Norman Powell Strengthens All-Star Case in Heat’s Win Over Pistons

On New Year’s Day 2026, the Miami Heat kicked off the calendar year with a hard-fought 118-112 victory over the Detroit Pistons, extending their winning streak to four games. In a matchup against the Eastern Conference’s top-seeded team, the Heat showcased resilience and offensive firepower, led by a scintillating performance from guard Norman Powell. The 32-year-old, in his first season with Miami after a blockbuster offseason trade from the Los Angeles Clippers, erupted for a game-high 36 points, just two shy of his season high, while shooting an efficient 12-of-23 from the field and a blistering 7-of-14 from beyond the arc. Powell’s explosive outing not only propelled the Heat to a signature win but also significantly bolstered his burgeoning case for his first career All-Star selection.

Game Recap: Powell Lights Up Detroit in Thrilling Road Victory

The game, played at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, was a tale of momentum swings and clutch execution. The Heat jumped out to an early lead, with Powell setting the tone in the first half by pouring in 19 points, including five three-pointers on eight attempts. Miami built a comfortable 63-54 halftime advantage, fueled by Powell’s hot hand and sharp ball movement.

The third quarter saw the Heat extend their lead to as many as 22 points, thanks to a 15-2 run out of the locker room. Detroit struggled early in the period, missing their first seven shots and committing turnovers that allowed Miami to pull away. Bam Adebayo dominated the glass with 15 points and 14 rebounds, providing the interior presence that complemented Powell’s perimeter assault.

However, the Pistons, led by Cade Cunningham’s 31 points, mounted a furious comeback in the fourth quarter. Detroit trimmed the deficit to five points late and even got within two after a Javonte Green three-pointer with under a minute remaining. But Powell, who had been quiet in the final period until then, sealed the game with a pair of free throws—his first points of the quarter—to ice the victory.

Supporting Powell were Jaime Jaquez Jr. with 19 points, five assists, and three rebounds, and Andrew Wiggins with 17 points. The Heat’s balanced attack overcame the absence of key players like Tyler Herro (toe injury) and Pelle Larsson, highlighting the depth that has propelled Miami to a 19-15 record, good for a playoff spot in the competitive Eastern Conference.

For the Pistons (25-9), the loss snapped a strong home streak and served as a reminder of their vulnerability despite leading the East. Cunningham’s heroics weren’t enough, as Detroit’s defense couldn’t contain Powell’s onslaught from deep.

This win was particularly impressive given the context: the Pistons entered as heavy favorites with elite defense, yet Miami’s running game and three-point shooting (highlighted by Powell’s seven makes) dissected them. As Heat coach Erik Spoelstra noted postgame, “This is a good start to 2026. We’ll take it.”

Norman Powell’s Breakout Performance: A Closer Look

Powell’s 36 points came on outstanding efficiency: 52.2% from the field, 50% from three, and a perfect 5-of-5 from the free-throw line. He added two rebounds, two assists, and a steal in 35 minutes, finishing with a +4 plus-minus. It was his fourth straight game scoring 20+ points, part of a recent stretch where he’s averaged 27.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals.

This wasn’t a fluke. Powell has been the Heat’s offensive engine amid injuries, stepping into a larger role after being acquired in a three-team trade in July 2025 that sent him from the Clippers to Miami. The deal, which included Utah and saw Miami part with veterans like Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson, has proven to be a steal for the Heat.

Through 29 games in 2025-26, Powell is averaging 24.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, shooting 48.1% from the field and 40.5% from three on high volume (7.2 attempts per game). He’s reached 20+ points in 22 of those contests, showcasing the scoring prowess that made him a near-All-Star with the Clippers last season.

His shooting splits are elite: .481/.405/.868, with a true shooting percentage well above league average. Powell’s ability to score off the catch, in transition, and creating his own shot has fit seamlessly into Miami’s “Heat Culture” of tough, efficient basketball. Overcoming lingering injuries from early in the season, Powell has elevated his game, filling the void left by Herro’s limited appearances (just six games due to injury).

Building the All-Star Case: Why Powell Deserves Consideration

At 32, Powell is enjoying the best season of his 10-year career, and his performance against the Pistons only amplified calls for his inclusion in the 2026 All-Star Game, set for February 15 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

Last season with the Clippers, Powell averaged 21.8 points on elite efficiency, earning snub complaints when he missed the cut. Narrowly missing his first bid, he entered 2025-26 motivated, telling media upon arriving in Miami that he was “nervous” about the strict Heat regimen but ready to prove himself.

Now, the numbers and narrative align perfectly:

• Scoring Impact: Powell’s 24.2 PPG ranks among the top guards in the league, and his scoring efficiency is outstanding. He’s the Heat’s leading scorer, stepping up as the primary option with Herro sidelined.
• Team Success: Miami’s four-game win streak and playoff positioning (final spot in the East) add weight. Wins like this one over the conference-leading Pistons demonstrate Powell’s ability to perform in big moments.
• Versatility: Beyond scoring, his 1.3 steals and improved playmaking (2.7 assists) show growth. He’s adapted to Spoelstra’s system, thriving in drive-and-kick scenarios.
• Narrative and Popularity: As a veteran who has paid his dues—drafted in 2015, championship with Toronto in 2019, breakout in recent years—Powell has fan support. Reddit threads and media outlets are buzzing: “This man NEEDS to be an All-Star!” and “He 100% deserves it this year.”

All-Star voting, which opened in December 2025 and runs through mid-January 2026, is underway. Fans account for 50% of starter votes, with players and media splitting the rest. Reserves are coach-selected. In the new positionless format, guards like Powell compete directly with wings and bigs.

Competition in the East is fierce: locks like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, and emerging stars like Cade Cunningham. But Powell’s stats stack up favorably against many backcourt candidates. If voting trends favor high-scoring guards on winning teams, Powell could sneak in as a reserve—or even push for a starter spot with a strong fan push.

Experts and fans alike note he might need coach votes, similar to past snubs turned selections. His recent hot streak, capped by the 36-point masterpiece, couldn’t come at a better time as voting enters its final phases.

Powell’s Journey to Miami: From Trade Chip to Cornerstone

Powell’s path to this moment has been one of perseverance. Drafted 46th overall in 2015 by Milwaukee (rights traded to Toronto), he spent early years as a role player, winning a ring in 2019. Traded to Portland in 2021, then to the Clippers in 2022, he blossomed into a high-volume scorer.

The 2025 trade to Miami was initially seen as salary matching, but Powell has exceeded expectations. Reports indicate he embraced “Heat Culture”—the rigorous conditioning and discipline—despite initial nerves. Teammates praise his work ethic; young players like Nikola Jovic credit him for mentorship.

Off the court, Powell’s maturity shines. He’s pushed through nagging injuries (calf, ankle earlier), vowing to play for team success and personal goals like an extension and All-Star nod.

Implications for the Heat and the Eastern Conference Race

This win propels Miami forward. At 19-15, they’re in the mix for a top-six seed, avoiding the play-in. With Herro potentially returning soon, pairing him with Powell, Wiggins, Jaquez, and Adebayo could make the Heat a dark horse.

For the Pistons, the loss highlights areas for improvement, but their 25-9 record keeps them atop the East ahead of the Knicks, Celtics, and others.

As the season progresses, Powell’s play will be key. If he sustains this level—potentially pushing toward 25+ PPG—he’ll force the league to recognize him.

Looking Ahead: Can Powell Secure His First All-Star Nod?

With voting ongoing and performances like this, Norman Powell’s All-Star case is stronger than ever. He’s not just strengthening it—he’s making it undeniable. In a season of redemption and breakthrough, Powell is proving he’s among the elite guards in the NBA.

The Heat face the Minnesota Timberwolves next, another test for Powell to shine. All-Star or not, he’s already Miami’s spark—and perhaps the missing piece for deeper playoff success.