Atlanta, known for its vibrant culture and history, has also been the stage for some of the most remarkable sports turnarounds. Whether it’s baseball, football, or basketball, Atlanta’s teams have shown resilience and determination.
In some cases, these games turned into a drama for many people, in particular those hardcore fans that found their lucky day in sports betting, in heart-stopping games. Here, we dive into six of the best turnarounds by Atlanta teams.
Atlanta Braves – 1991 Season
The Atlanta Braves’ 1991 season is a prime example of a dramatic turnaround in sports history. After finishing last in the National League West in 1990, the Braves made significant changes, including hiring Bobby Cox as the manager and promoting key players from their farm system.
These moves paid off as the Braves improved their record from 65-97 in 1990 to 94-68 in 1991, winning the division title. Their season culminated in a thrilling seven-game World Series against the Minnesota Twins, where they narrowly missed winning but cemented their status as a formidable team.
Atlanta Falcons – 1998 Season
The Atlanta Falcons 1998 season remains one of the most memorable in NFL history. After a 7-9 record in 1997, the Falcons, under the leadership of head coach Dan Reeves and quarterback Chris Chandler, transformed into a powerhouse. They finished the regular season with a 14-2 record, the best in franchise history at the time. The Falcons’ most significant victory came in the NFC Championship game against the heavily favored Minnesota Vikings, which they won in overtime.
Although they lost to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXIII, their season was a testament to an extraordinary turnaround.
Atlanta Hawks – 2014-2015 Season
The Atlanta Hawks 2014-2015 NBA season is another stellar example of a turnaround. The previous season saw the Hawks finishing with a mediocre 38-44 record. However, the arrival of head coach Mike Budenholzer, a disciple of Gregg Popovich, brought a new system and culture.
The Hawks went on to achieve a franchise-record 60 wins, including a 19-game winning streak.
They secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference and made it to the Conference Finals, showcasing a remarkable transformation in just one year.
Atlanta United FC – 2018 Season
Atlanta United FC, a relatively new team in Major League Soccer, made an astounding turnaround in their second season. After a promising inaugural season in 2017, they bolstered their squad with strategic signings, including MVP candidate Josef Martínez. Under head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino, Atlanta United finished the 2018 regular season second in the Eastern Conference. Their crowning achievement came when they won the MLS Cup, defeating the Portland Timbers 2-0, marking one of the fastest rises to prominence in MLS history.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Football – 1990 Season
While not professional, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets’ 1990 season deserves mention for its
extraordinary turnaround in college football. The Yellow Jackets finished the 1989 season with a 7-
4 record but were not seen as major contenders.
In 1990, under head coach Bobby Ross, they went undefeated with an 11-0-1 record. The season concluded with a victory over Nebraska in the Citrus Bowl, and they were named co-national champions alongside Colorado, marking a significant resurgence for the program.
Atlanta Dream – 2010 Season
The Atlanta Dream’s 2010 season in the WNBA is a compelling story of resilience and improvement. After a 14-20 record in 2009, the Dream made strategic roster changes and improved their performance significantly.
They finished the 2010 regular season with a 19-15 record, earning a playoff spot. The Dream advanced to the WNBA Finals, sweeping the Washington Mystics and New York Liberty in the earlier rounds. Although they lost to the Seattle Storm in the Finals, their journey from a sub-.500 team to championship contenders was remarkable.
In conclusion, Atlanta has witnessed some of the most inspiring turnarounds in sports history.
These six instances not only highlight the teams’ perseverance and strategic improvements but also underline Atlanta’s rich sports culture and its capacity to rise against the odds.
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