Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - John Salmons scored eight of his 19 points during a huge fourth-quarter run as the Bucks rallied for a 91-87 win over Atlanta to grab the lead after five games of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.
In Progress, Game 5: Hawks Return Home, Seek To Regain Control Of Series With Bucks
Brandon Jennings scored 25 points and Ersan Ilyasova hit the go-ahead jumper with 1:58 remaining for Milwaukee, which is one win away from capturing its first playoff series since 2001. The Bucks have lost three consecutive opening-round series since falling to Philadelphia in the 2001 Eastern Conference finals.
Carlos Delfino nailed a three-pointer from the left corner and Salmons' free throw with 33 seconds left capped Milwaukee's 14-0 run for an 87-82 lead.
The Bucks, who have captured the last three contests, have a chance to close out the series in Game 6 on Friday in Milwaukee. The winner of the series will play second seed Orlando.
The free throw differential played a huge part as the Bucks went 15-of-18 in the last quarter, while the Hawks never went to the charity stripe over the final 12 minutes.
Al Horford had 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Marvin Williams scored 22 in defeat. Joe Johnson was limited to 13 points, six rebounds and six assists before fouling out with 2:15 remaining.
Atlanta had its 14-game home winning streak broken. It's the Hawks' first defeat at Philips Arena since February 26 against Dallas in overtime.
The Hawks finished the season with 49 straight games without suffering a three-game losing streak, but now find themselves a loss away from falling in the first round for the second time in three seasons.
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