When Paul George left the Los Angeles Clippers this summer, the team wondered who could replace George’s production. The answer to that question has been Norman Powell.
Powell scored 35 points as the Los Angeles Clippers made up a 12-point deficit to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 116-113. He’s averaging a career-high 24.6 points while shooting 45.9 percent from three-point range, both the best marks on the team.
It’s not that Powell hasn’t been an effective player for the Clippers in the past. He finished fourth in the Sixth Man of the Year voting in each of the last two seasons, but Powell won’t be repeating the performance because he’s been too good for Ty Lue not to start.
In fact, according to Clippers broadcaster Brian Sieman, the honor Powell deserves is a spot on the All-Star team.
The Clippers have had an excellent defense this year, ranking fifth in the NBA. What they’re lacking, aside from Powell, is a player who can score efficiently — James Harden’s 39 percent shooting from the field isn’t cutting it.
Meanwhile, George is averaging 15.8 points in an injury-marred season with the Philadelphia 76ers, shooting just over 40 percent. The Clippers let George go because they didn’t want to give him a max contract, and that decision is looking wise.
According to Powell, the reason the Clippers are a surprising 19-13 is because of their grit and toughness. He’s been providing that himself, along with one other crucial ingredient: Buckets.
