Given the opportunity to become a starter, the 6-foot-4 guard of 10 seasons has helped the Clippers to fifth place in the West with a breakout effort.

Norman Powell scored 23 points, James Harden had 19 points and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Portland Trail Blazers 118-89 on Thursday night. The Clippers routed Portland a night after beating Brooklyn at home by a franchise-record 59 points.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) tries to get around the defense of Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane) AP AP