The NBA playoffs tip off this Saturday, launching the most anticipated stretch of the season for basketball fans across the globe. Among the standout matchups in the first round, the clash between the defending champion Denver Nuggets‘ Jamal Murray and the Los Angeles Clippers of James Harden promises to be one of the most intriguing — not just because of the star power, but because of the hidden threats lurking beneath the surface. One of those threats? Norman Powell.
Denver guard Jamal Murray didn’t mince words when asked about the upcoming series. On Wednesday, he singled out Powell as a key piece in the Clippers’ system and a player who deserves more respect.
“I think Norm is super underrated,” Murray said. “I’ve been liking his game since he was in Toronto. Super strong, gets downhill, he’s aggressive. If he misses three or four, it doesn’t waver his confidence, which is big. Obviously, he’s had big nights for them over the course of the season. I think he’s an X-factor for them.”
Murray emphasized that Powell’s presence on the floor changes how Denver has to defend Los Angeles.
“He’s someone that you can’t just let walk into threes or transition threes and find a rhythm. That makes everybody on the team’s job a little bit easier. So we’re going to treat him as one of the guys, too, and I’m going to do my best to limit his touches and his attempts.”
James Harden #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts to a foul call during the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Intuit Dome on March 18, 2025 in Inglewood, California.
Offensive fit with Harden and Kawhi: A crucial balance
With both James Harden and Kawhi Leonard leading the Clippers, head coach Ty Lue has crafted a methodical, structured offense. Leonard operates with surgical precision in the midrange, while Harden, now more playmaker than scorer, orchestrates from the pick-and-roll.
see also
Warriors’ Stephen Curry reflects on rebounding struggles after loss to Clippers
In that system, Powell offers a necessary jolt of energy and unpredictability. He brings pace, quick-trigger shooting, and downhill aggression — traits that often revitalize the Clippers when their offense stalls. He can create his own shot, space the floor with elite catch-and-shoot ability, and attack closeouts with purpose — all of which become even more valuable against a disciplined Denver defense that collapses on primary creators.
Powell shot 42% from beyond the arc during the regular season. That number isn’t just efficient — it’s dangerous. Add in his ability to run in transition and finish through contact, and he becomes a dynamic third option who forces defenses to stretch beyond their comfort zones.
Can he swing the series?
Powell isn’t expected to lead the Clippers in scoring, but his ability to deliver a 20+ point game — as he’s done multiple times this season — could be the difference between stealing a road win or letting a game slip away at home.
If the Clippers push the Nuggets to the limit or even pull off the upset, Powell will be a big part of that story. And if Jamal Murray already has him circled in the scouting report, it’s a clear sign: Norman Powell is no longer just a role player. He’s a postseason difference-maker hiding in plain sight.
