The Clippers didn’t need much from Norman Powell in his return Sunday night, as they cruised to a 35-point win over Charlotte. Powell scored seven points in 22 minutes, and his excitement to be back on the court was evident.
Coach Tyronn Lue has kept the team successful without Powell’s 23.4 points per game, focusing the offense on Kawhi Leonard, Ivica Zubac, and James Harden.
L.A. remains in playoff contention, just 1.5 games behind sixth-place Golden State. Powell’s return is timely as the schedule toughens with games against Cleveland, Memphis, and Oklahoma City.
Leonard emphasized the importance of winning these upcoming games, with strong performances from Harden, Zubac, and Bogdanovic boosting the team’s success.
“We pretty much need to win these games,” he said. “Obviously, James is playing at a great level, Zu too. They played great individual basketball, being efficient and (Bogdan Bogdanovic) being great as well, making threes.
“It’s just been a collective group of thinking, just making shots that have been helping us.”
L.A. Notes: Powell, Harden, Hayes, Lakers' Offseason https://t.co/UIGT4sdpdN pic.twitter.com/borhRJfFIC
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) March 17, 2025
