Williams performs an inside job

For someone who never expected to play in the NBA, Clippers reserve forward-center Aaron Williams has carved out a pretty decent career.

Williams, a 13-year veteran, came off the bench Wednesday to provide extra bulk against the New York Knicks’ beefy interior players.

It was his first significant minutes this season and in 12 minutes, he scored six points and took two rebounds.

More importantly, he helped free up space inside for Chris Kaman against the Knicks’ Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph.

“When we play bigger guys like that, that’s when I’ll probably get a couple minutes,” said Williams, who started the season hampered by a strained calf.

Coach Mike Dunleavy said he was impressed with Williams.

“Aaron gave us some good minutes,” he said. “He was very solid for us. That’s what I was hoping for. He’s been banged up most of the time he’s been here, so it was good to see.”

Williams, 6 feet 9 and 225 pounds, is in his second season with the Clippers.

After going undrafted out of Xavier, he played in the CBA and overseas, working his way into the NBA -- where he has played with nine other teams.

“It’s a job we are privileged to play,” he said. “A lot of guys take it for granted that they are going to be around for a lot of years. Most guys come in here for a few years and you never hear from them again.”

Williams, 36, said he anticipates playing after this season when he becomes a free agent.

“As long as I can contribute to a team in some way, I’d definitely like to keep playing,” he said.

The Clippers play back-to-back games against the Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls, teams that arrived Thursday with a combined record of 1-11.

But that record is misleading.

Both teams are coming off playoff seasons and the Clippers, who have beaten each team already, expect them to turn things around at some point.

Dunleavy said the team will give its full attention to Golden State first.

“They haven’t won a game and I don’t know the exact reason why,” he said. “I’m sure they know better than I do, but I know they are capable of winning a lot of games and I know if we don’t defend them the right way, we’ll be their first victory.”

TONIGHT

at Golden State, 7:30, FSN Prime

Site -- Oracle Arena.

Radio -- 710.

Records -- Clippers 5-2, Warriors 0-6.

Record vs. Warriors -- 1-0.

Update -- The Warriors are still in the same place the Clippers left them after a 120-114 season-opening loss in Los Angeles -- winless, and the last NBA team remaining so.

jonathan.abrams@latimes.com