Norman Powell insists nothing has changed, yet there’s something amiss with the Clippers guard this season, something more than his role with the Clippers.
He continues to train three times a day, five, maybe six days a week. He still plays hard, consults with his team of trainers before every game and races to the locker room after warmups, stopping just short of the door with five stutter steps.
Yet, as a starter for the first time in his Clippers career, Powell, a nine-year veteran, is having a breakout season, averaging a career-high 25 points with 2.4 assists a game as a starter. With Kawhi Leonard still dealing with knee issues, Powell is the team’s best scoring threat – even ahead of James Harden.
He enjoyed another dominant night on Wednesday, scoring 26 points and six assists on 80% shooting from the field and 75% from 3-point range in a victory against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Powell has repeatedly brushed aside the notion that he is a different player because he is starting. He likened his approach to Kobe Byrant.
“I’ve been scratching, clawing my way to get this opportunity. It’s been 10 years of playing different roles. I’ve been carrying that Mamba Mentality,” he said.
This isn’t Powell’s first opportunity to start. He was a part time starter with the Toronto Raptors for six seasons, and a regular starter in two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.
“Like I said, before (I got) here I was starting. Now it’s just focusing on how to be a starter and put this team in position every single night to win,” Powell said. “And that’s what I’m trying to do by being aggressive and making plays throughout the course of the game, learning from mistakes, learning how to lead a team and be a winner while leading.”
Coach Tyronn Lue said Powell’s transformation this season isn’t because he is starting. His improvement comes from his patience in letting the game come to him.
“He knows we’re going to call his number and (he’s) just being patient, playing the game the right way and he’s been very efficient and effective to start the season,” Lue said.
Not only has Powell taken on a leadership role and been an offensive go-to for the Clippers, but he has also become a defensive force. In an earlier game against the Golden State Warriors, Powell came up with a massive block on Moses Moody’s 3-point attempt then raced down the court and scored. He then took on the challenge of guarding 7-3 Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs.
“Just honing in on the defensive end. That’s been the biggest thing,” said Powell, who has two blocks and nine steals this season. “I’ve been so focused offensively. They want me to return to my earlier days guarding the ball, being a two-way player. So, that’s the thing I’m focused on, using my voice, being a leader on the defensive end because everybody knows I can score and put the ball in the basket.”
Powell isn’t resting on what he has accomplished in the Clippers’ (4-4) first eight games. He is not satisfied and remains focused on improving what he sees as an imperfect game.
“I’m not really happy about my play. I just think I can always get better in areas. You know, I’m not talking to the coaches after the game or in timeouts about the shot I made or a defensive play I made; it’s about the blown assignments or the turnovers that I have and just trying to be better, trying to be a complete player,” Powell said.
Powell’s quest for perfection isn’t new, nor is his drive to be an elite basketball player. He credited his uncle, who introduced him to basketball, and mother for instilling a strong work ethic. Powell said his mother always told him not to listen to critics “or anybody deter you or knock you off your path but find a way.
“She’s still with me and my older sisters and having that idol to look up to in those tough times, somebody to lean on really helped me build the player that I am, the person that I am and how I approach life.”
And Powell is sticking to that philosophy.
“I have my own mentality and approach to the game, like nothing really changes no matter what role I’m in. I’ve said it multiple times,” Powell said. “I’ve got high expectations for myself. I always see myself as a starter, as a top guy in the league that can come out and help any team win no matter where I’m at.”