Norman Powell insists nothing has changed, but there is something wrong with the Clippers guard this season, something more than his role with the Clippers.

He continues to train three times a day, five, even six days a week. He always plays hard, consults with his coaching staff before every game and rushes to the locker room after warmups, stopping just short of the door with five lopsided steps.

Yet as a starter for the first time in his Clippers career, Powell, a nine-year veteran, is having a breakout season, averaging a career-high 25 points to go with 2.4 assists per game in as holder. With Kawhi Leonard still dealing with knee issues, Powell is the team’s best threat, even ahead of James Harden.

He had another dominant night Wednesday, scoring 26 points and six assists on 80% shooting from the field and 75% from 3-point range. a victory against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Powell has repeatedly dismissed the idea that he is a different player because he is starting. He compared his approach to that of Kobe Byrant.

“I scratched and clawed for this opportunity. I have been playing different roles for 10 years. I carry that Mamba mentality,” he said.

This isn’t Powell’s first opportunity to start. He was a part-time starter with the Toronto Raptors for six seasons and a regular starter for two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.

“Like I said, before I got here, I was just getting started. Now we’re just focused on being a starter and putting this team in position every night to win,” Powell said. “And that’s what I try to do by being aggressive and playing throughout the game, learning from my mistakes, learning how to lead a team and be a winner while leading.”

Coach Tyronn Lue said Powell’s transformation this season isn’t because he’s starting. His improvement comes from his patience in letting the game come to him.

“He knows we’re going to call his number and (he’s) just being patient, playing the game the right way and he’s been very effective and efficient to start the season,” Lue said.

Not only has Powell taken on a leadership role and been an offensive touchstone for the Clippers, but he has also become a defensive force. In an earlier game against the Golden State Warriors, Powell made a massive block on Moses Moody’s 3-point attempt, then ran down the court and scored. He then took on the challenge of guarding 7-3 Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs.

“I’m just focusing on defense. That’s the most important thing,” said Powell, who had two blocks and nine steals this season. “I was so focused offensively. They want me to go back to my beginnings as a ball guard, as a two-way player. So that’s what I focus on, using my voice, being a defensive leader because everyone knows I can score and put the ball in the basket.

Powell is not resting on what he accomplished during the Clippers’ first eight games (4-4). He’s not satisfied and remains focused on improving what he sees as a flawed game.

“I’m not really happy with my game. I just think I can always improve in certain areas. You know, I don’t talk to coaches after the game or during timeouts about a shot I made or a defensive play I made; it’s about the missed assignments or the turnovers that I have and just trying to be better, trying to be a complete player,” Powell said.