St. Louis Hawks
St. Louis Hawks: 1958 NBA Champions.
The St. Louis Hawks were an American professional basketball team based in St. Louis. The Hawks competed in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Western Division. The team played its home games at Kiel Auditorium.
- Role
- Foundational Era & First Championship
- Location
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Years Active
- 1955–1968
- Key Figure
- Bob Pettit (Hall of Famer)
- Major Honour
- NBA Champions (1958)
- Arena
- Kiel Auditorium
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The Hawks moved to St. Louis in 1955, becoming the St. Louis Hawks. In 1956, Bob Pettit captured the league's first official Most Valuable Player award. The Hawks drafted Bill Russell in the first round in 1956 but traded him to the Boston Celtics for Cliff Hagan and Ed Macauley. In 1957, the Hawks won the Western Division title and advanced to the NBA Finals, losing to the Boston Celtics in a double-overtime game seven. In 1958, they won their first and only NBA championship, defeating the Celtics 4–2; Bob Pettit scored 50 points in the final game. The Hawks returned to the NBA Finals in 1960 and 1961, losing to the Celtics both times. The franchise moved to Atlanta on May 3, 1968.
In Their Own Story
The lights hummed over Kiel Auditorium as the crowd roared, a sea of anticipation rising with every dribble. Bob Pettit received the pass near the baseline, his eyes locked on the rim. The Boston Celtics defense closed in, but Pettit rose like a mountain, absorbing contact before launching the shot that would seal another victory for St. Louis. In that moment, under the flickering arena lights, the city knew it had witnessed greatness.
Reader's Guide
The St. Louis Hawks won one NBA championship (1958) and appeared in the NBA Finals four times (1957, 1958, 1960, 1961), all against the Boston Celtics. Bob Pettit won two MVP awards (1956 and 1959). The team was sold to Thomas Cousins and Carl Sanders in 1968 and moved to Atlanta.
Did You Know?
- The St. Louis Hawks won their only NBA championship in 1958.
- Bob Pettit scored 50 points in the final game of the 1958 NBA Finals.
- The Hawks played the Boston Celtics in all four of their NBA Finals appearances.
- The franchise moved to Atlanta on May 3, 1968.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the St. Louis Hawks?
The St. Louis Hawks were the NBA franchise's home base between 1955 and 1968 before moving to Georgia. They represent the period where the team evolved from its Tri-Cities and Milwaukee roots into a championship contender.
What role did Bob Pettit play for the team?
Hall of Famer Bob Pettit anchored this team as one of basketball's greatest power forwards. His leadership helped secure the franchise's only NBA championship during its time in Missouri.
How does the St. Louis Hawks story end?
Following the 1967-1968 season, ownership relocated the franchise from Missouri to Atlanta, Georgia. This move marked the end of the St. Louis chapter and the beginning of the modern Atlanta Hawks era.
Why is this era important to franchise history?
This period delivered the franchise's sole NBA championship victory in 1958, establishing its legacy before relocation. It also solidified the team's identity beyond its earlier incarnations as the Tri-Cities and Milwaukee Hawks.
Where did the St. Louis Hawks play their home games?
Home games were primarily hosted at Kiel Auditorium, though the team also utilized The Arena at St. Louis University during this timeframe. These venues served as the backdrop for their championship run and subsequent playoff battles.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Atlanta Hawks universe
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