The

1996–97 NBA season The 1996–97 NBA season was the 51st season of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The league used this season to celebrate its 50th anniversary, which included the unveiling of the league's list of its 50 greatest players. This particu ...

was the 48th season for the

Atlanta Hawks The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta. The Hawks compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southeast Division (NBA), Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference (NBA), Easte ...

in the

National Basketball Association The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league in North America composed of 30 teams (29 in the United States and 1 in Canada). The NBA is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Ca ...

, and their 29th season in

Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta ( ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Georgia (U.S. state), most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. It is the county seat, seat of Fulton County, Georg ...

. During this season, Hawks owner

Ted Turner Robert Edward Turner III (born November 19, 1938) is an American entrepreneur, television producer, media proprietor, and Philanthropy, philanthropist. He founded the CNN, Cable News Network (CNN), the first 24-hour United States cable news, ...

was the then-vice chairman of

Time Warner Warner Media, LLC ( doing business as WarnerMedia) was an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate owned by AT&T. It was headquartered at the 30 Hudson Yards complex in New York City. It was established as Time Warne ...

after acquiring

Turner Broadcasting System Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. was an American television and media conglomerate founded by Ted Turner in 1965. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, it merged with Time Warner (later WarnerMedia) on October 10, 1996. As of April 2022, all of its asse ...

. In an effort to improve their team, the Hawks strengthened their defense by signing free agent All-Star center

Dikembe Mutombo Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo (June 25, 1966 – September 30, 2024) was a Congolese-American professional basketball player. He played 18 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed "Mount Mutombo ...

. During the off-season, the team signed free agents

Tyrone Corbin Tyrone Kennedy Corbin (born December 31, 1962) is an American former professional basketball player who last worked as an assistant coach for the Charlotte Hornets. He was first appointed the assistant coach of the Phoenix Suns, then was named th ...

and

Willie Burton Willie Ricardo Burton (born May 26, 1968) is an American former professional basketball player who was selected by the Miami Heat in the first round (ninth overall pick) in the 1990 NBA draft from the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Burton played fo ...

; Corbin previously played for the Hawks during the 1994–95 season. The team also signed

Eldridge Recasner Eldridge David Recasner (born December 14, 1967) is an American former professional basketball player. In college, he was a three-time All-Pac-10 Conference guard for the Washington Huskies. After college, he played in a variety of professiona ...

, and former Georgia Tech University guard

Jon Barry Jon Alan Barry (born July 25, 1969) is an American former professional basketball player and television analyst for American Broadcasting Company, ABC and ESPN. Barry is currently the lead analyst for NBA_on_ESPN_Radio, ESPN Radio's coverage of ...

. The Hawks struggled with a 5–6 start to the regular season, but soon played above .500 basketball as the team signed three-point specialist

Henry James Henry James ( – ) was an American-British author. He is regarded as a key transitional figure between literary realism and literary modernism, and is considered by many to be among the greatest novelists in the English language. He was the ...

in December, and later on released Burton to free agency in January after playing 24 games. The Hawks posted a 14–2 record in January, which included a ten-game winning streak, then later on held a 31–15 record at the All-Star break, and posted a 7-game winning streak in March; the team also won 20 consecutive home games from November 12, 1996 to February 12, 1997. The Hawks finished in second place in the Central Division with a 56–26 record, and earned the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, qualifying for the

NBA playoffs The NBA playoffs is the annual Playoffs, postseason Tournament#Knockout tournaments, tournament of the National Basketball Association (NBA) held to determine the league champion. Since 1949, the four-round, best-of-seven tournament is held afte ...

for the fifth consecutive year; the team also posted a 36–5 home record at the

Omni Coliseum Omni Coliseum (often called The Omni) was an indoor arena in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Completed in 1972, the arena seated 16,378 for basketball and 15,278 for ice hockey, hockey. It was part of the Omni Complex, now known as the CNN Cente ...

, which was the third-best in the league. The Hawks had the third best team defensive rating in the NBA. Mutombo averaged 13.3 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game, and was named the

NBA Defensive Player of the Year The NBA Defensive Player of the Year is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA) award given since the 1982–83 NBA season to the best defensive player of the regular season. The winner is selected by a panel of 124 sportswriters and b ...

for the second time, and was also named to the

NBA All-Defensive First Team The NBA All-Defensive Team is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA) honor given since the 1968–69 NBA season to the best defensive players during the regular season. The All-Defensive Team is generally composed of ten players in tw ...

. In addition, Steve Smith led the Hawks in scoring with 20.1 points per game and contributed 130 three-point field goals, while

Christian Laettner Christian Donald Laettner (, ; born August 17, 1969) is an American former professional basketball player. His college career for the Duke Blue Devils men's basketball, Duke Blue Devils is widely regarded as one of the best in National Collegi ...

averaged 18.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game,

Mookie Blaylock Daron Oshay "Mookie" Blaylock (born March 20, 1967) is an American former professional basketball player. He spent 13 years in the National Basketball Association (NBA) with the New Jersey Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and the Golden State Warriors. C ...

provided the team with 17.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 2.7 steals per game, led the Hawks with 221 three-point field goals, and was named to the

NBA All-Defensive Second Team The NBA All-Defensive Team is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA) honor given since the 1968–69 NBA season to the best defensive players during the regular season. The All-Defensive Team is generally composed of ten players in two ...

, and Corbin contributed 9.5 points and 1.3 steals per game. Off the bench, James contributed 6.7 points per game, and second-year forward

Alan Henderson Alan Lybrooks Henderson (born December 2, 1972) is an American former professional basketball player of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He stands tall. Born in Morgantown, West Virginia, Henderson attended Brebeuf Jesuit Preparator ...

averaged 6.6 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, but only played just 30 games due to a mysterious illness known as "acute viral pancreatitis". Mutombo and Laettner were both selected for the

1997 NBA All-Star Game The 1997 NBA All-Star Game was the 47th edition of the All-Star Game and commemorated the 50th anniversary of NBA. The game was played on February 9, 1997, at Gund Arena (now known as Rocket Arena) in Cleveland. The winner of the MVP award was ...

Cleveland, Ohio Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Cuyahoga County. Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, it is situated across the Canada–United States border, Canada–U.S. maritime border ...

. Mutombo also finished tied in thirteenth place in

Most Valuable Player In team sports, a most valuable player (MVP) award is an honor typically bestowed upon an individual (or individuals, in the instance of a tie) whose individual performance is the greatest in an entire league, for a particular competition, or ...

voting, while Smith finished tied in seventeenth place; Blaylock finished in third place in

Defensive Player of the Year Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY or DPOTY) is the name of an award given in sports for outstanding defensive play by a single player over the course of a season. Many sports leagues award this type of award. League awards for Defensive Player o ...

voting, and head coach

Lenny Wilkens Leonard Randolph Wilkens (born October 28, 1937) is an American former professional basketball player and coach in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He has been inducted three times into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, fi ...

finished tied in sixth place in

Coach of the Year Many sports leagues, sportswriting associations, and other organizations confer "Coach of the Year" awards. In some sports — including baseball and association football — the award is called the "Manager of the Year" award. Some of the ...

voting. In the 1997 NBA playoffs, the Hawks would be put to the test as they faced off against the

Detroit Pistons The Detroit Pistons are an American professional basketball team based in Detroit. The Pistons compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Central Division (NBA), Central Division of the Eastern Conference (NBA), East ...

in the Eastern Conference First Round; the Pistons took a 2–1 series lead, but the Hawks managed to win the next two games, thus winning the series in five games. However, the Hawks would provide little challenge to

Michael Jordan Michael Jeffrey Jordan (born February 17, 1963), also known by his initials MJ, is an American businessman and former professional basketball player, who is currently a minority owner of the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Ass ...

Scottie Pippen Scotty Maurice Pippen Sr. (born September 25, 1965), usually spelled Scottie Pippen, is an American former professional basketball player. He played 17 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA), winning six NBA championships with th ...

, and the defending NBA champion

Chicago Bulls The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago. The Bulls compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. The team was founded on January 16 ...

in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals, as they lost the series in five games, despite winning Game 2 on the road at the

United Center The United Center is an indoor arena on the Near West Side, Chicago, Near West Side of Chicago, Illinois. It is home to the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL) ...

, 103–95. The Bulls would go on to defeat the

Utah Jazz The Utah Jazz are an American professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City. The Jazz compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference. Since the 1991–92 season, the ...

in six games in the

1997 NBA Finals The 1997 NBA Finals was the championship series of the National Basketball Association's (NBA) 1996–97 season and conclusion of the season's playoffs. The Western Conference champion Utah Jazz took on the defending NBA champion and Easte ...

, winning their second consecutive NBA championship, and their fifth championship in seven years. The Hawks finished 27th in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 549,414 at the Omni Coliseum, which was the third-lowest during the regular season. This was also the Hawks' final season playing at "The Omni", which was scheduled for demolition after the season, and hosted its final game in a Game 4 loss to the Bulls during the second round of the playoffs, 89–80 on May 11, 1997. Following the season, Barry signed as a free agent with the

Los Angeles Lakers The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles. The Lakers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Pacific Division (NBA), Pacific Division of the Western Conference (NBA ...

, while James re-signed with his former team, the

Cleveland Cavaliers The Cleveland Cavaliers, often referred to as the Cavs, are an American professional basketball team based in Cleveland. The Cavaliers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Central Division (NBA), Central Divis ...

, and

Ken Norman Kenneth Darnel Norman (born September 5, 1964) is an American former professional basketball player. After graduating from Crane High School in Chicago, Kenny was an outstanding forward for the Illinois Fighting Illini who was selected 19th ove ...

, who only played just 17 games this season due to a back injury, retired.

Offseason

Draft picks

Roster

Roster Notes

* Shooting guard

Donnie Boyce Donald Nathaniel Boyce (born September 2, 1973) is an American former professional basketball player who currently works as head coach for Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois. He played college basketball for the Colorado Buffaloes. ...

was waived on March 4, 1997. * Small forward

was waived on January 7, 1997. * Small forward Darrin Hancock played in two separate stints with the Hawks during the regular season; he was signed by the team after being waived by the

Phoenix Suns The Phoenix Suns are an American professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Pacific Division (NBA), Pacific Division of the Western Conference (NBA), We ...

, who acquired him from the

Milwaukee Bucks The Milwaukee Bucks are an American professional basketball team based in Milwaukee. The Bucks compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Central Division (NBA), Central Division of the Eastern Conference (NBA), East ...

. After the Hawks waived him, he signed with the

San Antonio Spurs The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio. The Spurs compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southwest Division (NBA), Southwest Division of the Western Conference (NBA ...

, where he would only play just one game for them before being released, and re-signed by the Hawks for the remainder of the season. * Rookie center

Priest Lauderdale Priest Lauderdale (born August 31, 1973) is an American-Bulgarian former professional basketball player. College career Lauderdale attended high school at Carver Military Academy, in Chicago, Illinois. After high school, Lauderdale played coll ...

holds both American and Bulgarian dual citizenship.

Regular season

Season standings

:z = clinched division title :y = clinched division title :x = clinched playoff spot

Record vs. opponents

Game log

, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 1 , , November 1 , , @

Miami Heat The Miami Heat are an American professional basketball team based in Miami. The Heat compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southeast Division (NBA), Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference (NBA), Eastern C ...

, , L 81-94 , , , ,

Miami Arena Miami Arena was an indoor arena located in Miami, Florida. The venue served as the home of the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL). From 1988 until 1999, it also ...

15,133 , , 0–1 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 2 , , November 2 , ,

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16,378 , , 0–2 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 3 , , November 4 , , @

Portland Trail Blazers The Portland Trail Blazers (colloquially known as the Blazers) are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. The Trail Blazers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Northwest Division (N ...

, , W 94-76 , , , ,

Rose Garden Arena Moda Center, formerly known as the Rose Garden, is the primary indoor sports arena in Portland, Oregon, United States. It is used for basketball, rodeos, circuses, conventions, ice shows, concerts, and dramatic productions. The arena has a capac ...

21,567 , , 1–2 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 4 , , November 5 , , @

Seattle SuperSonics The Seattle SuperSonics (commonly shortened to Sonics) were an American professional basketball team based in Seattle. The SuperSonics competed in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Western Division (1967–1970), and ...

, , W 117-95 , , , , KeyArena at Seattle Center
17,072 , , 2-2 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 5 , , November 7 , , @

Sacramento Kings The Sacramento Kings are an American professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California. The Kings compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Pacific Division (NBA), Pacific Division of the Western Confere ...

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ARCO Arena ARCO Arena (known as Power Balance Pavilion from 2011 to 2012 and Sleep Train Arena from 2012 until 2022) was an indoor arena located in Sacramento, California, United States. Opened in 1988, it was the home of the Sacramento Kings of the Nation ...

17,317 , , 3–2 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 6 , , November 10 , , @

, , L 85-92 , , , ,

Great Western Forum The Kia Forum, also known as Los Angeles Forum and formerly Great Western Forum, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Inglewood, California, United States, adjacent to Los Angeles. Located on West Manchester Boulevard, with Laffit Pincay Jr., P ...

16,097 , , 3-3 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 7 , , November 12 , ,

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, , 4–3 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 8 , , November 13 , , @

Boston Celtics The Boston Celtics ( ) are an American professional basketball team based in Boston. The Celtics compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NBA), Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference (NBA), ...

, , L 85-103 , , , , FleetCenter
13,184 , , 4-4 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 9 , , November 15 , ,

, , W 85-77 , , , ,

16,378 , , 5–4 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 10 , , November 16 , , @

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23,939 , , 5-5 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 11 , , November 19 , , @

, , L 63-73 , , , ,

Gund Arena Rocket Arena is a multi-purpose arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The building is the home of the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Cleveland Monsters of the American Hockey League (AHL). It also serves as a sec ...

14,182 , , 5–6 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 12 , , November 21 , , @

, , W 73-65 , , , ,

Bradley Center The Bradley Center (also known as the BMO Harris Bradley Center under sponsorship agreements) was a multi-purpose arena located on the northwest corner of North Vel R. Phillips Ave. and West State Streets in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United ...

14,698 , , 6-6 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 13 , , November 23 , , @

Toronto Raptors The Toronto Raptors are a Canadian professional basketball team based in Toronto. The Raptors compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NBA), Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference (NBA), E ...

, , W 91-88 , , , ,

SkyDome Rogers Centre (originally SkyDome) is a retractable roof stadium in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated at the base of the CN Tower near the northern shore of Lake Ontario. Opened in 1989 on the former Railway Lands, it is home to ...

16,838 , , 7–6 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 14 , , November 26 , ,

Vancouver Grizzlies The Vancouver Grizzlies were a Canadian professional basketball team based in Vancouver. The Grizzlies competed in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Midwest Division (NBA), Midwest Division of the Western Conference ( ...

, , W 101-80 , , , ,

, , 8–6 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 15 , , November 27 , , @

Orlando Magic The Orlando Magic are an American professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. The Magic compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southeast Division (NBA), Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference (NB ...

, , L 75-79 , , , ,

Orlando Arena Amway Arena (originally known as Orlando Arena and later TD Waterhouse Centre) was an indoor arena located in Orlando, Florida. It was part of the Orlando Centroplex, a sports and entertainment complex located in Downtown Orlando. The arena wa ...

17,248 , , 8–7 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 16 , , November 29 , ,

Washington Bullets The Washington Wizards are an American professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C. The Wizards compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference. The team plays i ...

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12,457 , , 9–7 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 17 , , December 3 , ,

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, , 10–7 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 18 , , December 4 , , @

, , L 90-100 , , , ,

The Palace of Auburn Hills The Palace of Auburn Hills, commonly known as the Palace, was a multi-purpose arena located in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Opened in 1988, it was the home of the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Detroit Shock of the ...

14,574 , , 10–8 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 19 , , December 7 , ,

, , W 101-75 , , , ,

11,422 , , 11–8 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 20 , , December 10 , ,

Denver Nuggets The Denver Nuggets are an American professional basketball team based in Denver. The Nuggets compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Northwest Division (NBA), Northwest Division of the Western Conference (NBA), W ...

, , W 89-88 , , , ,

, , 12–8 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 21 , , December 14 , ,

Philadelphia 76ers The Philadelphia 76ers, also known colloquially as the Sixers, are an American professional basketball team based in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The 76ers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Atlan ...

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12,473 , , 13–8 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 22 , , December 17 , , @

Dallas Mavericks The Dallas Mavericks (often referred to as the Mavs) are an American professional basketball team based in Dallas. The Mavericks compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southwest Division (NBA), Southwest Divisi ...

, , W 109-73 , , , ,

Reunion Arena Reunion Arena was an indoor arena located in the Reunion, Dallas, Reunion district of downtown Dallas, Texas, United States. The arena served as the primary home of the National Hockey League's (NHL) Dallas Stars and the National Basketball Ass ...

14,805 , , 14–8 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 23 , , December 20 , ,

New Jersey Nets New or NEW may refer to: Music * New, singer of K-pop group The Boyz * ''New'' (album), by Paul McCartney, 2013 ** "New" (Paul McCartney song), 2013 * ''New'' (EP), by Regurgitator, 1995 * "New" (Daya song), 2017 * "New" (No Doubt song), 1 ...

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12,884 , , 15–8 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 24 , , December 21 , , @

Charlotte Hornets The Charlotte Hornets are an American professional basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Hornets compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference. The team ...

, , L 93-98 , , , ,

Charlotte Coliseum Charlotte Coliseum was a multi-purpose sports and entertainment arena located in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was operated by the Charlotte Coliseum Authority, which also oversees the operation of Bojangles Coliseum, which was called Charlotte ...

24,042 , , 15–9 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 25 , , December 23 , , @

New York Knicks The New York Knickerbockers, shortened and more commonly referred to as the New York Knicks, are an American professional basketball team based in the Boroughs of New York City, New York City borough of Manhattan. The Knicks compete in the Na ...

, , L 76-82 , , , ,

Madison Square Garden Madison Square Garden, colloquially known as the Garden or by its initials MSG, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in New York City. It is located in Midtown Manhattan between Seventh Avenue (Manhattan), Seventh and Eighth Avenue (Manhattan), Eig ...

19,763 , , 15–10 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 26 , , December 26 , ,

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16,378 , , 16–10 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 27 , , December 28 , , @

, , L 86-97 , , , , US Airways Arena
11,797 , , 16–11 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 28 , , January 3 , , @

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Continental Airlines Arena Meadowlands Arena (formerly Brendan Byrne Arena, Continental Airlines Arena and Izod Center) is a closed indoor sports and concert venue located in the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States. Since closing, ...

14,310 , , 17–11 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 29 , , January 4 , ,

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16,378 , , 18–11 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 30 , , January 7 , ,

, , W 105-103 (OT) , , , ,

, , 19–11 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 31 , , January 9 , , @

, , W 97-92 (OT) , , , ,

17,248 , , 20–11 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 32 , , January 11 , ,

, , W 87-82 (OT) , , , ,

15,877 , , 21–11 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 33 , , January 13 , , @

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14,565 , , 22–11 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 34 , , January 14 , ,

Minnesota Timberwolves The Minnesota Timberwolves (often referred to as the Wolves or T-wolves) are an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis. The Timberwolves compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Northwest Divisio ...

, , W 95-93 , , , ,

14,032 , , 23–11 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 35 , , January 16 , ,

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16,378 , , 24–11 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 36 , , January 18 , ,

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16,378 , , 25–11 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 37 , , January 20 , ,

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16,378 , , 26–11 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 38 , , January 21 , , @

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14,853 , , 26–12 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 39 , , January 24 , ,

, , W 117-105 (OT) , , , ,

15,325 , , 27–12 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 40 , , January 25 , ,

, , W 95-90 , , , ,

16,378 , , 28–12 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 41 , , January 28 , , @

Los Angeles Clippers The Los Angeles Clippers are an American professional basketball team based in the Greater Los Angeles area. The Clippers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. The ...

, , W 112-96 , , , ,

Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena The Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena was a multi-purpose arena at Exposition Park, in the University Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. It was located next to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and just south of the campus of the University of ...

, , 29–12 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 42 , , January 30 , , @

, , L 96-102 , , , ,

Delta Center The Delta Center is an indoor venue in Salt Lake City. Opened in 1991, the arena is the home of the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Utah Mammoth of the National Hockey League (NHL). The arena has a seating capacity ...

19,911 , , 29–13 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 43 , , January 31 , , @

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General Motors Place Rogers Arena, (formerly General Motors Place), is a multi-purpose arena at 800 Griffiths Way in the downtown area of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Opened in 1995, the arena was known as General Motors Place (GM Place) from its opening u ...

15,205 , , 30–13 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 44 , , February 2 , , @

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McNichols Sports Arena McNichols Sports Arena was an indoor arena located in Denver, Colorado, United States. Located adjacent to Mile High Stadium and completed in 1975, at a cost of $16 million, it seated 16,061 for hockey games and 17,171 for basketball games. Sp ...

13,122 , , 30–14 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 45 , , February 4 , , @

Golden State Warriors The Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in San Francisco. The Warriors compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. Founded in 1946 i ...

, , W 107-85 , , , ,

San Jose Arena SAP Center at San Jose (originally known as San Jose Arena and HP Pavilion at San Jose) is an indoor arena located in San Jose, California. Its primary tenant is the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League, for which the arena has earned ...

13,111 , , 31–14 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 46 , , February 5 , , @

, , L 81-99 , , , ,

America West Arena The PHX Arena (formerly America West Arena, US Airways Center, Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix Suns Arena and Footprint Center) is a multi-purpose arena in Phoenix, Arizona. It opened under the name America West Arena on June 6, 1992, at ...

19,023 , , 31–15 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 47 , , February 12 , ,

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13,846 , , 32–15 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 48 , , February 14 , ,

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16,378 , , 32–16 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 49 , , February 15 , , @

, , W 109-89 , , , ,

Alamodome The Alamodome is a 64,000-seat domed indoor multi-purpose stadium in San Antonio, Texas. It is located on the southeastern fringe of downtown San Antonio. The facility opened on May 15, 1993, having been constructed at a cost of $186 milli ...

26,809 , , 33–16 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 50 , , February 17 , , @

Houston Rockets The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston. The Rockets compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southwest Division (NBA), Southwest Division of the Western Conference (NBA) ...

, , L 98-127 , , , , The Summit
16,285 , , 33–17 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 51 , , February 19 , ,

Indiana Pacers The Indiana Pacers are an American professional basketball team based in Indianapolis. The Pacers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Central Division (NBA), Central Division of the Eastern Conference (NBA), Ea ...

, , W 100-87 , , , ,

16,378 , , 34–17 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 52 , , February 21 , ,

, , W 76-74 , , , ,

16,378 , , 35–17 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 53 , , February 22 , ,

, , L 92-93 , , , ,

16,378 , , 35–18 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 54 , , February 24 , ,

, , W 106-100 , , , ,

15,660 , , 36–18 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 55 , , February 26 , , @

, , W 79-72 , , , ,

13,285 , , 37–18 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 56 , , February 28 , ,

, , W 86-75 , , , ,

16,378 , , 38–18 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 57 , , March 2 , , @

, , L 75-82 , , , ,

21,454 , , 38–19 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 58 , , March 4 , ,

, , W 93-88 , , , ,

15,404 , , 39–19 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 59 , , March 6 , , @

, , W 117-104 , , , ,

CoreStates Center Wells Fargo Center (to be renamed to Xfinity Mobile Arena effective September 1, 2025) is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Philadelphia. It serves as the home of the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL), the Philadel ...

13,802 , , 40–19 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 60 , , March 7 , ,

, , W 90-80 , , , ,

14,906 , , 41–19 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 61 , , March 9 , , @

, , W 114-90 , , , , FleetCenter
16,931 , , 42–19 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 62 , , March 11 , ,

, , W 106-99 , , , ,

14,475 , , 43–19 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 63 , , March 12 , , @

, , L 82-92 , , , ,

Market Square Arena Market Square Arena (MSA) was an indoor arena in Indianapolis. Completed in 1974, at a cost of $23 million, it seated 16,530 for basketball and 15,993 for ice hockey. Seating capacity for concerts and other events was adjusted by the use of larg ...

14,824 , , 43–20 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 64 , , March 14 , ,

, , L 91-97 , , , ,

16,378 , , 43–21 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 65 , , March 15 , , @

, , L 79-99 , , , ,

23,984 , , 43–22 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 66 , , March 17 , ,

, , W 112-107 (OT) , , , ,

15,708 , , 44–22 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 67 , , March 19 , ,

, , W 107-95 , , , ,

14,099 , , 45–22 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 68 , , March 21 , ,

, , W 93-72 , , , ,

13,809 , , 46–22 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 69 , , March 23 , , @

, , W 90-79 , , , ,

18,533 , , 47–22 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 70 , , March 25 , ,

, , W 96-89 , , , ,

15,256 , , 48–22 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 71 , , March 27 , ,

, , W 103-88 , , , ,

13,876 , , 49–22 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 72 , , March 29 , ,

, , W 88-74 , , , ,

14,942 , , 50–22 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 73 , , April 2 , , @

, , L 84-95 , , , ,

24,042 , , 50–23 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 74 , , April 4 , ,

, , W 103-89 , , , ,

16,378 , , 51–23 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 75 , , April 5 , ,

, , L 97-102 , , , ,

16,378 , , 51–24 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 76 , , April 9 , , @

, , W 116-101 , , , ,

16,549 , , 52–24 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 77 , , April 11 , , @

, , W 104-92 , , , ,

16,403 , , 53–24 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 78 , , April 12 , , @

, , W 80-66 , , , ,

Target Center Target Center is a multi-purpose arena located in Minneapolis that opened in 1990. It hosts major family shows, concerts, sporting events, graduations and private events. Target Corporation, founded and headquartered in Minneapolis since 1902, h ...

18,874 , , 54–24 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 79 , , April 15 , ,

, , W 109-101 , , , ,

14,458 , , 55–24 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 80 , , April 16 , , @

, , L 92-96 , , , ,

19,763 , , 55–25 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 81 , , April 19 , ,

, , W 136-104 , , , ,

16,457 , , 56–25 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 82 , , April 20 , , @

, , L 92-108 , , , ,

18,702 , , 56–26 , -

Playoffs

, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 1 , April 25 ,

Detroit Detroit ( , ) is the List of municipalities in Michigan, most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the bank of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. It had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 United State ...

W 89–75
,

(26) ,

(15) ,

(4) ,

15,795 , 1–0 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 2 , April 27 ,

L 80–93
, Steve Smith (22) ,

(9) ,

(7) ,

16,378 , 1–1 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 3 , April 29 , @

L 91–99
,

(25) ,

(21) ,

(10) ,

20,059 , 1–2 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 4 , May 2 , @

W 94–82
, Steve Smith (28) , Mutombo, Laettner (12) ,

(9) ,

21,454 , 2–2 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 5 , May 4 ,

W 84–79
,

(23) , Mutombo, Blaylock (9) , Blaylock, Corbin (5) ,

16,378 , 3–2 , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 1 , May 6 , @

Chicago Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...

L 97–100
,

(31) ,

(12) ,

(6) ,

24,397 , 0–1 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 2 , May 8 , @

W 103–95
, Steve Smith (27) ,

(15) ,

(9) ,

24,544 , 1–1 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 3 , May 10 ,

L 80–100
,

(16) ,

(13) ,

(6) ,

16,378 , 1–2 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 4 , May 11 ,

L 80–89
,

(21) ,

(12) ,

(4) ,

16,378 , 1–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 5 , May 13 , @

L 92–107
,

(23) ,

(12) ,

(8) ,

24,544 , 1–4 , -

Player statistics

Season

Playoffs

Player Statistics Citation:

Awards and records

Awards

NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award The NBA Defensive Player of the Year is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA) award given since the 1982–83 NBA season to the best defensive player of the regular season. The winner is selected by a panel of 124 sportswriters and b ...

Records

Transactions

Trades

July 15, 1996 *Traded

Stacey Augmon Stacey Orlando Augmon (born August 1, 1968) is an American basketball coach and former player. He serves as the player development coach of the Sacramento Kings. He played professionally in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He gained th ...

, and

Grant Long Grant Andrew Long (born March 12, 1966) is an American former professional basketball player. He played over 1,000 games for the National Basketball Association over a 15-year career. Long had two relatives who were playing in the NBA during h ...

to the

for a 1997 second round draft pick, a 1999 first round draft pick, and a 1999 second round draft pick.

Free agents

July 15, 1996 * Signed

as a free agent. August 13, 1996 *Signed

as a free agent. September 12, 1996 *Signed

as a free agent. *Signed

as a free agent. September 27, 1996 *Signed

as a free agent. October 2, 1996 *Signed

Ivano Newbill Ivano Miguel Newbill (born December 12, 1970, in Sedalia, Missouri) is an American former professional basketball forward who played three seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Detroit Pistons (1994–95), the At ...

as a free agent. *Signed

Melvin Booker Melvin Jermaine Booker (born August 20, 1972) is an American former professional basketball player. A , point guard, he played for the University of Missouri. Amateur career Booker was a standout high school player in Moss Point, Mississippi. ...

as a free agent. October 28, 1996 *Waived

. *Waived Melvin Booker. November 13, 1996 *Signed Derrick Alston as a free agent. November 14, 1996 *Signed Willie Burton as a free agent. *Signed Anthony Miller as a free agent. November 26, 1996 *Waived Derrick Alston. December 20, 1996 *Signed

as a free agent. January 2, 1997 *Signed Darrin Hancock as a free agent. January 7, 1997 *Waived Darrin Hancock. *Waived Willie Burton. March 4, 1997 *Waived

. March 5, 1997 *Signed Darrin Hancock to the first of two 10-day contracts. March 25, 1997 *Signed Darrin Hancock to a contract for the rest of the season.

Offseason

Draft picks

Roster

Roster Notes

Regular season

Season standings

Record vs. opponents

Game log

Playoffs

Player statistics

Season

Playoffs

Awards and records

Awards

Records

Transactions

Trades

Free agents

Additions

Subtractions

See also

References