Hawks get early start on Clippers

ATLANTA -- A severe windstorm raged outside Philips Arena during the fourth quarter of the Hawks’ 117-93 victory over the Clippers, but because arena officials made no public announcement about potential danger, the game went on as scheduled.

The game itself was devoid of drama.

Joe Johnson scored 21 of his 28 points in the third quarter, and Mike Bibby handed out 14 assists to help the Hawks stop a two-game losing streak.

Tim Thomas and rookie Al Thornton each scored 18 points for the Clippers, who have dropped two straight and 10 of 12.

The Clippers never came within single digits of the lead after Zaza Pachulia’s putback for Atlanta made it 30-19 late in the first quarter.

“I thought we did make a run, actually, to start the second half and we cut it down to 11,” Clippers Coach Mike Dunleavy said. “Then we made a mistake defensively, and Joe Johnson made a three-pointer from the right wing and sent it back up.”

Atlanta had 46 rebounds, 11 more than the Clippers, who were without center Chris Kaman, the NBA’s third-leading rebounder and shot blocker. Kaman missed his third straight game with a lower back injury.

Forward Elton Brand hasn’t played this season because of a torn Achilles’ tendon.

Corey Maggette had 14 points. Smush Parker, signed as a free agent Wednesday, drew a technical foul less than one minute after making his Clippers debut late in the third.

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TONIGHT

at Washington, 4 PDT, FSNW

Site -- Verizon Center.

Radio -- 710.

Records -- Clippers 21-43, Wizards 32-32.

Record vs. Wizards -- 0-1.

Update -- All-Star forward Caron Butler scored 19 points for the Wizards in their win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, his first game back after sitting out 16 games because of a hip injury. The Wizards beat the Clippers, 91-89, in their first matchup on Feb. 13.

--Jonathan Abrams