Well-positioned to lead a team in per game scoring for the first time in his 10-year career, Norman Powell has attributed 2024-25’s fascinating upward trajectory to two benefits: added opportunity, and not having to look over one’s shoulder. Showcasing one of the newly-unlocked behind-the-back dribbles that comes with not having said “threats” breathing down his neck, the L.A. Clippers star guard immediately pressures the Sacramento Kings’ defense, working a smooth misdirection move to disguise his intent. Freezing the just-as-creative Malik Monk ever slightly, Powell powers into that trademark high-elevation release, burying a 3-pointer just five seconds into the possession. Powell’s triple — the first field goal by either team during a three-and-a-half minute drought — eventually proved key in what became a highly-competitive back-and-forth win on November 8, 2024. Smooth in raining down bucket-after-bucket on this occasion, “Stormin Norman” collected 31 points (on 10-of-23 shooting), a career-high 12 rebounds, two assists, and one steal. · Nov 9, 2024