The Miami Heat finally got their groove back on Friday, snapping a three-game skid with a 126-111 win over the Atlanta Hawks. The game changer, however, wasn’t just the scoreboard. It’s all thanks to Pelle Larsson, who returned after missing five games with a sprained ankle, and his presence immediately changed the sync instantly. Miami looked sharper and faster than they had in their past games.
Right after his comeback, Norman Powell’s past remark on Pelle Larson quickly broke the internet. And Heat’s recent performance proves that Powell wasn’t wrong.
Pelle Larsson Proves Why He’s the X-Factor As Norman Powell Remarked
Friday’s game saw Larsson pour in a personal-best 21 points, pulling down six boards along with five dimes. Hitting 9 of his 13 shots, he went 3 for 4 beyond the arc – quickly becoming the engine that fired up the squad.
Similarly, with Larsson, Powell even got his rhythm back as his 25 points led to 126-111 victory over shaky Hawks. After the game, HC Spoelstra spoke about the forward’s quiet impact: how little things he does somehow loosen up the whole attack. With Tyler Herro out due to a toe injury and Bam Adebayo sidelined with back trouble, Miami leaned on Larsson early. He stepped in without flash, yet sparked those around him just by being steady.
Just as Larsson made a comeback, Powell’s stance has gone viral: “He’s a gamer — not only he’s a gamer but he’s a game changer just with his physicality, his energy and effort on both sides of the floor, he kept plays alive…we missed that about him, just continuing to making winning plays…Pelle is our X-factor.”
Norman Powell says they missed Pelle Larsson:
“He’s a gamer — not only he’s a gamer but he’s a game changer just with his physicality, his energy and effort on both sides of the floor, he kept plays alive…we missed that about him, just continuing to making winning plays…”… https://t.co/vY8LglDJsE pic.twitter.com/X21CfZXgBw
— 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 (@WadexFlash) December 27, 2025
Larsson’s return not only helped the Heat reclaim momentum but also emphasized the importance of depth in a tightly packed NBA schedule. Powell’s recognition of Larsson as the “X-factor” resonates with fans, especially on social media, where posts highlighting the duo’s synergy are going viral.
Fresh off a win, Miami welcomes Indiana on December 27. Larsson finds his rhythm again while Powell stays active. The backcourt feels new again. A spot over .500 waits if they hold steady.
The duo’s performance on Friday demonstrated that when both are on the floor, Miami becomes a much tougher team to beat, a reminder that even small rotations and returning players can shift the balance in a season-long grind.
