Lue made the substitution in the 3rd quarter to start Norm Powell.

Since Mann is shooting 16% from 3 and Russ at 27%, it just makes sense to start Norm. Especially in the James Harden system where he thrives when the guys just stand at 3 point line and he can run pick and roll with Zu.

Defenders cheat alot off Mann and Westbrook, and the cuts and screens are not as effective with the Harden system. It was beautiful last year and start of season when you run plays for Kawhi and PG by letting Mann and Russ set screens and cut. But it isn’t the Harden system.

When Clippers put in Norm, the team has 4 out basketball with all 4 being defended closely at 3 point line. This is exactly the Harden system ran in Houston and Nets.

Mann will look so much better when the offense shifts to pace and space where Russ and PG push the ball in transition. Russ force feeds the cutters, and Mann’s screens and cuts will be impactful. It just isn’t as much in the Harden system.