LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Clippers took another step toward coming out of the shadows of the storied Los Angeles Lakers franchise by beating their southern California rivals 102-94 on Saturday.

Chris Paul exploded for 33 points, six assists and three steals and Blake Griffin finished with 22 points and 14 rebounds for the Clippers who are in the midst of playing six of seven National Basketball Association games at home.

Griffin also had five assists and Chauncey Billups scored 19 points at Staples Center arena.

The Clippers have been a different team since adding all-star point guard Paul this season. Heading into Saturday’s contest, Paul was averaging 16.1 points and 8.8 assists per game.

Kobe Bryant led the Lakers Saturday, posting his fourth-consecutive game of scoring 40 points or more.

Bryant finished with 42 points for the Lakers who had their five-game win streak snapped. It was Bryant’s 111th 40-point game in his career.

The 16-time NBA champion Lakers won three of four contests against the Clippers last season and have won 16 of the past 22 meetings.

The Clippers next play New Jersey on Monday before visiting Utah, then will return home for three consecutive games against Dallas, Minnesota and Toronto.

In Atlanta, Joe Johnson scored 25 points, Ivan Johnson hit the clinching free throws with 4.6 seconds remaining and Atlanta rallied from 18 points down to beat Minnesota, 93-91.

Kevin Love missed a potential game-tying jump shot at the buzzer, but finished with 30 points and 13 rebounds for Minnesota, which was trying to win consecutive road games for the first time since last Feb. 7-8 at New Orleans and Houston.

Jeff Teague added 20 points and 10 assists for the Hawks, who overcame a season-high 20 turnovers to win their second straight game after losing Al Horford to a torn pectoral muscle that will sideline the starting center for three to four months.

Ricky Rubio had 18 points and 12 assists for Minnesota.

Other results, Celtics 97, Pacers 83; Bulls 77, Raptors 64; Thunder 104, Knicks 92; Bobcats 112, Warriors 100; Grizzlies 108, Hornets 99; Rockets 107, Blazers 105 (OT); Jazz 107, Nets 94; Mavs 99, Kings 60; Sixers 103, Wizards 90;