Harden's team-high 11 assists helped him record his second straight double-double and his seventh in his last 10 outings. While the star guard is still an elite playmaker, his efficiency has taken a dip this season,

The versatile guard is named to the Western Conference reserves; teammate Norman Powell is not despite averaging a team-best 24 points per game.

Kawhi Leonard is back, and even though he's still rounding into form, his return has been transformative for the Los Angeles Clippers. It's been a small sample size, but early signs indicate the presence of the two-time Finals MVP entrenches the team among the Western Conference elites.

The Los Angeles Clippers and Charlotte Hornets are in adjustment mode, but right now things seem to be working better for the Clippers.