SAN ANTONIO — Kawhi Leonard stood in his usual spot during starting lineup introductions with the LA Clippers on the road. The San Antonio Spurs’ public address announcer rattled off the names of the Clippers’ starters and got to Leonard last:

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.