Article by Darayus Sethna, Host of “The Cleveland Sports Show” Podcast and Aspiring NBA Journalist
© 2021
During my Spring Break holiday this week, my family and I took a trip down to Atlanta, Georgia. This was my first time visiting the city, and I must say, this is a fanbase that is absolutely hooked on their Braves! The first full week of action for the team took place during our trip to Atlanta. Whether it was Peachtree Street, International Boulevard, or Auburn Avenue, there were caps engraved with the iconic “A” symbol at every street corner!
However, it is not only baseball that has captured the hearts of many sports fanatics of the ATL. The Hawks, Atlanta’s pro-basketball franchise is reviving the culture of hoops in the city. Currently the fifth seed in the NBA’s Eastern Conference, the Hawks have a total of 27 wins (after only having 24 to finish their entire season just three years earlier). Led by sharpshooting point guard Trae Young, the Hawks are looking to head back to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
The history of the Atlanta Hawks goes all the way back to 1955, when the team moved from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to St. Louis, Missouri. They were an instant hit with the city, thanks to their star player, Bob Petit, winning the league MVP for the 1955-56 season (leading the league in both scoring and rebounding). In the following season, the Hawks made it all the way to the NBA Finals, where they lost in seven games to the Celtics. This was the first of Boston’s 17 total championships in franchise history. Down but not defeated, Petit and the Hawks reclaimed their ticket to the Finals for a rematch with the Celtics in 1958. Facing off against Bill Russell and company, the Hawks maintained composure and took the series in six games to bring the squad their first NBA championship. Atlanta would have two more finals appearances (in 1960 and 1961), yet would lose them both to Boston. The team has not returned to the Finals since.
In 1968, the Hawks were relocated from St. Louis to Atlanta, Georgia, their current home. After a stint in the 1970’s with the sensational talents of Peter “Pistol Pete” Maravich, Lou Hudson, and Walt Hazzard, the Hawks eventually began to dismantle their roster and start a new chapter in their history. This is where the story of Dominique Wilkins begins.
After losing in the first round of the NBA playoffs in 1982, the Hawks were looking for a monumental talent that could lift the franchise back to its glory days. The franchise could not “wing” their decision on who would fit the bill. And in that year’s draft, Atlanta selected University of Georgia Forward Dominique Wilkins with the third overall pick. Needless to say, this was most definitely the right decision. Although he would never take the team back to the Finals, Wilkins would put Atlanta on the map of professional basketball. As a matter of fact, the banner for his jersey (#21) is proudly hung at the State Farm Arena, the current home of the Hawks.
During my trip, I had the chance to take some pictures of my own and absorb all of the scenery both inside and outside the State Farm Arena. This facility opened in Downtown Atlanta in 1999, with the original name of Phillips Arena. The name would change to State Farm Arena in 2018. Here are some photos I took of the outside of the arena:
Going back to Dominique Wilkins, here are some photos I have of the statue that is dedicated for him at the main entrance of the facility:
I also had the chance to attend a Hawks game during my trip to Atlanta as well! Even with all of the health and safety protocols (that the arena staff did a terrific job of reminding everyone), the experience itself was still very entertaining! The team hosted Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans, winning the game by a final score of 123-107. Here are some more photos I have from inside the arena:
In short, if you are a sports fan, then the ATL has got you covered! Whether it is the Hawks, Braves, Falcons, FC Atlanta, or Dream, you are guaranteed a riveting and engaging experience in one of the nation’s best sports towns!
– If you would like to see the Hawks pre-game intro I have from the game, check it out here!
– If you would like to see a snippet of the game I recorded, view it here!
* To access the “Cleveland Sports Show” podcast and my other work, please visit darayus.news, where you will be able to view my “Twitter” account (@NordoniaSports) as well as my “SoundCloud” Channel.
* You can also locate my “Spotify” Channel by typing in “The Cleveland Sports Show” or “Darayus Sethna” in the “Spotify” search bar.
