The Hawks / Celtics rivalry is known as the rivalry that propelled the NBA. The Celtics had played some games in St. Louis prospecting interest in the fledgling basketball league before the Hawks ever showed up. Many Bostonians still consider the April 13, 1957 game against the Hawks one of the most intense and electrifying games in their history. It was a double OT game during the prior season’s finals and historians say that this series ignited the rivalry and rocketed the professional game of basketball into the national spotlight. The Hawks 1958 title remains the only one to be won by the franchise. They were led by Bob Pettit who scored 50 points in their game 6 clincher vs. Bill Russell and the Celtics, with a score of 110 - 109. Another fun fact is that St. Louis hosted the ‘58 All-Star game and Bob Pettit earned MVP. Jack McMahon was a 6'1" guard from St. John's University. McMahon was selected by the Rochester Royals in the 1952 NBA draft. He played eight seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA), for Rochester and the St. Louis Hawks. McMahon became a successful coach in the American Basketball League, the NBA and the American Basketball Association (ABA), with eleven seasons as a head coach in the three leagues. Inside the tail of the button path of this incredible red fleece caped warmup jacket, is the Rawlings size 42 label, with the adjacent Sisler Hummel ST. LOUIS label. The left breast is adorned with a white tackle twill with stitching “Hawks” logo patch. Player number (21) is done on the sleeves in blue on white shadow box tackle twill. “ST. LOUIS” is done in blue on red tackle twill, across white cape which is outlined in red and blue. This warmup jacket is properly tagged, presented to us as player-worn, and in our opinion shows appropriate wear, remaining in outstanding condition. We were told by our consignor that this was worn all season long, including the Championship Series. Historic and one of a kind.