From the AJC.com:
This time the Bucks weren’t rattled from the start and they again never stopped competing.
None of that mattered to the Hawks, who overwhelmed Milwaukee for stretches and turned back a late rally for a 96-86 victory on Tuesday night at Philips Arena. Atlanta won both games at Philips Arena to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven playoff series.
Game 3 is Saturday at Milwaukee and the Hawks haven’t been nearly as good on the road as at home this season. But the Bucks, missing injured center Andrew Bogut, haven’t been good enough to keep up with the Hawks’ deeper well of talent.
The Hawks have no intention of letting up no matter where the games are played.
“We’re on edge,” Hawks center Al Horford said. “We can’t take anything lightly. I’m sure it’s going to be a tough environment. We’re fighting for our lives.”
When the Hawks pair that mentality with their physical ability, they can be dominant. Their challenge now is to take both on the road after posting a 19-22 record during the regular season compared to 34-7 at home.
The Hawks won their 14th consecutive game at Philips Arena, where the crowed has fueled their high-energy, running style.
“It’s the fans here,” Hawks coach Mike Woodson said. “The fans have been great the last three years. They really enjoy the product on the floor and how we play. They’ve been huge in the playoffs, like a sixth man.”
The Bucks had enough trouble with the five the Hawks had on the floor.
The Hawks scored more than half of their points in the paint by exploiting Horford and Josh Smith’s advantage in the paint and running for 29 fast-break points. Bucks guard John Salmons scored 21 points but the other four starters combined for just 25 points.
“They outplayed us in almost every spot up and down the floor,” Bucks coach Scott Skiles said.
