Norman Powell is making good on his bold preseason statement

After losing their season opener to the Phoenix Suns, the LA Clippers bounced back in an impressive way, winning their next two games on the road and solidifying themselves as a contender to come out of the Western Conference. The Clippers made it happen in two of the most hostile environments in the league against traditional West powerhouses in Denver and Golden State, setting the tone for the rest of the season. They remain winless at home, but these road wins are promising for the future.

James Harden has led the squad on the offensive end, with 23.8 points and 11.6 assists per game. Also remarkable is Ivica Zubac's presence, who as of now leads the league in rebounding with 13.2 per night, as well as the defensive efforts of Derrick Jones Jr. and Kris Dunn, who continue to prove themselves as elite guard stoppers that give opponents a hard time. But so far, one man's performance stands out from the rest, and that is Norman Powell's.

As of now, Norman is the second-leading scorer on the team, and he is doing it on an impressive 40% from three. He had a relatively quiet opening night with 17 points on 5-for-16 shooting, but he erupted for 37 points against Denver, with 22 of them in the fourth quarter, proving himself as a reliable option in the clutch. Against the Warriors, his 20 points were enough to secure the second consecutive Clippers win.

Powell has made good on his "addition by subtraction" statement

In the offseason, Paul George joined the Philadelphia 76ers and took with him 22.6 much-needed points per game. When Powell was asked about George's departure, he said that he sees it as an "addition by subtraction," noting that more opportunities will arise for other guys to step up, including himself. Thus far, he is standing by his words, completely covering his scoring output. From the shot-creating ability to the scorching hot three-point shooting, Powell is elevating his game to fulfill the team's needs.

Kawhi Leonard's injury, which has forced him to be sidelined for the time being, freed up a lot of minutes for the rest of the squad. Players have a chance to prove their spot in the rotation while helping the team survive the critical start of the season without its top dog. Thus far, Norman Powell has seized the opportunity and proven himself as an elite scorer that can carry part of the offensive load for the Clippers.

Powell is proving himself as a big part of why this team can hold it together in Leonard's absence. His impressive start to the season should fill the fans with hope for the season as it seems that the roster is strong enough to keep pushing forward, despite the obstacles that may lie ahead.