Despite a bumpy start to the year, the slashing wing, Norman Powell, has been on a tear for the LA Clippers. He has taken his game to another level, proving why he is one of head coach Tyronn Lue’s most valuable pieces. It is truly a luxury to have an elite scorer as a third option, and the Clippers are making the most of it.
Moreover, Powell has been in and out of the injury report this season. This is one of the many reasons the LA Clippers could not find a consistent winning streak. However, as of late, Powell has been playing some of the best basketball of his seven-year career.
Throughout Powell’s last ten games, he averaged 20.8 points while shooting 54.1% from the field and 49.0% from three. What’s even crazier is that he has only played 25.0 minutes per game. This shows supreme efficiency and impact each time he steps on the court.
The decision to bring Powell off the bench may have been the push the LA Clippers needed. Especially when the superstar duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are on the floor, Powell’s game can fully thrive as his teammates command an unreal amount of attention.
By the end of the year, Powell will have won the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award.
When he is fully healthy, Powell is one of the best stars of the LA Clippers. His burst and quickness of the dribble will hold opponents on their heels. This may cause double teams, allowing other players to score the ball.
Furthermore, there should be no reason why he is not in the Sixth Man of the Year conversation. He is doing everything in his power to guide his team, which is paying off as the Clippers stand with a top-four seed in the Western Conference. Without Powell, it is safe to say Lue, and his squad would have more than 15 losses.
In addition to his scoring, Powell hustles hard on the defensive end. Not only is he averaging 1.7 deflections, but he is also contesting 1.7 shots per game. These numbers are phenomenal, considering Powell receives minimal playing time through Lue’s rotations. The coaching staff must prioritize playing him as much as possible, as he coerces the team in the right direction.
By the end of the season, Powell’s numbers should be up to par with players in the All-Star discussion. This will put Powell in a position to become another one of the many Sixth Man of the Year winners for the LA Clippers.