The LA Clippers are heading into the holiday break on a high note, having strung together back-to-back wins and finally finding a bit of rhythm. But if there’s a noticeable hush around the Intuit Dome, it’s not just the calm before the Christmas Day games-it’s also the quiet surrounding a storyline that once had Clippers fans in an uproar: Norman Powell’s departure.
Back when Powell landed in Miami, the narrative was pretty loud. Fans were quick to question the Clippers’ decision-makers, especially President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank, for letting go of a veteran scorer who had been a reliable offensive spark off the bench.
The early returns seemed to support the critics. Powell was lighting it up in South Beach, and the Heat were winning games.
Meanwhile, the Clippers were struggling to find consistency, and the optics weren’t great.
But fast forward to now, and the landscape looks very different.
Norman Powell’s Hot Start Has Cooled Off
Powell’s initial burst with the Heat had some wondering if the Clippers had made a major misstep. His scoring punch was evident, and Miami was benefiting from his ability to get buckets in bunches.
But lately, things have taken a turn. The Heat have dropped eight of their last ten games, and Powell’s production has been a mixed bag.
Yes, he’s still putting up solid counting stats-22.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game in December-but the efficiency has taken a hit. He’s shooting just 44.4% from the field and 34.8% from deep this month, and those numbers are being dragged down by some rough outings. In fact, he’s had multiple games shooting under 36% from the floor, including a 1-for-11 performance from beyond the arc in a loss to the Celtics.
That kind of inconsistency is hard to ignore, especially for a team like Miami that relies heavily on its role players to step up alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. And while Powell’s talent is undeniable, the Heat fanbase has started to quiet down. The early-season excitement has given way to a wait-and-see approach.
Meanwhile, the Clippers Are Finding Their Groove
On the other side of the equation, the Clippers are beginning to look more like the team many expected them to be. John Collins, who stepped into a larger role following the roster shake-up, is having his best stretch of the season. His emergence has helped stabilize the rotation and given LA a more balanced attack.
With Collins contributing and the team showing signs of cohesion, the early criticism of Lawrence Frank’s offseason moves is starting to fade. And while no one’s doing a victory lap just yet, it’s fair to say that the front office is breathing a little easier these days.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Powell and the Heat?
For Miami, the pressure is mounting. Powell was brought in to be a difference-maker, and while he’s had his moments, the Heat need more consistency if they’re going to climb the Eastern Conference standings. If his performance doesn’t level out soon, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Pat Riley explore trade options rather than commit to a long-term extension.
That’s where the Clippers may have dodged a bullet. Powell’s contract demands were reportedly significant, and locking into a big deal for a streaky scorer could have boxed LA into a tough financial corner. Instead, they kept their flexibility intact and opened the door for new pieces to step up.
Bottom Line
The NBA season is long, and narratives shift quickly. A month ago, the Clippers were catching heat for letting Powell walk.
Now, with Miami stumbling and Powell struggling to maintain his early form, that criticism has gone quiet. Lawrence Frank and the Clippers front office might not be looking for apologies, but they’re certainly not hearing the same uproar they did back in October.
And as for Powell? The talent’s still there, but the honeymoon in Miami is officially over.