The ranking in the Western Conference is crucial for the Clippers, as it directly affects Leonard's return speed and whether they can reach the championship level in the playoffs. Leonard has confirmed his return on January 5th. Currently, the Clippers are ranked fifth in the West, slightly ahead of the Lakers and Nuggets. Despite the absence of their top star Leonard, the Clippers have managed to maintain a top-five record in the West, exceeding expectations. The leadership abilities of Harden and Powell have been quite impressive. With stats of 29+7 and 29+5, Harden has indeed delivered on his promise, giving you a real chance to make the All-Star team.
Without Leonard this season, the Clippers' offense and defense have not yet reached their peak. Why have the Clippers been able to achieve a top-five record in the West? According to NBA experts from American media, one of the most important reasons is their collective effort and excellent defense. This season, the Clippers have a defensive efficiency of 108.2, ranking fifth in the league. With Leonard out, every player on the Clippers must give their all on both offense and defense, making the contributions of role players particularly important. Players like Zubac, Coffey, Little Derrick Jones, and Dunn have performed exceptionally well.
Officially reported by an NBA journalist from American media, Clippers guard Norman Powell has averaged 28.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.8 steals over the last five games, with a shooting percentage of 52.8% and a three-point percentage of 48.5%. Powell has indeed put up sharp numbers and efficiency, surprising many. Logically speaking, Powell is just a role player who came off the bench last season, averaging only 13 points. This season, he averages 24.4 points, and his partnership with Harden has been perfect. Harden's passing and assist skills have allowed Powell to play at an even higher level.
In the game against the Mavericks, Powell went 11 for 19, scoring 29 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block, leading the team to victory with balanced offense and defense. Against the Jazz, Powell went 12 for 16, scoring 29 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal, teaming up with Harden to lead the team to victory. In the game against the Grizzlies, Powell scored another 29 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Against the Warriors, Powell scored the highest of the game with 26 points, adding 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block, with a +18 plus-minus, the highest of the game.
Looking at Powell's performance over the last five games, his offensive scoring ability has been very stable and efficient, and he averages 1.8 steals, showing improved defense. In a post-game interview, Powell clearly stated that when Harden attacks with the ball, opponents often double-team him, which gives us a lot of open three-point opportunities. Harden makes scoring easy for everyone. It's worth noting that Zubac also mentioned that Harden's organization allows their offense to flow more easily. This season, Zubac has repeatedly set new highs in points, rebounds, and blocks.
At the start of the regular season, Harden said that without Leonard, he would not monopolize the ball, but would focus on organizing and assisting, allowing players like Powell and Zubac to get more ball possession and enter a breakout stage in their careers. Indeed, Harden has kept his word, and both Powell and Zubac have set new highs in various statistics. This season, Powell averages 24.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 steals, with a shooting percentage of 50% and a three-point percentage of 46.6% (fourth in the league), giving him a real chance to make the All-Star team.
