L.A. Clippers in Same League with Spurs, Thunder in Race for West

Coming into the 2012-13 NBA season, everyone and their mother expected the fight over the Western Conference crown to include the Oklahoma City Thunder, the San Antonio Spurs and at least one team from L.A.

As it turns out, heading into the All-Star break, everyone and their mother were right. The Thunder have been a force to be reckoned with, even without James Harden. The Spurs own the best record in basketball, thanks to an MVP performance from Tony Parker, a resurgent season for Tim Duncan and the blossoming of a youngish supporting cast.