Norman Powell played splendidly in Miami Heat’s latest win against the New Orleans Pelicans by scoring 34 points. However, he was not exactly 100 percent. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said he only allowed the 32-year-old guard to play because the player insisted on it.
“We’re getting to know him, he trusts his body, he knows his body better than anybody,” Spoelstra said on Sunday.
“He said he was good. He did pass the protocols once he came back to the locker room. … Norm was fine the rest of the way, except for when he was getting clubbed in the head those two possessions in the fourth.”
Powell has missed five games so far this season. He is the team’s most consistent player in terms of scoring, averaging 24.4 points per game. He is currently actively campaigning to become an All-Star and he believes he deserve and can do it.
Norman Powell was UNCONSCIOUS from beyond the arc in Miami’s win 🤯
🏀 34 PTS
🏀 11-15 FGM
🏀 9 3PM (CAREER-HIGH) pic.twitter.com/Nfx4cndB9u— NBA (@NBA) January 5, 2026
The Heat went on a slump last December, no thanks to injuries. They lost five straight in December but ended the month with a three-game winning streak.
Miami Heat SF is doubtful
If Powell is campaigning for the All-Star, Jaime Jaquez Jr. is someone the team is campaigning to become the Sixth Man of the Year.
They have to be careful with him though as he also deals with injury and missed the game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
The third year small forward is dealing with a sprained ankle and said that such injury takes time to heal. And so, they are doing extreme precautions to not aggravate it.
“I’ve got to see in the morning,” Jaquez said.
“These things take time to heal. Kind of like what happened last time when I had this little tweak. You really know the next day. The next day is kind of a good indicator of where you sit in the game.”
For now, he is listed as doubtful for their next game which will be a rematch with the Minnesota Timberwolves that beat them last Saturday.
For the latest Basketball Content
Make sure you are always updated on your favorite basketball players and teams. Follow us @HardwoodHeroics for the latest and trending news about NBA, college basketball, and more. Stay updated by reading more of our NBA articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
