Long before the game unfolded, Sam Mitchell was standing near the Toronto Raptors bench at the Air Canada Centre, chatting, while Norm Powell was finishing up his warm-ups.
“They’re going to need that guy some time, he better stay ready,” the ex-coach turned broadcaster said, and then Mitchell made sure to repeat it in person when the seldom-used swingman walked by.
Mitchell knew of what he spoke.
Given a chance to play after C.J. Miles had to take a night off because of some knee soreness, Powell put in an admirable effort as the Raptors stormed back in the second half to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 109-104 before a typical sellout crowd.