Norman Powell has heaped praise on one of his Miami Heat teammates after their 147-123 victory over the Denver Nuggets.
The Heat’s offense looked as good as it has all season on Monday night, with eight players scoring at least 10 points.
However, they were fortunate that Nikola Jokic exited the game with a knee injury at the end of the first half.
Still, Erik Spoelstra will be delighted with his team’s performance, and they have now won three consecutive games.
The Heat’s winning streak can be partly attributed to one player who has stepped up since his return from injury.
Powell even suggested that he has unlimited potential as long as he is fully focused on developing his game.
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Norman Powell demands more from Nikola Jovic after 22-point game
Nikola Jovic has been a key player for the Miami Heat in the three games since he returned from an ankle injury.
He has contributed 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists per game during this stretch, significantly higher than his season averages.
This includes a 22-point performance off the bench that helped the Heat overcome the Nuggets on Monday.
Powell has now complimented Jovic’s game, even suggesting that he could become a superstar if he is determined enough.
“I think he’s done a great job since coming back,” Powell said in his postgame interview. “I always joke with him like, ‘Leave that other Niko in the past. Pre-injury Niko, we don’t want that. We want this Niko now.’
“I’m really glad that he’s turned the corner. It’s a long season. There are going to be ebbs and flows, but you have a coaching staff and team that really believe in what he can bring to the table and the potential he has, but it’s all on him.
“He has to put the work in. He has to be committed. He has to be locked in and focused, and when he does that, the sky is the limit for that kid.”
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Nikola Jovic’s versatility makes the Miami Heat a ‘totally different team’
Powell highlighted Jovic’s versatility as the main reason why he can be so effective when he puts his mind to it.
The 22-year-old has many “unique” attributes for a player of his size, but he must remember to play assertively.
“We’re a totally different team when he’s aggressive and assertive on the offensive and defensive end,” Powell continued.
“I’m always on him like, ‘You’re 6’10, play like you’re 6’10.’ When he does that and doesn’t hesitate, he’s a totally different basketball player, and we need that from him.
“We need that aggressiveness because his skillset is so unique, being able to handle the ball, push the pace, get into the paint, find guys, shoot the three. He’s just so versatile.”
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