Reggie Williams Sharp as Clippers Win, 125-117

Reggie Williams, the Clippers’ once and current No. 1 shooting guard with no guarantees on the future, began the seven-game exhibition schedule Thursday night looking nothing like the player who was benched by two coaches last season and suspended in the final week for refusing to re-enter a game.

Williams appeared to be nothing but a confident incumbent, even with rookie Jeff Martin playing well in camp.

In a 125-117 Clipper victory over the Seattle SuperSonics before 9,121 at the San Diego Sports Arena, Williams missed two of his first three shots, but never turned gun-shy. He made six of his last nine attempts to finish with 19 points in 21 minutes.

He also had three steals and seven rebounds.

One game does not make a season, but it’s a start, right?

Returning to their home of six years, the Clippers received a mixed greeting during pregame introductions, mostly because of memories. Boos for the Clippers, who moved north to Los Angeles before the 1984-85 season, cheers for Seattle, especially Michael Cage, the former San Diego State star. The SuperSonics also spent a week training at the University of San Diego, alma mater of Coach Bernie Bickerstaff.

Cage, who continues to criticize the Clippers since being traded 16 months ago, had 24 points and eight rebounds.

Ken Norman had 28 points to lead the Clippers. Charles Smith added 12 points and Joe Wolf had 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Clipper Notes

As the Clippers remain at a standoff with holdout center Benoit Benjamin, KCBS-TV reported that he has received an offer to play in Italy. No confirmation from Benjamin’s agent, Henry Holmes, or the team, Phillips Milano. Holmes and the Clippers have traded offers and counteroffers for days, with reports from the Clippers that Benjamin wants between $2.75 million and $3.1 million for this season, a figure Holmes insists is substantially overblown. He won’t discuss specifics, but says his client is asking less than the $2.5 million that Jon Koncak, a reserve, got from Atlanta. . . . The Clippers travel to Oregon today in preparation for a weekend series against the Portland Trail Blazers, Saturday at Medford and Sunday at Coos Bay.