that it was safe to count out the Los Angeles Clippers, Norman Powell swooped in to save the day.
The Clippers’ 6’3 guard, who bears some resemblance to the newest Captain America, has been the superhero of the team’s season, averaging 24.2 points per game on 49.6% field goal shooting–both career-high numbers. This is the time in the 10-year veteran’s NBA career where he has scored at least 20 points a night, highlighting the significant leap that he has taken in this campaign.
Powell’s reputation as an efficient scorer makes it no surprise that he has been the perfect running mate for the ball-dominant Harden. He has always been able to score in a variety of ways–from three-pointers to nifty off-ball cuts to an array of floaters–and now that the opportunity to do it as a team’s second option has arisen, he has made the most of it. What’s particularly intriguing is that Powell has somehow improved his shooting efficiency despite taking 17.0 field goal attempts per game which is well above his career average of 9.8 and previous season-high of 11.5 from 2020.
His breakout year has not only bolstered his stock around the league, but it has also helped Los Angeles remain in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. They sport a 31-23 win-loss record heading into the All-Star break, valiantly overcoming the offseason departure of nine-time NBA All-Star Paul George and the persistent injuries that continue to limit superstar Kawhi Leonard’s availability.
As a matter of fact, the 31-year-old Powell has been so good that he actually generated some buzz as a potential reserve for this year’s NBA All-Star game. Powell ultimately did not make the cut, yet the mere fact that he was considered by pundits as a snub is an achievement in itself for this longtime role player.
This has clearly not affected Powell’s morale as his strong performances have continued into February. In the Clippers’ final game before the All-Star festivities, Powell left a lasting impression with a season-high 41 points in a 120-116 overtime win versus the Utah Jazz.
Powell was dominant in overtime, scoring nine of Los Angeles’ 12 points in the extra period to help them secure the come-from-behind victory.
If the Clippers are to elevate themselves as dark horse title contenders once Leonard is capable of playing at his full tilt once again, Powell must continue playing at this level. His body of work in the NBA suggests that he has the skills and talent necessary to sustain this, but it remains to be seen how he reacts as one of the main targets of an opposing defense in a postseason series.
Regardless of how this season ends though, Powell’s career year has been a joy to watch and further proves the point that each and every player in the NBA is special. Sometimes, all that it takes is an opportunity for a role player like Powell to break out his cape and become a reliable hero for his team.
