Seven Straight 20+ Point Games! Can 31-Year-Old Powell Win Most Improved Player?

The Los Angeles Clippers' season has been a bit of a rollercoaster so far, with a 4-4 record after the first two weeks of the regular season. While the team's performance may not have been spectacular, it certainly hasn’t been without its bright spots. One of the biggest surprises has been the exceptional play of Norman Powell, who has taken his game to new heights in the absence of key players like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Powell’s standout performances have raised questions: Can the 31-year-old veteran win the Most Improved Player (MIP) award this season?

After spending years as a solid but often underutilized player, Powell is finally getting the opportunity to shine as a focal point of the Clippers’ offense. In fact, his early-season numbers have been nothing short of impressive. He has scored 20 or more points in seven consecutive games, leading the Clippers in scoring in the process. Powell’s performances have not only impressed fans and analysts but also given the Clippers a crucial offensive weapon during a time when the team is missing some of its stars.

Powell’s Offensive Surge

In the Clippers’ most recent win against the Philadelphia 76ers, Powell was nothing short of spectacular. Despite the return of Paul George, who was making his season debut after a brief injury layoff, Powell stole the show. He played 35 minutes and put up an outstanding stat line: 26 points, 6 assists, and a perfect shooting performance from the free-throw line (4-4). Powell was also an incredibly efficient shooter, going 8-10 from the field and 6-8 from three-point range, culminating in a true shooting percentage of 110.5%. It was a performance that had fans and analysts alike raving about his current form.

What makes Powell’s early season even more impressive is the consistency he has shown. In the first six games of the season, Powell scored 20 or more points in every single contest, with his most memorable performance coming against the Denver Nuggets. In that game, Powell exploded for 37 points, including 22 points in the fourth quarter, leading the Clippers to a crucial victory. He finished that game 14-21 from the field, 7-11 from beyond the arc, and 2-3 from the free-throw line. It was the highest point total by a Clippers player this season and a reminder of just how dangerous Powell can be when he’s in rhythm.

With the Clippers still adjusting to life without Leonard and dealing with George’s return from injury, Powell has been the one constant for the team. He is averaging 25.0 points per game, along with 2.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 steals. His scoring average currently ranks 16th in the league, ahead of big names like Devin Booker, LeBron James, De’Aaron Fox, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell, and Kyrie Irving.

But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Powell’s game this season has been his efficiency. His shooting splits are jaw-dropping, as he is shooting 53.0% from the field, 48.5% from three, and 86.2% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage currently sits at an impressive 68.1%, which ranks third among players with over 30 minutes of playtime, trailing only Domantas Sabonis and Jarrett Allen. For context, Powell’s shooting efficiency is comparable to some of the league’s best and most efficient shooters.

To put Powell’s current season into perspective, last year he averaged 13.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. While that was by no means a bad season, it was clear that Powell was more of a secondary option on a team full of talent. His usage rate was just 19.3%, and his time with the ball was limited. However, this year, with George and Leonard both missing significant time, Powell has stepped into a larger role, and his usage rate has surged to 25.5%, the highest of his career. His touches per game and his time with the ball have also significantly increased, providing him with more opportunities to impact the game.

This increase in usage has allowed Powell to become the Clippers' primary scoring option, a role he has embraced. While he may not have the athleticism or flashy ball-handling skills of some of his peers, Powell has proven to be a steady and effective offensive player. His ability to score in various ways—whether it’s running off screens for catch-and-shoot threes or driving to the basket after a handoff—has made him a versatile and reliable offensive weapon for the Clippers.

Powell’s Rising Value

While Powell’s performance this season has been remarkable, what truly makes his story impressive is the fact that he is doing it all on a relatively affordable contract. The Clippers signed Powell to a five-year, $90 million deal, which was considered a bargain at the time. This season, Powell’s salary is just under $19.2 million, and next year, it will rise to $20.48 million. Comparatively, his current production already looks like a $30 million player, which makes his contract a steal for the Clippers.

Given Powell’s rapid development and improved play, it’s safe to say that his contract is looking more and more like one of the best value deals in the NBA. While he might not have the star power or the notoriety of other players around the league, his consistency and efficiency this season have made him one of the most impactful players on the Clippers roster.

For Powell, the recognition of his strong play has been long overdue. After a career spent playing various roles, from bench scorer to starting wing, Powell has now found his stride as a key offensive contributor. This season’s breakout could be a career-defining moment for the veteran, and with the way he’s playing, he could be in the conversation for the Most Improved Player award.

While Powell’s early-season play has been nothing short of outstanding, it’s important to note that the Clippers’ success will ultimately rely on the return of Leonard and George to full health. Even with Powell playing at a high level, the team will need its stars to return in order to truly contend in the Western Conference. Still, Powell’s performance has given the Clippers a much-needed boost, and his recent play has solidified his status as one of the most surprising players of the season.

Powell’s Mamba Mentality

Throughout his career, Powell has often been compared to Kobe Bryant, with many even dubbing him “Bao Kobe” (a nickname that originated as a joke but was later embraced by Powell). Powell has always admired Bryant’s work ethic and mentality, and he has tried to model his approach to the game after his idol. In fact, Powell has said that the “Mamba Mentality” has been a driving force behind his approach to the game, and he has spent his career trying to earn the chance to showcase his abilities.

Now, in his 10th season in the league, Powell is finally getting that chance. His strong play this season has proven that he can be more than just a bench player. He is now a legitimate scoring threat who can carry a team offensively. And with the way he is playing, there’s a chance that Powell could eventually earn a spot in the All-Star conversation or even take home the Most Improved Player award.

If Powell continues on this trajectory, he will certainly be in line for a hefty contract extension in the near future. Whether or not he wins MIP, one thing is clear: Powell’s breakout season has earned him the recognition he deserves, and it’s exciting to see where his career will go from here.