Last Updated on May 21, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The Atlanta Hawks have featured elite playoff scorers across multiple generations, from the dominance of Bob Pettit in the 1950s and 1960s to the electrifying postseason performances of Trae Young in the modern era.

This ranking looks at the greatest playoff scorers in Hawks history based on total postseason points, playoff scoring averages, iconic playoff moments, and overall offensive impact.

1. Bob Pettit

Bob Pettit remains the greatest playoff scorer in Hawks franchise history.

Pettit scored 2,240 playoff points for the franchise, still comfortably the most in team history. (Land of Basketball) His relentless scoring, rebounding, and physical play helped lead the franchise to the 1958 NBA championship while the team was still located in St. Louis.

Pettit averaged 25.5 points and 14.8 rebounds per game in the playoffs, numbers that remain extraordinary even by modern standards. (StatMuse)

Key Playoff Achievements

  • Franchise leader in playoff points
  • 1958 NBA champion
  • Multiple dominant playoff scoring runs
  • Averaged over 25 playoff points per game
  • One of the greatest power forwards ever

Pettit also shares the Hawks’ playoff single-game scoring record with 50 points. (Land of Basketball)

2. Dominique Wilkins

Dominique Wilkins brought explosive athleticism and elite shot creation to the Hawks during the 1980s.

Known as “The Human Highlight Film,” Wilkins was one of the NBA’s most dangerous postseason scorers. He averaged more than 26 playoff points per game with Atlanta and produced several legendary playoff battles against the Boston Celtics. (Land of Basketball)

His iconic duel with Larry Bird in Game 7 of the 1988 Eastern Conference Semifinals remains one of the greatest scoring performances in playoff history.

Key Playoff Achievements

  • Over 1,300 playoff points with Atlanta
  • One of the highest playoff scoring averages in franchise history
  • 50-point playoff game
  • Legendary scorer during the 1980s

Wilkins also holds one of the best single-playoff scoring totals in Hawks history with 374 points during the 1988 postseason. (Land of Basketball)

3. Trae Young

Trae Young has quickly become one of the best playoff scorers the Hawks have ever had.

Young owns the highest playoff scoring average in franchise history at 26.4 points per game. (StatMuse) His deep shooting range, floater game, and elite playmaking make him one of the NBA’s toughest postseason guards to defend.

During the 2021 playoffs, Young led Atlanta to the Eastern Conference Finals and produced the highest single-playoff scoring total in franchise history with 461 points. (Land of Basketball)

Key Playoff Achievements

  • Highest playoff scoring average in franchise history
  • Led Atlanta to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals
  • Franchise record for single-playoff points
  • Elite shot creator and playmaker

His performances against the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers during the 2021 postseason elevated him into Hawks playoff history immediately.

4. Cliff Hagan

Cliff Hagan was one of the foundational playoff scorers of the Hawks’ championship era.

He ranks second in franchise history in playoff points with 1,834 and consistently delivered efficient postseason scoring during the late 1950s and early 1960s. (Land of Basketball)

Key Playoff Achievements

  • Second in Hawks playoff points
  • Key scorer on the 1958 championship team
  • Multiple elite playoff scoring runs
  • One of the franchise’s earliest stars

Hagan formed a dominant offensive partnership with Bob Pettit during the Hawks’ most successful era.

5. Lou Hudson

Lou Hudson was one of the smoothest scorers in Hawks history.

His mid-range game, efficiency, and scoring consistency helped him become one of Atlanta’s top postseason scorers during the late 1960s and 1970s. Hudson ranks among the franchise leaders in playoff points and playoff scoring efficiency. (Land of Basketball)

Key Playoff Achievements

  • Over 1,200 playoff points with Atlanta
  • Elite scoring wing
  • Strong playoff efficiency
  • Multiple All-Star appearances

6. Joe Johnson

Joe Johnson was the centerpiece scorer of many successful Hawks teams during the late 2000s and early 2010s.

His isolation scoring, clutch shot-making, and perimeter shooting made him one of Atlanta’s most dependable playoff offensive players. Johnson ranks among the franchise leaders in playoff points and made three-pointers. (Land of Basketball)

Key Playoff Achievements

  • Over 800 playoff points with Atlanta
  • Elite isolation scorer
  • Multiple playoff appearances
  • One of the best clutch scorers in franchise history

7. Al Horford

Although Al Horford was known primarily for defense and versatility, he was also one of Atlanta’s most productive playoff scorers.

Horford ranks among the franchise leaders in postseason points while helping anchor several consistent playoff teams. (Land of Basketball)

Key Playoff Achievements

  • Nearly 1,000 playoff points with Atlanta
  • Strong interior and mid-range scorer
  • Elite two-way playoff player
  • Key leader during sustained playoff success

Honorable Mentions

  • Jeff Teague
  • Paul Millsap
  • Zelmo Beaty
  • Lenny Wilkens
  • John Drew

Final Thoughts

The Atlanta Hawks have featured elite playoff scorers throughout every major era of franchise history.

Bob Pettit established the standard with championship dominance, Dominique Wilkins electrified the 1980s with spectacular scoring performances, and Trae Young has already emerged as one of the most dangerous postseason guards of the modern era.

As Young continues his career, many of Atlanta’s playoff scoring records could eventually fall.

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