A big performance from Norman Powell was due.
Wednesday night, the Toronto Raptors earned a thrilling double-overtime win over the Boston Celtics to force a Game 7 in the 2020 Eastern Conference Semifinals. Powell, who entered the night averaging 8.6 points through the first five games of the series, certainly made his presence felt.
After scoring eight points in regulation, Powell exploded in the two extra periods, scoring five points in the first overtime before scoring 10 of the team's 19 points in double overtime.
They were huge buckets, too.
In the first OT, Powell hit a corner triple to tie things up at 104-104.
PLAYOFF POWELL pic.twitter.com/zEyzFLqDQp
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) September 10, 2020
After hitting a triple to tie things up at 115-115, he would later finish through contact in transition to put the team up four late.
YOU BETTER UNDERSTAND THE GRIND pic.twitter.com/03Qh18wvFJ
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) September 10, 2020
Following the game, Fred VanVleet gave Powell the praise his performance warranted, telling reporters "He saved us. He saved our season. That's his trademark," per Josh Lewenberg.
In Game 6, it seemed as though Powell had an answer each time it looked like the Celtics had swung the momentum in their favour. Even after missing the potential game-winner at the end of the first overtime, Powell again answered with his big plays in double overtime.
It's a welcome sight for the Raptors, who will need contributions from everyone on Friday after an exhausting Game 6.
Powell will have another opportunity for a trademark performance on Friday when the Raptors take the floor for a decisive Game 7 against the Celtics at 9 p.m. on TSN.
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