ATLANTA — With Joe Johnson and high-flying Josh Smith leading the way, the Atlanta Hawks avoided another Game 2 letdown.

Johnson took control in the fourth quarter to finish off a 27-point effort, Smith finished one assist shy of a triple-double and the Hawks ran away from the pesky but outmanned Milwaukee Bucks for a 96-86 victory in the Eastern Conference playoffs Tuesday night.

Atlanta was mindful of last season, when it blew out Miami in its playoff opener — then lost at home and had to go the full seven games.

This time, the Hawks took care of business on their home court. They'll head to Milwaukee on Saturday night with a commanding 2-0 lead, the first time they've won the first two in a best-of-seven series since 1970.