The Nets and Hawks battled to start the game, exchanging the lead multiple times in the first seven minutes of the game. With 3:19 remaining in the first quarter, the Nets held a 19-18 lead until a run sparked by Isaiah Whitehead and Spencer Dinwiddie helped the Nets begin to pull away from Atlanta.
Two quick lay-ins and a three-pointer from Whitehead, followed by a tough four-point play from Dinwiddie helped the Nets gain an early edge over Atlanta. Add in a Trevor Booker lay-up, and the Nets found themselves with a 32-20 lead at the end of the first quarter.