Mavericks forward Josh Howard left Wednesday night's game against the Spurs with soreness in his left ankle.

Howard was playing in back-to-back games for the first time since undergoing reconstructive surgery in May.

Dallas coach Rick Carlisle took Howard out of the game in the second half when he noticed that he was limping.

"I didn't know how I was going to respond," said Howard. "This is what happened. It's just something that I've got to deal with and keep fighting."

Howard will be re-evaluated Thursday.