Thornton seems to be sending message to some

Al Thornton seemingly has it out for certain teams.

Mainly those that passed him over in last summer’s draft.

First came January’s scorching of the Atlanta Hawks for 33 points. They took Al Horford over the forward.

On Saturday, Thornton sizzled his way for a career-high 39 points in a win against the Memphis Grizzlies that ended a 10-game losing streak. The Grizzlies selected Mike Conley Jr. with the fourth overall pick.

At least Conley left dazzled.

“It was impressive,” Conley said. “It was tough to have to deal with it because he beat us [Saturday], but at the same time, that was a great performance. He definitely did not look like a rookie at all.”

Coach Mike Dunleavy said Thornton, the 14th overall pick, continues to rise, except for one lingering issue.

“The one thing he’s got to learn how to do is play injured,” Dunleavy said. “He struggles playing injured. When he’s banged up, he’s kind of like a fine machine. When he gets banged up, he doesn’t get it all the time.

“It’s a minor flaw, but ultimately you play long enough and you’ll figure it out.”

Thornton recently trudged through a three-game slide while dealing with a side contusion. He shot six for 30 in those games.

“You would expect a rookie to have some inconsistency, but he always comes back and plays well for us and that’s what I like about him,” forward Corey Maggette said.

Thornton calls the season “an experience.”

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Forward Elton Brand said he is no longer in the hunt to play in the Olympics in Beijing this summer and will instead focus on gearing up for a full season.

His teammates are looking forward to his arrival on the court -- perhaps this week -- from a ruptured Achilles’ heel.

“He’s the main reason why I came here so it would be nice to at least experience it at some point,” guard Brevin Knight said. “I think more for him than anything. He’s worked so hard to get back.”

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Same locker. New Williams.

Marcus Williams this time, with the Clippers waiving the unrelated Aaron Williams on Friday because of the veteran’s inability to remain healthy.

Had he remained at the University of Arizona, Marcus Williams was expected to be a lottery selection in this year’s draft. Instead, he departed after his sophomore year, was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs and played two minutes there. He dominated the Development League as an Austin Toro and said he had no regrets.

“This is a dream of where I wanted to be,” he said. “It’s like a fresh of breath air and taking an Altoid.”

He made his Clippers debut Saturday, playing a minute and getting a rebound and an assist.

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TONIGHT

vs. Dallas, 7:30, FSN Prime

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 710.

Records -- Clippers 22-51, Mavericks 45-28.

Record vs. Mavericks -- 0-3.

Update -- The Mavericks are still reeling after an injury to Dirk Nowitzki. They have defeated the Clippers five straight times.

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jonathan.abrams@latimes.com