ATL All Day
Fansided

Atlanta Hawks: Top 5 Rivalries Entering 2015-16

By John Buhler

facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next

18. . . Previous: . Boston Celtics. 1. team

I know that the Atlanta Hawks have to wait in line with their rivalry with the Boston Celtics, but it does have a ton of history behind.  While Boston views the Lakers, Sixers, Knicks, and whomever as bigger rivals than the Atlanta Hawks, you can’t deny 11 playoff series between these two teams.

More from ATL All Day

The Hawks and the Celtics often met in the NBA Championship when the Hawks were in the West and headquartered in St. Louis.  Then if you look at the 1980’s, the Hawks and Celtics had many tough series but the Celtics always came out on top.  Only once have the Hawks defeated the Boston Celtics in a playoff series.

Both teams often find themselves fielding competitive teams around the same time.  I could see the Hawks and the Celtics meeting in the postseason for a 12th time in 2016 as a likely 2-7 matchup with the Hawks getting the upper hand this time.

Mike Budenholzer and Brad Stevens are two of the best new head coaches in the NBA and at some point their teams will meet in June.  I expect one heck of a chess match between two cerebral men like Bud and Brad.  Games between Atlanta and Boston always find a way to make themselves interesting.  Weird stuff always seems to find its way into this rivalry.

More from Atlanta Hawks

The Larry-Nique Game in the late-1980’s.  2008’s first round matchup where the 8th Seeded Atlanta Hawks took the Top Seeded Boston Celtics to Game 7.  Boston coming back from way down to top the Hawks around the All-Star Break in the final minute.

I don’t dislike Boston, as I have too much respect for the most successful franchise in the Association’s history.  But wouldn’t it be great to clip the Celts in the Playoffs one time in the next few seasons.  I like Atlanta’s chances to come out on top in the next few seasons before Boston GM Danny Ainge makes a power move and acquires a Top 10 player for Brad Stevens.  For goodness sake, please don’t let it be Al Horford, Bud and Wes Wilcox!

Next: Shelvin Mack: Important Piece or Valuable Trade Asset?

More from ATL All Day

Home/Atlanta Hawks