James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers have returned to their winning ways. After a two-game slump, the Clippers restored order and appeased fans by taking care of business Tuesday night with a 113-104 home win over the visiting Charlotte Hornets. Harden led the way for the Clips with 29 points, and in the process, he ensured that Los Angeles’ exceptional record would be unblemished (via Stat Muse).

The Clippers have won 10 of their last 12 games, which also saw them win nine in a row before faltering against the Oklahoma City Thunder last Thursday, followed by a loss to the Boston Celtics a day later. . Harden failed to score more than 23 points in both of those losses. It’s worth noting that Kawhi Leonard missed the Thunder, Celtics and Hornets games because of a left hip injury.

Harden’s early stages with the Clippers in the 2023-24 NBA season have been difficult, but Los Angeles appears to have found the best way to run the team with the former league’s Most Valuable Player. The Clippers have been arguably the best team in the league since early December, with Harden proving to be a major weapon for them despite concerns about his fitness and motivation.