What's behind the Clippers' hot streak?

After an 0-6 record following their acquisition of James Harden in late October, the Los Angeles Clippers have won eight straight games and sit 1.5 games behind second-place Oklahoma City in the Western Conference.

"I think as a team, we're finally catching a rhythm," Harden said following a 151-127 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night, per The Athletic's Law Murray.

So, what's behind the winning streak and what can we expect now from the Clippers, who play at Dallas (16-10) on Wednesday night?

Per Cleaning the Glass, the Clippers (16-10) have the seventh-ranked offense and seventh-ranked defense. When adjusted for only the last two weeks, the team is first in offense and sixth in defense, signaling an upward trajectory for the team.

One major factor in the team's success is guard Russell Westbrook's willingness to move to the bench in favor of defensive-minded guard Terance Mann, whose presence creates a more balanced starting lineup. Westbrook's fit in the starting lineup was awkward following Harden's arrival because his lack of elite shooting skills and off-ball prowess stagnated the offense at times.

With Westbrook playing a sixth-man role, Harden has assumed the role of primary playmaker in the starting lineup. He has averaged 20.1 points and 9.8 assists during the eight-game win streak, including a 35-point, nine-assist game against the Pacers on Monday. Westbrook, meanwhile, is free to employ his high-energy play leading the second unit.