Real or fake? Deciding whether these five NBA trends are legit

We're exiting the land of small sample sizes. Over a month into the NBA season, the bizarre numbers that always appear at a season's onset are starting to disperse — but not all. 

As we fall into a steady rhythm, here are some standout stats and storylines, plus a verdict on whether each one is legit or a flash in the pan.

All statistics and records through Thursday, Nov. 30.

The Clippers don't know how to incorporate James Harden

Since Harden joined the Clippers (8-10) on Nov. 1, things have been inconsistent. The Clippers have had quality wins against Sacramento and Dallas, but they've had disastrous losses, too. 

The advanced stats look even worse. The Clips are 24th in offensive rating since Harden joined the team, behind awful Washington (3-15) and ho-hum Toronto (9-10). Los Angeles runs the second-most isolation plays in the league and passes the ball less than anyone else. And still... Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are three of the most individually talented players in the NBA. 

Call us gullible, but a team with those three guys will figure out how to be, at least, average. This take might age poorly, but... 

Verdict: FAKE.

Indiana has the best offense of all time

The Pacers (9-8) have, statistically, the best offense ever. Their offensive rating is 122.5, and even that seems low if you watch the team play. 

Led by Tyrese Haliburton, who deserves MVP chatter, the Pacers are a force. However, maintaining this pace — no pun intended — for a full season would be a historic feat, and Indiana might not have the horses to keep up this type of efficiency. 

This is one of the best offenses in the league, but a moderate regression may be coming soon. 

Verdict: (Slightly) FAKE.

Tyrese Maxey is playing more minutes than anyone else

Maxey has transformed himself from a good scorer into an elite creator and Philadelphia's point guard. 

He's playing so well that Sixers coach Nick Nurse wants him on the floor at all times, evidenced by Maxey's 38.4 minutes per game. Patrick Beverly, the backup, is still a great energy guy but can't be counted on for consistent production at this stage of his career. 

Thus, Maxey will need to be on the floor a lot. 

Verdict: REAL. 

Oklahoma City is a contender in the West

This Thunder team (12-6) isn't just a fun story anymore; through 18 games, they've been elite, posting a +8.5 net rating, second to just Boston. 

Rookie Chet Holmgren is playing like a 10-year veteran, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has somehow improved after his All-NBA campaign last season, and Isaiah Joe (46.3% 3PT) is one of the league's best shooters. 

OKC, however, is the second-youngest team in the NBA. Can it stay among the league's best? Honestly... probably. Nothing OKC has done thus far feels like a fluke. This is a good, good team. 

Will OKC finish second in net rating? Maybe not, but a top-five finish sounds less crazy each day. 

Verdict: REAL.

Rookie Scoot Henderson is lost on the court

Most rookies experience tough sledding early in their careers —particularly rookie point guards — and especially rookie point guards on teams that have no desire to win. 

Still, 19-year-old Henderson's struggles in the first month of his career have thrown Portland Trail Blazers fans into a frenzy. He averages 8.3 points, 4.3 assists and 2.4 rebounds and is shooting 33.3 from the floor.

To calm them, let's list some other guards who either barely played or were genuinely bad in their rookie season: Darius Garland, Fred VanVleet, Anfernee Simons and Kyle Lowry. 

Take a deep breath, Portland. He's still a teen. 

Verdict: FAKE.