The Atlanta Hawks trace their roots back to 1946 when they were founded as the Buffalo Bisons. Then over the next 22 years, the franchise underwent multiple relocations, beginning in Moline, Illinois, within the area known as the "Tri-Cities", therefore the franchise was known as the Tri-Cities Blackhawks who played from 1946 to 1949.
Subsequently, they relocated to Milwaukee and operated as the Milwaukee Hawks from 1951 to 1955. Following another move, they became the St. Louis Hawks from 1955 to 1968. Finally, in 1968, the franchise settled in Atlanta, where they have remained to the present day.
Throughout their history, the Hawks have always been competitive in the NBA. During the 1970s, the Hawks found success led by stars like Pete Maravich and Lou Hudson. However, it was in the 1980s and 1990s that the Hawks truly flourished, with Dominique Wilkins emerging as the face of the franchise. Wilkins' ultra-athletic electrifying performances elevated the Hawks popularity and led to numerous playoff appearances.
Today, Trae Young carries the mantle for the Atlanta Hawks as he enthralls basketball fans around the world with his dazzling dribble combos, deep three pointers, unstoppable floaters and playmaking skills. With talents like DeJounte Murray and rising talents like Jalen Johnson and DeAndre Hunter, the Atlanta Hawks continue to compete in the Eastern Conference, aiming to recapture the glory of their past.
How many times have the Atlanta Hawks made the playoffs?
The Atlanta Hawks have made the NBA playoffs a total of 49 times throughout their franchise's history.
The Atlanta Hawks journey in the NBA spans over 75 seasons, from 1949-50 to 2023-24 NBA season. Before relocating to Atlanta in 1968, the franchise played under various names and in different cities. This includes two seasons as the Tri-Cities Blackhawks in Moline, Illinois, four seasons as the Milwaukee Hawks, and 16 seasons as the St. Louis Hawks. During these 22 seasons before settling in Atlanta, the Hawks made the playoffs 13 times.
The 1955 to 1961 Hawks era is often regarded as their most successful. The Hawks team during this highly successful era was led by Hall of Famer Bob Petit. The Hawks advanced deep into the playoffs on multiple occasions as they played a total of four NBA finals during this era.
Atlanta Hawks Playoff Record
The Atlanta Hawks have an overall playoff record of 170-223 throughout their franchise history. One of Atlanta Hawks’ most impressive playoff campaigns in recent memory occurred in the 2021 NBA playoffs under the leadership of Trae Young.
Trae Young mesmerized basketball fans around the world with his dribble combos and deep three point shot-making ability to begin the 2021 NBA playoffs with a great first-round series against the New York Knicks. However, it was in the Eastern Conference Semifinals where the Hawks truly lit it up.
Facing the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers led by Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, Hawks defied the odds by overcoming a 2-1 and later 3-2 series deficit to clinch a thrilling seven-game series win. The crucial Game 7 victory came on Philadelphia's home court. Despite their valiant efforts, the Hawks' playoff run in 2021 came to an end in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo.
If we discuss the Atlanta Hawks most significant playoff rivalry throughout their history, then it's undoubtedly the Boston Celtics. The rivalry between the Atlanta Hawks and the Boston Celtics has been going on over five decades. While the Celtics have historically dominated the matchup, winning ten of twelve playoff series, including four NBA Finals encounters, the Hawks have often made their meetings with the Celtics memorable. Despite their underdog status, the Hawks have managed to create competitive and memorable series against the Celtics.
Number of conference finals won by Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks have not won a conference finals since relocating to Atlanta. Despite not winning any conference titles, the Hawks did make it to the Eastern Conference Finals (ECF) twice, in 2015 and 2021 NBA playoffs.
In the 2015 playoffs, the Atlanta Hawks, led by the frontcourt duo of Paul Millsap and Al Horford, along with Jeff Teague at point guard, emerged as a scintillating force in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks actually finished the season as the number 1 seed with an impressive 60 wins, and they had high hopes for playoff success in 2015. Hawks did reach the ECF for the first time in their history, however, in the ECF of 2015, they encountered LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers, and the series was quickly over in four games.
For 48 years, spanning various playoff formats, the Hawks struggled to advance past the second round of the playoffs until finally breaking through in 2015.
Despite their championship drought, the Hawks have consistently reached the playoffs. Hawks notably achieved a remarkable feat of qualifying for the NBA playoffs in 10 consecutive seasons in the 21st century. This impressive streak lasted from 2008 to 2017, showcasing the franchise's sustained competitiveness over the years.
Number of NBA championships won by Atlanta Hawks
Since their establishment in Atlanta in the 1968-1969 NBA season, the Hawks have not won an NBA championship title. However, if we trace back to the franchise's earlier iteration as the St. Louis Hawks, then the Hawks franchise won the NBA title in the 1957-1958 season.
In a classic seven-game series, the St. Louis Hawks, led by Bob Petit overcame formidable adversaries Boston Celtics in six games. The 1958 NBA finals is also famous for Bob Petit’s 50 point performances in the closeout Game 6 of the finals.
Atlanta Hawks Last Playoff Appearance
Led by the dynamic duo of De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, the Atlanta Hawks broke a 16-season postseason drought by reaching the 2023 NBA playoffs where they faced a grueling seven-game series against the 2022 champions Golden State Warriors.
The Game 1 was won by the Kings on their home court as De'Aaron Fox dropped an efficient 38 points display, and he was helped by Malik Monk who made an impactful contribution off the bench to help Kings secure a crucial win.
Off-court drama also ensued as Vallejo-based rapper E-40 was ejected after a passionate altercation with a Kings fan. Tensions simmered further in Game 2 with a contentious late-game altercation between Draymond Green and Sabonis, resulting in Green's suspension for Game 3. However, Kings won the game and took a commanding 2-0 lead.
Despite Green's absence, the reigning champions from 2022, Golden State Warriors clawed back in the series with consecutive wins. Sacramento and Golden State split game 5 and game 6, setting up a pivotal Game 7.
With the series deadlocked at 3-3, the Kings aimed to seize their first-ever playoff series victory against their historic rivals. However, Stephen Curry happened! Curry gave a breathtaking 50-point performance in Game 7, leading the Warriors to a 4-3 series triumph.
The excitement of this instant classic 2023 Atlanta Hawks vs Golden State Warriors playoff series was reflected in the TV ratings as it drew the highest first or second round playoff viewership for the NBA since 1999. Game 7 alone peaked at a remarkable 11.9 million viewers on ABC.
What is the biggest playoff series comeback in the Atlanta Hawks history?
The Atlanta Hawks last playoff appearance was in 2023. In the 2023 Eastern conference first round, the Atlanta Hawks faced their bitter rivals Boston Celtics. Led by the star backcourt duo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, affectionately known as "DejounTrae," the Hawks entered the playoffs as the 7th seed after winning the play-in 7 vs. 8 game.
When the Boston Celtics took a commanding 3-1 series lead, it seemed like they would close out the series on their home court at the TD Garden in Boston. However, Trae Young had other plans. With the game on the line, Young delivered a clutch performance, sinking a go-ahead deep 3-pointer with only two seconds remaining, and subsequently, bringing the series to 3-2. Despite Young's heroics, the Celtics rebounded to win Game 6 and ultimately closed out the series with a 4-2 victory.
As of April 2024, the Atlanta Hawks hold the second-longest NBA championship drought, spanning 64 seasons, second only to the Sacramento Kings.
FAQ's On Atlanta Hawks Playoff History
A. Since relocating to Atlanta in 1968, Hawks have not reached the NBA finals. Before 1968, Hawks reached the NBA Finals in 1961 as the St. Louis Hawks but they lost to the Boston Celtics in five games.
A. The Atlanta Hawks' greatest rival is often considered to be the Boston Celtics.
A. Yes, the Atlanta Hawks won the NBA championship in 1958. Back then, the Hawks franchise was located in St. Louis.
A. The Atlanta Hawks have won a total of 170 playoff games throughout their franchise history, as of April 2024.
A. The Atlanta Hawks last made the playoffs in 2023, where they reached the Eastern Conference First Round but were unable to advance further. Overall, the Hawks have appeared in the playoffs 49 times in their 75 seasons.
