Kawhi Leonard returned to starting line-up after missing the last two games with a stomach bug. The Spurs got off to a quick start with LaMarcus Aldridge and Pau Gasol both hitting threes from the left corner to take a quick 8-2 lead. The first quarter turnover bug was still a bit of a problem, with five total preventing them from building much separation. After a slow shooting start, the Hawks hit four of their last five shots to pull within two, 27-25, at the end of the quarter. Aldridge, Gasol, and Manu Ginobili each had five points.
The second quarter started with the Spurs getting three quick fouls, a missed Hawks goaltending call on a Parker lay-up, and a Kyle Korver three on the break, resulting in Atlanta’s first lead and a quick Pop timeout.