Clippers beat Atlanta, 96-82

The Clippers made progress in clawing themselves out of their recent slump with a 96-82 win against Atlanta on Wednesday.

It was a lopsided victory in which the Clippers often led by double digits, and never trailed.

The Hawks went on a run at the start of the fourth quarter, coming to within five points of the Clippers after Josh Smith made a three-pointer to put the score at 74-69.

But the Clippers were not about to lose their third game in a row on their home court -- and it was the team’s bench that ensured the victory.

The Clippers reserves outscored the Hawks bench, 45-19. Mo Williams had 25 of those points, 10 of which he scored in the fourth quarter, and Eric Bledsoe had 14.

Evans, also a reserve, made a strong layup after he was clobbered with 7:13 left in a move that sent the Staples Center crowd onto their feet, chanting “Reggie.”

All of this allowed Chris Paul and Blake Griffin to have some much needed rest.

Griffin and Paul only played 33 and 31 minutes, respectively.

The Clippers, who entered Wednesday’s game losing eight of their last 12, improved to 24-17.

The Clippers play Phoenix on Thursday at Staples Center in what will be their second back-to-back game this week and their fourth game in five nights.

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Clippers beat Atlanta, 96-82