Norman Powell has transitioned from being Westbrook's teammate to a rival, as both players will now face off in the Western Conference. Last season, the two formed a dynamic backcourt for the Clippers, contributing significantly off the bench with a combined average of 24 points per game in limited minutes. Following a standout performance in the 2023 NBA playoffs where they nearly upset a strong Phoenix Suns team despite the absence of key players Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, Powell humorously reacted to Westbrook's shooting improvement, highlighting their camaraderie.