LAS VEGAS - Kawhi Leonard, Eric Dawson and Cory Joseph combined for 53 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 82-76 victory over the Atlanta Hawks in the third day of action at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas Nevada.
Leonard chipped in a game high 23 points for the Spurs while Dawson pulled down a game high 13 rebounds. The Hawks were led by Keith Benson with 20 points and Brad Wanamaker who tallied nine points and dished out a game high eight assists.
Both teams got off to a slow start as the first points of the game came at the 6:01 mark in the opening quarter when the Spurs Cory Joseph connected on jump shot. Atlanta posted their first points at 4:25 in the quarter on a Brad Wanamaker jump shot. The Hawks outscored the Spurs 10-5 to close out the quarter and take a 16-11 lead heading in the second period of play.
The Spurs opened the second quarter on a 10-3 run and took a one point lead at the 7:55 mark. After making just four of 16 shots in the opening quarter the Spurs connected on 13 of 17 shots in the period. Cory Joseph sparked the Spurs offense in the second quarter scoring 10 of the teams 34 points.
Atlanta opened the third quarter on a 10-0 holding San Antonio scoreless until the 6:40 mark in the quarter. The two teams traded baskets for the remainder of the quarter with the Hawks coming out on top 60-58 heading into the final quarter of play. Benson and John Jenkins combined for 14 points to lead the Hawks to the two point advantage at the end of the third period.
The Spurs opened the fourth quarter on a 20-10 run to take the lead and never looked back in the contest that featured nine ties and 16 lead changes.
The Hawks (1-1) will return to action Monday at 5 p.m. as they take on the Boston Celtics. The Spurs (0-1) will take Monday off and will return to action on Tuesday as they host the Los Angeles Lakers at 3:30 p.m.
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