The 2020-21 Atlanta Hawks experienced a significant turnaround under new head coach Nate McMillan, who took over mid-season. After a 14-20 start, McMillan guided the team to a 27-11 finish, securing the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 41-31 record.
In the playoffs, the Hawks exceeded expectations by defeating the fourth-seeded New York Knicks in the first round and upsetting the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers in the Conference Semifinals. Their impressive run concluded in the Eastern Conference Finals, where they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games.
Trae Young emerged as the team’s star, averaging 28.8 points and 9.5 assists per game during the postseason. Key contributions also came from John Collins, Clint Capela, and Bogdan Bogdanović, solidifying the Hawks as a formidable force in the East. The season marked Atlanta’s first deep playoff run since 2015, setting a strong foundation for future success.
- Regular Season Record: 41-31
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 4-1, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-3, Eastern Conference Finals: 2-4
Atlanta Hawks Roster and Stats for 2020-21 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Trae Young | 63 | 25.3 | 3.9 | 9.4 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 34.3 | 16 | 28.8 | 2.8 | 9.5 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 31.3 |
| John Collins | 63 | 17.6 | 7.4 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 39.9 | 18 | 13.9 | 8.7 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 35.7 |
| Bogdan Bogdanović | 44 | 16.4 | 3.6 | 3.3 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 43.8 | 18 | 14.1 | 4.2 | 2.9 | 1.6 | 0.3 | 32.9 |
| Clint Capela | 63 | 15.2 | 14.3 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 18 | 10.1 | 11.2 | 0.9 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 0.0 |
| De'Andre Hunter | 23 | 15.0 | 4.8 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 32.6 | 5 | 10.8 | 4.0 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 37.5 |
| Danilo Gallinari | 51 | 13.3 | 4.1 | 1.5 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 40.6 | 18 | 12.8 | 3.9 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 40.5 |
| Kevin Huerter | 69 | 11.9 | 3.3 | 3.5 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 36.3 | 18 | 11.1 | 3.8 | 2.8 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 34.7 |
| Cam Reddish | 26 | 11.2 | 4.0 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 26.2 | 4 | 12.8 | 3.5 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 64.3 |
| Lou Williams | 24 | 10.0 | 2.1 | 3.4 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 44.4 | 18 | 7.7 | 1.4 | 2.2 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 43.3 |
| Tony Snell | 47 | 5.3 | 2.4 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 56.9 | 9 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 9.1 |
| Brandon Goodwin | 47 | 4.9 | 1.5 | 2.0 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 31.1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Onyeka Okongwu | 50 | 4.6 | 3.3 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 18 | 2.7 | 2.7 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 0.0 |
| Solomon Hill | 71 | 4.5 | 3.0 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 32.1 | 14 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 16.7 |
| Rajon Rondo | 27 | 3.9 | 2.0 | 3.5 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 37.8 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Skylar Mays | 33 | 3.8 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 35.0 | 7 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Nathan Knight | 33 | 3.8 | 2.2 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 18.2 | 6 | 0.7 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 |
| Bruno Fernando | 33 | 1.5 | 2.4 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 6 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Kris Dunn | 4 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 5 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.0 |
Atlanta Hawks in the 2021 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. New York Knicks
In the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs, the Atlanta Hawks faced off against the New York Knicks, defeating them in a decisive 4-1 series victory. Trae Young shined as a breakout star, averaging 29.2 points per game and embracing the villain role in front of the raucous Madison Square Garden crowd. The Hawks' balanced offense and tenacious defense under new head coach Nate McMillan were instrumental in their triumph, setting the stage for a deeper playoff run.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 23, 2021 | @ New York Knicks | W 107-105 | |
| May 26, 2021 | @ New York Knicks | L 101-92 | |
| May 28, 2021 | vs. New York Knicks | W 105-94 | |
| May 30, 2021 | vs. New York Knicks | W 113-96 | |
| Jun 02, 2021 | @ New York Knicks | W 103-89 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Philadelphia 76ers
In the 2021 NBA Playoffs, the Atlanta Hawks stunned the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round, winning the series 4-3. Trae Young emerged as the star, consistently delivering clutch performances, including a pivotal Game 7 victory on the road. The Hawks' resilience and depth were key to their success, as they advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2015.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 06, 2021 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 128-124 | |
| Jun 08, 2021 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 118-102 | |
| Jun 11, 2021 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | L 127-111 | |
| Jun 14, 2021 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 103-100 | |
| Jun 16, 2021 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 109-106 | |
| Jun 18, 2021 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | L 104-99 | |
| Jun 20, 2021 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 103-96 |
2021 Conference Championship vs. Milwaukee Bucks
In the 2021 NBA Playoffs, the Atlanta Hawks made an impressive run to the Eastern Conference Finals, showcasing their resilience and youthful energy. Led by the electrifying Trae Young, the Hawks stunned the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers in a seven-game semifinal series, before falling to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. This deep playoff push highlighted the Hawks' potential and marked them as a rising force in the Eastern Conference.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 23, 2021 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 116-113 | |
| Jun 25, 2021 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 125-91 | |
| Jun 27, 2021 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | L 113-102 | |
| Jun 29, 2021 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 110-88 | |
| Jul 01, 2021 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 123-112 | |
| Jul 03, 2021 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | L 118-107 |
Atlanta Hawks 2020-21 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2020-21 season for the Atlanta Hawks.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 23, 2020 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 124-104 | |
| Dec 26, 2020 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 122-112 | |
| Dec 28, 2020 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 128-120 | |
| Dec 30, 2020 | @ Brooklyn Nets | L 145-141 | |
| Jan 01, 2021 | @ Brooklyn Nets | W 114-96 | |
| Jan 02, 2021 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | L 96-91 | |
| Jan 04, 2021 | vs. New York Knicks | L 113-108 | |
| Jan 06, 2021 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | L 102-94 | |
| Jan 09, 2021 | @ Charlotte Hornets | L 113-105 | |
| Jan 11, 2021 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 112-94 | |
| Jan 15, 2021 | @ Utah Jazz | L 116-92 | |
| Jan 16, 2021 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 112-106 | |
| Jan 18, 2021 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 108-97 | |
| Jan 20, 2021 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 123-115 | |
| Jan 22, 2021 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 116-98 | |
| Jan 24, 2021 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 129-115 | |
| Jan 26, 2021 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 108-99 | |
| Jan 27, 2021 | vs. Brooklyn Nets | L 132-128 | |
| Jan 29, 2021 | @ Washington Wizards | W 116-100 | |
| Feb 01, 2021 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | L 107-99 | |
| Feb 03, 2021 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | L 122-116 | |
| Feb 04, 2021 | vs. Utah Jazz | L 112-91 | |
| Feb 06, 2021 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 132-121 | |
| Feb 10, 2021 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 118-117 | |
| Feb 12, 2021 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L 125-114 | |
| Feb 13, 2021 | vs. Indiana Pacers | L 125-113 | |
| Feb 15, 2021 | @ New York Knicks | L 123-112 | |
| Feb 17, 2021 | @ Boston Celtics | W 122-114 | |
| Feb 19, 2021 | @ Boston Celtics | L 121-109 | |
| Feb 21, 2021 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 123-115 | |
| Feb 23, 2021 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 112-111 | |
| Feb 24, 2021 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 127-112 | |
| Feb 26, 2021 | @ Oklahoma City Thunder | L 118-109 | |
| Feb 28, 2021 | @ Miami Heat | L 109-99 | |
| Mar 02, 2021 | @ Miami Heat | W 94-80 | |
| Mar 03, 2021 | @ Orlando Magic | W 115-112 | |
| Mar 11, 2021 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 121-120 | |
| Mar 13, 2021 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 121-106 | |
| Mar 14, 2021 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 100-82 | |
| Mar 16, 2021 | @ Houston Rockets | W 119-107 | |
| Mar 18, 2021 | vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | W 116-93 | |
| Mar 20, 2021 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 99-94 | |
| Mar 22, 2021 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | L 119-110 | |
| Mar 24, 2021 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 110-108 | |
| Mar 26, 2021 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 124-108 | |
| Mar 28, 2021 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 126-102 | |
| Mar 30, 2021 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 117-110 | |
| Apr 01, 2021 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 134-129 | |
| Apr 02, 2021 | @ New Orleans Pelicans | W 126-103 | |
| Apr 04, 2021 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 117-111 | |
| Apr 06, 2021 | vs. New Orleans Pelicans | W 123-107 | |
| Apr 07, 2021 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | L 131-113 | |
| Apr 09, 2021 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 120-108 | |
| Apr 11, 2021 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 105-101 | |
| Apr 13, 2021 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 108-103 | |
| Apr 15, 2021 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | L 120-109 | |
| Apr 18, 2021 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 129-117 | |
| Apr 20, 2021 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 112-96 | |
| Apr 21, 2021 | @ New York Knicks | L 137-127 | |
| Apr 23, 2021 | vs. Miami Heat | W 118-103 | |
| Apr 25, 2021 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 111-104 | |
| Apr 26, 2021 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 100-86 | |
| Apr 28, 2021 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 127-83 | |
| Apr 30, 2021 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 126-104 | |
| May 01, 2021 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 108-97 | |
| May 03, 2021 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 123-114 | |
| May 05, 2021 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 135-103 | |
| May 06, 2021 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 133-126 | |
| May 10, 2021 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 125-124 | |
| May 12, 2021 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 120-116 | |
| May 13, 2021 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 116-93 | |
| May 16, 2021 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 124-95 |