But the three players that faced their former team on Monday in Los Angeles have become fixtures in the revamped Clippers rotation, keys to a surprising run back into playoff contention despite a torrent of injuries since the start of the season.

While his play has been as conspicuous as has been crucial, Sam Dekker and Montrezl Harrell have provided the jolt of energy a shorthanded team has needed off the bench.

"It was Pat, me, Trez, Eric (Gordon) and either Lou or Corey Brewer, depending on what time of year you're talking about.

The win in Houston was part of a stint in which the Clippers had won 10 of 13 games, tied for the best run in the NBA in that stretch.

Still, just as the former Clippers on the Rockets knew a game against their previous team would be if nothing else "different," Harrell and Dekker could not contend they would not notice the former teammates and coaches on the other bench.