The Spurs started out strong against the hapless Hawks, showing more of the stifling defense that shut down the Nuggets on Saturday. San Antonio went on an early 13-0 run, during which ATL went over 3 game minutes without scoring. After building a 14 point first quarter lead, the Spurs let Atlanta go on an 11-0 run to get right back in it, and the quarter ended with the Spurs up two.
Manu left early in the second quarter with a thigh contusion after running into a pick from former Spur Dwayne Dedmon.