Atlanta Hawks

Lore & Background

The 2011–12 Hawks navigated an unprecedented landscape defined by the NBA lockout, which scrapped the programmed pre-season and the first two weeks of regular play. Once negotiations concluded, teams were limited to just a two-game pre-season slate before the December 27 opener against the New Jersey Nets. This compressed timeline forced immediate intensity; Kirk Hinrich missed the first 18 games due to shoulder surgery, and Al Horford suffered a torn left pectoral muscle in January, missing the remainder of the regular season. Despite these roster holes, the Hawks climbed to fifth place. Joe Johnson emerged as the primary offensive engine, earning Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors for March 19–25. He was selected as an East reserve for the 2012 NBA All-Star Game and scheduled for the Three-Point Contest and Shooting Stars Competition, though an injury prevented his participation.

In Their Own Story

The playoff series against the Boston Celtics defined the season's conclusion. The Hawks reached the postseason by securing a spot on April 16 with a decisive 109–87 victory over the Toronto Raptors. However, their first-round matchup against Boston proved insurmountable, resulting in a six-game loss that eliminated Atlanta from contention. Tensions flared during this series beyond the court; following the Game 6 loss to the Celtics, Ivan Johnson was fined $25,000 for making an obscene gesture toward a fan. Additionally, Hawks co-owner Michael Gearon Jr. received a $35,000 fine for comments directed at Celtics forward Kevin Garnett and officials during the series. While Rajon Rondo, Kevin Durant, and teammate Jerry Stackhouse replaced the injured Johnson in All-Star competitions, the on-court battle against Boston remained the season's final turning point.

Reader's Guide

Fans tracking the 2011–12 Hawks must note the specific impact of the lockout on team composition. The Chinese Basketball Association restricted foreign free agents to full-season commitments, unlike FIBA rules allowing opt-outs, leading many players to sign with other leagues before returning or staying abroad. Key dates anchor this season: the draft occurred June 23 in Newark, New Jersey; the regular season started December 27 against the Nets; and the playoff berth was clinched April 16 against Toronto. On the court, Joe Johnson carried the load, though his All-Star presence was limited to a selection without participation due to injury. The roster was decimated by injuries, with Hinrich out for 18 games and Horford missing the rest of the year after January surgery. Ultimately, the Hawks' campaign is remembered for finishing fifth in the East before falling to Boston in six games.

Did You Know?

• The 2011 NBA lockout forced the Hawks to play only a two-game pre-season instead of the standard schedule.
• Al Horford missed the remainder of the regular season after undergoing surgery for a torn left pectoral muscle in January.
• Ivan Johnson was fined $25,000 for making an obscene gesture to a fan following the Game 6 loss to Boston.
• Joe Johnson was scheduled to compete in both the Three-Point Contest and Shooting Stars Competition at the 2012 All-Star Game but could not play due to injury.