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The Atlanta Hawks, when they visit the playoffs, tend to have this little problem of choking during the second game of the series they may be involved.

For at least one series, they can say they overcame that obstacle.

The Hawks welcomed the Milwaukee Bucks to Philips Arena in Game 2 of their best-of-seven series; while they had a big size advantage, it took some initiative by Joe Johnson as he scored 10 fourth-quarter points, leading Atlanta to the 96-86 win over Milwaukee. The victory gives Atlanta a 2-0 lead in the series.

The Bucks took their first lead of the series, 4-2, on a Luc Mbah a Moute putback less than 90 seconds into the contest; the Hawks, however, went on one of their scoring blitzes, pushing themselves out to a 22-12 lead on Marvin Williams’ three-point play. Unlike their last game, Milwaukee didn’t buckle as they went on an 8-0 spurt to get back in the game; but the Hawks would score the final six points of the first quarter, taking a 28-20 lead going into the second quarter.

The Bucks got off to a good start in the second period, starting with a 12-2 run that gave them a brief 32-30 lead; once again, Atlanta would regain the lead, scoring the next six points and leading the remainder of the period, sending the Hawks to their locker room with a 52-46 cushion.

Fast-forwarding to the fourth quarter, Johnson took over. After Milwaukee got to within single-digits, Johnson drained four consecutive jumpers, the last one a trey, pushing the Hawks to a commanding 87-74 lead which they would not relinquish for the balance of the game.

The entire starting five for the Hawks scored in double-digits, led by Johnson with 27 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, a steal and 2 blocks while Josh Smith just missed a triple-double, scoring 21 with 14 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks; Al Horford added 20 with 10 rebounds, an assist, 2 steals and 3 blocks.

John Salmons led the Bucks with 21 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal and a block while Jerry Stackhouse came off the bench to add 15 with 4 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and a block; Ersan Ilyasova chipped in 13 with 15 rebounds, a steal and a block.

Game 3 of this series moves to Bradley Center Saturday when Atlanta looks to take a commanding 3-0 lead over Milwaukee.