HEADLINES Harden chipped in 29 points to help the Clippers get back on track

PHOTOS: James Harden drives to the basket with a determined look on his face against the Charlotte Hornets.

The Los Angeles Clippers got back on the winning track on Tuesday night thanks to a stellar performance from James Harden. Harden chipped in 29 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals to lead the Clippers to a 113-104 win over the Charlotte Hornets, quelling early-season criticism of him in the process.

Clippers step up in Kawhi's absence

With Kawhi Leonard missing his third straight game due to a left hip contusion, the Clippers needed someone to step up. James Harden stepped up. The former MVP put on a great performance, showcasing his scoring, organizational and defensive abilities.

Fan Reaction: From "Shuffle" to "Elite"

Clippers fans were ecstatic to see Harden return to form, expressing their excitement on social media and praising Harden's leadership qualities.

"Wasn't he purged? one fan tweeted, referring to the skepticism about Harden at the beginning of the season.
Another fan quoted Harden's previous statement, "Harden said it's going to be scary when they figure it out." He emphasized his confidence in the team's potential.
A third fan took aim at the media, saying, "He's still elite despite the corrupt media telling us he's not."
More than just Harden's performance

While Harden was the star of the night, other Clippers players contributed as well. Paul George chipped in 25 points, Ivica Zubac contributed a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds, and Russell Westbrook energized the bench with 14 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.

Looking Ahead: Tough Tests Ahead

Despite the win, the Clippers have a challenging schedule ahead. With Leonard's return uncertain, they will need to continue their winning ways without their star. They will host the hot Memphis Grizzlies on Nov. 29 before welcoming the Miami Heat on New Year's Day. After that, they'll kick off a three-game road trip against the Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Lakers.

Summarizing.

James Harden's dominant performance against the Hornets was a much-needed boost for the Clippers. It silenced his early season critics and reaffirmed his value to the team. However, the Clippers' success depends not only on Harden's performance, but also on the collective effort of the entire roster. With Kawhi Leonard's comeback hanging in the balance, the Clippers will need to weather the storm and prove themselves against some of the toughest teams in the league in the coming weeks.