INGLEWOOD, Calif. – No Kawhi, no problem?

So far this season, the Los Angeles Clippers have exceeded expectations without Kawhi Leonard in the lineup as the six-time NBA All-Star continues the rehabilitation process due to inflammation in his right knee.

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While the Clippers lost their first four games in their new home, leading fans to wonder if the alleged “Clippers curse” followed them from downtown to Inglewood, they have seemingly found their breakthrough at the Intuit Dome.

“The first four were tough, but it was great,” Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue said after the Clippers beat the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night. “The fan support from Game 1 was really good. We had problems in the first four games… our fans came, showed their performance. It was good. I just got used to it and this wall is spectacular.”

“The Wall” is one of the arena’s most impressive features, encompassing 51 unbroken rows of Clipper superfans. Similar to a college basketball crowd, the fans on the wall set the tone with cheers for the home team, boos for the visitors, and even funny props.

The Clippers have now won nine home wins in a row. It is their longest home winning streak since they won ten times in a row from November 7 to December 17, 2019.

“It’s buzzing here,” James Harden, the 2018 NBA MVP, said after a preseason game in October.

Speaking of Harden, he makes a case for being included in the MVP conversation. As one of the most polarizing players in the league, he embraces his leadership role and continues to make history.

On Sunday, he became the second player in NBA history to make 3,000 three-pointers, and on Tuesday he moved to 17th on the league’s all-time scoring list.

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Norman Powell also had an outstanding season. The shooting guard was a seamless replacement for Paul George, who moved to Philadelphia in the offseason. Entering Wednesday, Powell averaged 24 points per game, shot 50.7% from 3-point range and had a field goal percentage of 50.5%.

Ivica Zubac’s endurance was crucial for the Clippers, averaging around 32 minutes per game. Harden is credited with getting the best out of the Croatian center, who has been solid and continues to get better.

Add in fellow starters Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr., as well as role players like Terance Mann and Nicolas Batum, and the Clippers continue to prove that they shouldn’t be overlooked in the battle for the West.

With Kevin Porter Jr. out with a left ankle sprain, sophomore Jordan Miller has the opportunity to get more playing time, and he’s having a lot of fun doing it.

“It’s been a lifelong dream for me to play in the NBA,” Miller said after LA’s blowout win over Portland on Tuesday night, the Sporting Tribune reported. “To actually be able to keep up with the big team every night… it was like a complete 360 ​​for me. This time last year I was with (the) Ontario (Clippers).”

He also said he enjoys learning from the team’s veterans.

“It’s nice to have people who have done it and have done it before,” list Powell, Harden and Batum. “I actually asked Kawhi a question tonight and he helped me.”

“Having these resources by my side, I couldn’t be more blessed and happier. It helps buffer all the new things that are coming my way and it helps me feel normal and like one of the guys,” Miller added.

The Clippers currently sit atop the West’s Pacific Division and are the fifth seed in the Western Conference.

They face a rematch against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.