Norman Powell's first NBA All-Star Game appearance gave the Miami Heat forward the chance to play in two All-Star contests under the new World vs. USA round-robin format at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California on February 15, 2026. In the end, it resulted in a double loss for Powell, as his Team World side fell short in both games against the domestic talent.
Though born in San Diego, Powell represented Team World due to his time playing for the Jamaican national team, the country of his father's heritage.
Despite the scores, Powell described the experience as unforgettable.
"The experience was amazing, no complaints," he said. "Being able to participate in a full weekend for the first time, the 3-point contest and the All-Star game, just enjoying and creating memories with all the guys that I've gone up against and competed with and looked up to before I even made it to the NBA. So it's an A-plus weekend for me."
Coming off the bench in two 12-minute games, Powell went scoreless (0-for-3) in 6:55 minutes during his team's first game, a 37-35 overtime loss to Team Stars, decided by a clutch 3-pointer from Toronto Raptors star Scottie Barnes.
In the second game, Powell finished with 5 points (2-for-4) in 6:45 minutes, helping tie the score late before Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, playing in his home arena, sealed a 48-45 victory for Team Stripes with a decisive 3-pointer.
In his 11th NBA season, the 32-year-old Powell was selected as an All-Star reserve by Eastern Conference coaches.
Making the weekend even more special was a surprise party thrown by friends and family to celebrate his return to Southern California.
"The most memorable moment would be the surprise party that was put on for me," Powell said. "Walking in and seeing everybody that has helped me along this journey of making it to the NBA and having an 11-year career, since elementary school, you know, all the way up until the NBA, it's just a moment that you can't even put into words – seeing everybody that's encouraged you, helped you in your toughest and darkest times, to stay motivated, stay focused, and stay setting out to achieve the expectations and goals that I had out for myself."
The All-Star appearance came just one week after the birth of Powell's first child, a daughter.
"I think she'll be really proud of me and hopefully just looking at my career will motivate her one day to go after something that she wants, as well," he said. "And hopefully I'll get some brownie points for being a cool dad amongst her friends."
Team USA Stars won the round-robin tournament, with Anthony Edwards named MVP and receiving the Kobe Bryant Award.
Powell's Sunday appearance followed his fifth-place finish in the 3-Point Contest on All-Star Saturday. He stayed afterward to cheer on Heat teammate Keshad Johnson, who went on to win the Slam Dunk Contest.
Additionally, Heat two-way player Jahmir Young participated in the G League All-Star Game, where his team was eliminated in the opening round of the four-team tournament. Young scored 6 points (2-for-4) in 7:08 minutes.
The Heat are currently in the middle of an eight-day All-Star break and will resume their schedule on Friday against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena.