We are passing the quarter mark of the 2025-26 season, and the Miami Heat have performed better than expected. They are currently third in the Eastern Conference, with a 14-7 record. A large part of their early success has been because of Norman Powell.
In 2024-25, Powell had a career season. He averaged 21.8 points per game, which was a career high. But he was on the Los Angeles Clippers, who, in a trade to acquire John Collins, sent Powell to the Heat.Â
That trade has quickly backfired for the Clippers. They are 5-16 and are near the bottom of the Western Conference, while the Heat look like a clear playoff team. The trade looks even worse now that the two teams have just played each other, especially given Powell’s comments about the Clippers.
The Heat dominated the Clippers in their matchup, winning 140-123, and Powell played a significant role in the win, scoring 30 points. After the game, Powell told reporters, âI would have never guessed they were gonna be 5-16 and where theyâre at right now. Thatâs something for them to have to deal with and handle. Iâm not worried about them anymore.â
It makes a lot of sense why Powell wouldn’t concern himself with the Clippers. After a career season, they immediately flipped him. However, the Clippers are this seasonâs dumpster fire, while the Heat are looking like a surprise contender.Â
How Has Norman Powell Fit the Heatâs Offense
GettyNorman Powell dunking the ball.
With Tyler Herro missing the start of the season, Powell was the focal point of the Heatâs offense right away. In response, Powell is averaging 25 points per game, a team and career high.Â
Even now that Hero is back, Powell has secured his spot in the starting five. The two have only played three games together, and in the first, Powell struggled with 11 points, but has since followed that up with 28 and 30.Â
On top of that, Powell has been a crucial part of the Heatâs new offensive scheme. A lot has been made of the Heatâs pace this season, which is way up compared to last season. Last season, they ranked 28th in pace, and so far this season, they are first.Â
When the Heat decided to move to a faster-paced offense, Powell might not have been the main reason, but he’s still been a massive factor. Powell is averaging 6.7 points per game in transition, which is the ninth most in the league. The Heat are getting out and running, which is giving Powell some easy scoring opportunities.Â
What is Next For the Heat and Powell
GettyNorman Powell (24) on the right next to Davion Mitchell (45).
The Eastern Conference is wide open, as the Boston Celtics are without Jayson Tatum, and Tyrese Haliburton is out for the Indiana Pacers, both likely to miss all, if not most, of the season. Both players have led their teams to the NBA Finals in the last two seasons, which hurts their chances of competing for a championship in 2025-26.
With two heavyweights seemingly on the sidelines, the path to the Eastern Conference Finals for the Heat becomes interesting. They have an elite offense, with Powell and Hero leading the way. Hero has quickly adapted, averaging 24.8 points through their four games.Â
On defense, the Heat have always had a good identity. Kel’el Ware and Bam Adebayo are two defensive bigs covering the paint, while also being very switchable. Then, Davion Mitchell and Andrew Wiggins never shy away from defending against an opponent’s best perimeter scorer. Those four names have helped the Heat to the league’s third-best defensive rating of 111.7.Â
That is a clear formula for success. Two scores that can create for themselves, and others at times, and a defense that forces turnovers, to get the offense into transition. The Heat are already overreaching their preseason predictions, and it seems like they will continue to do so.Â
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