Last Updated on June 3, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The Atlanta Hawks are one of the NBA’s longest-running franchises, with a history that spans multiple cities and decades. Their lone NBA championship came in 1958 when the franchise was based in St. Louis and led by Hall of Fame center Bob Pettit. This article examines the Atlanta Hawks’ championship history, including their title-winning season, NBA Finals appearances, and the franchise’s pursuit of another championship.

The Atlanta Hawks have won one NBA championship in franchise history.

Atlanta Hawks NBA Championship

🏆 1957-58 (as St. Louis Hawks) – Defeated the Boston Celtics (4-2)

Championship Details

1957-58 – Led by Bob Pettit

  • The Hawks were based in St. Louis at the time.
  • Led by Bob Pettit, Cliff Hagan, and Slater Martin.
  • Faced the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, featuring Bill Russell and Bob Cousy.
  • Game 6: Bob Pettit scored 50 points, leading the Hawks to a 110-109 victory and their first (and only) championship.
  • Pettit became the first player to score 50 points in an NBA Finals game.

Coach

  • Alex Hannum

After winning the title, the Hawks remained competitive but lost to the Celtics in the Finals three more times (1957, 1960, 1961).

The franchise moved to Atlanta in 1968 and has yet to win another championship, despite great teams featuring Dominique Wilkins, Al Horford, and Trae Young over the years.