The Miami Heat didn’t just beat the LA Clippers on Monday night-they buried them under a 30-2 avalanche that turned a competitive game into a blowout. By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Heat walked away with a commanding 140-123 win, and Norman Powell-yes, that Norman Powell-was the one leading the charge.
Powell, who spent the last four seasons with the Clippers before landing in Miami this past offseason, dropped 30 points on his former team. And after the game, he didn’t hold back when asked about LA’s early-season struggles.
“I would have never guessed they were gonna be 5-16 and where they’re at right now,” Powell said. “That’s something for them to have to deal with and handle. I’m not worried about them anymore.”
That’s a mic drop if there ever was one. And frankly, Powell has earned the right to talk.
He’s having a career year in Miami, averaging 24.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. He’s not just fitting in-he’s thriving, and Monday night was a perfect example of that.
The Heat are now 14-7 and tied for third in the Eastern Conference, a far cry from the turmoil engulfing his former squad.
Powell was moved as part of a three-team deal that also brought John Collins to LA, but the Clippers haven’t found any rhythm with their revamped roster. Injuries have played a role, sure, but there’s no denying that the chemistry just isn’t there. Monday’s loss was their fifth straight, and the frustration is starting to show.
Kawhi Leonard, who led the Clippers with 36 points and seven rebounds against Miami, spoke candidly about the mood in the locker room.
“As you’d expect, everybody wants to try to get a win and we’re not finding one at the moment,” Leonard said.
That’s about as transparent as Kawhi gets, and it speaks volumes. He’s only played in 10 games this season but is still putting up 25.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per night.
The effort is there-but the results? Not so much.
It wasn’t supposed to be like this. The Clippers came into the season with high hopes after adding veterans like Chris Paul, Bradley Beal, and Brook Lopez.
On paper, it looked like the kind of roster that could make noise in the Western Conference. But so far, that potential hasn’t translated into wins.
Last season, the Clippers finished as the fifth seed in the West. This year, they’re sitting near the bottom of the standings, searching for answers and stability in a season that’s quickly slipping away.
Meanwhile, Powell is flourishing in Miami, and the Heat are rolling. Sometimes a change of scenery makes all the difference-and right now, it’s clear who won that breakup.