Hawks vs Celtics: A Rivalry For The Ages

A heated rivalry that has spanned decades, the Hawks-Celtics matchup is one of the most iconic in sports history.
From the legendary battles of the 1950s and 1960s to the more recent clashes of the 2010s and 2020s, these two teams have consistently delivered some of the most intense and memorable moments in basketball history.
The Early Years
The Hawks-Celtics rivalry began in the early days of the NBA. In 1958, the Hawks moved to St. Louis from Milwaukee and immediately became one of the best teams in the league. Led by Bob Pettit, the Hawks won the NBA championship in 1958 and 1960.
The Celtics, meanwhile, were led by the legendary Bill Russell. Russell was one of the greatest players in NBA history, and he led the Celtics to 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons.
The rivalry between the Hawks and the Celtics intensified in the early 1960s. The two teams met in the NBA Finals in 1961 and 1963. The Celtics won both series, but the Hawks gave them a run for their money.
The 1980s and 1990s
The Hawks-Celtics rivalry cooled down somewhat in the 1970s and 1980s. However, it was reignited in the 1990s. The Celtics, led by Larry Bird, were one of the most dominant teams in the league. The Hawks, meanwhile, were led by Dominique Wilkins.
In 1993, the Celtics and the Hawks met in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics won the series, but the Hawks made them work for it. The series was a back-and-forth affair, and it went to a seventh game.
The 2010s and 2020s
The Hawks-Celtics rivalry has continued to simmer in the 2010s and 2020s. The two teams have met in the playoffs several times, and they have always played close games.
In 2016, the Celtics defeated the Hawks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. In 2017, the Hawks defeated the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
The most recent meeting between the two teams came in the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics won the series in six games, but the Hawks once again made them work for it.
The Future of the Rivalry
The Hawks-Celtics rivalry is one of the most storied in sports history. It is a rivalry that has been marked by great moments and great players.
The rivalry is sure to continue for many years to come. The two teams are located in close proximity to each other, and they have a long history of playing competitive games.
Fans of both teams can expect to see more great moments from this rivalry in the future.
Call to Action
Are you a fan of the Hawks or the Celtics? What is your favorite moment from this rivalry? Let us know in the comments below.