Norman Powell: Heat ‘definitely not’ where they think they can be yet

The Heat are winning, but they’re not satisfied.

At 20-16 and nearing the midpoint of the season, Norman Powell said the Heat are “definitely not” where they want to be, according to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. Miami has ridden a strong stretch on the glass to five wins in its last six games, leaning into a physical identity that’s starting to show.

“I think lately what really has become an identity is Bam, Kel’el, Wiggins putting pressure on the boards,” Pelle Larsson said, referring to Bam Adebayo, Kel’el Ware, and Andrew Wiggins. “If we can do that and push the pace, people are going to get really tired of us.”

Powell, meanwhile, continues to embody that mindset. He exited early in Saturday’s game against Minnesota with tightness in his right hamstring, returned anyway, and finished with 21 points. He followed that up by pouring in 34 more in Sunday’s win over New Orleans.

“I like thugging things out,” Powell said. “If I’m able to play and help my team, I’m going to do that. We only get so much time in this league.”

Acquired from the Clippers in the offseason, Powell has been everything Miami hoped for. He’s leading the team at 24.4 points per game while playing on a $20.5 million expiring deal.

Coach Erik Spoelstra said the trust level is growing.

“He knows his body,” Spoelstra said. “He said he was good, passed the protocols, and he was fine the rest of the way.”

There may be help coming soon as well. Tyler Herro, sidelined most of the past month with a right big toe contusion, traveled with the team and could return during the upcoming road trip.

The Heat are winning. They just don’t think they’ve shown their best hand yet.