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 36th season for the

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 ...

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 24th season in

Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly known as Washington or D.C., is the capital city and federal district of the United States. The city is on the Potomac River, across from Virginia, and shares land borders with ...

. During the off-season, the Bullets acquired

Rod Strickland Rodney Strickland (born July 11, 1966) is an American basketball coach and former professional basketball player. He is currently the head coach at Long Island University. Prior to LIU, he served as the program manager for the NBA G League's prof ...

, and former Bullets forward

Harvey Grant Harvey Grant (born July 4, 1965) is an American former professional National Basketball Association (NBA) basketball player. He is the identical twin brother of Horace Grant, also a former NBA player. College career Grant transferred to Oklaho ...

from the

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 ...

, and signed free agents

Tracy Murray Tracy Lamont Murray (born July 25, 1971) is an American former professional basketball player who works as an analyst with the UCLA Sports Network for all of the games during the UCLA Bruins' basketball season. Tracy is also a part-time analyst ...

Jaren Jackson Jaren Walter Jackson Sr. (born October 27, 1967) is an American professional basketball coach and former player who is an assistant coach for the Incarnate Word Cardinals of the Southland Conference. A shooting guard born in New Orleans, Louis ...

and Lorenzo Williams. Despite a stellar season last year,

Juwan Howard Juwan Antonio Howard ( ; born February7, 1973) is an American professional basketball coach and former player who is an assistant coach for the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He previously served as the head coach ...

signed a 7-year $100 million contract with the

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 ...

. However, the deal was voided claiming that Miami exceeded their salary cap; the Bullets quickly re-signed Howard, but would lose their first-round draft pick next year. After 46 games into the regular season, the Bullets fired head coach

Jim Lynam James Francis Lynam (born September 15, 1941) is an American former college and professional basketball coach. He coached at the college level for Fairfield University from 1968 to 1970, American University from 1973 to 1978, and St. Joseph's U ...

, then after playing one game under assistant

Bob Staak Robert John Staak (born December 22, 1947) is an American former college basketball and professional basketball coach. Early life Staak was born in Darien, Connecticut. He attended Darien High School, where he played basketball and became the al ...

, and holding a 22–25 record at the All-Star break, they hired former Bullets assistant

Bernie Bickerstaff Bernard Tyrone Bickerstaff (born February 11, 1944) is an American basketball coach and front office executive, currently serving as the Senior Basketball Advisor for the Cleveland Cavaliers. As a coach, he previously worked as the head coach for ...

as their new coach. Under Bickerstaff, the Bullets finished the season winning 16 of their final 21 games. On the final day of the regular season on April 20, 1997, the Bullets defeated 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 ...

, 85–81 at the

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 ...

to capture the #8 seed in the Eastern Conference; the team finished in fourth place in the Atlantic Division with a 44–38 record, ending an eight-year playoff drought, and 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 first time since the 1987–88 season.

Chris Webber Mayce Edward Christopher Webber III (born March 1, 1973), nicknamed "C-Webb", is an American former professional basketball player. Webber played 15 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA), with the largest portion of his career sp ...

averaged 20.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.9 blocks per game, and was 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 ...

, which was his first ever All-Star appearance. In addition, Howard averaged 19.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, while Strickland provided the team with 17.2 points, 8.9 assists and 1.7 steals per game. Meanwhile,

Calbert Cheaney Calbert Nathaniel Cheaney (born July 17, 1971) is an American basketball coach and former player who serves as Director of player development for the Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball of the Big Ten. He starred as a player for the Indiana Hoosie ...

and last season's Most Improved Player,

Gheorghe Mureșan Gheorghe Dumitru Mureșan (; born 14 February 1971), known as ''the Giant'' () is a Romanian-American former professional basketball player. At , he is one of the two tallest players to have played in the NBA. Early life Mureșan was born in T ...

both contributed 10.6 points per game each, while Mureșan provided with 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, and Murray contributed 10.0 points per game and 106 three-point field goals off the bench. In the Eastern Conference First Round of the 1997 NBA playoffs, the Bullets were swept by

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 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 three straight games, losing Game 3 at home by one point, 96–95 after taking a 14–2 lead early in the first quarter; this would be their final playoff appearance until

2005 2005 was designated as the International Year for Sport and Physical Education and the International Year of Microcredit. The beginning of 2005 also marked the end of the International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples, Internationa ...

. 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. Following the season, Jackson signed as a free agent 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 ...

. For Washington, Game 3 of that series at US Airways Arena was officially their final game as the "Bullets". In 1995, Bullets owner

Abe Pollin Abraham J. Pollin (December 3, 1923 – November 24, 2009) was a real estate developer, professional sports team owner, and philanthropist in the Washington metropolitan area. He owned the Washington Capitals in the National Hockey League (N ...

decided to change the team's name due to gun violence in Washington, D.C., and after the assassination of his friend, Israel Prime Minister

Yitzhak Rabin Yitzhak Rabin (; , ; 1 March 1922 – 4 November 1995) was an Israeli politician, statesman and general. He was the prime minister of Israel, serving two terms in office, 1974–1977, and from 1992 until Assassination of Yitzhak Rabin, his ass ...

. On May 15, 1997, the team officially changed its name to the "Wizards", and became known as the "Washington Wizards" the following season. The rebrand was held up by a copyright lawsuit filed by the

Harlem Wizards The Harlem Wizards is a professional basketball team created in 1962 by sports promoter Howie Davis. Unlike most basketball teams, the Harlem Wizards are not primarily focused on winning games. Instead, their aim is to entertain the crowd using ...

, a traveling comedy basketball team with the same name. Still, the team won the trademark infringement case, as a court ruling allowed them to change their name to the "Wizards".

Draft picks

Roster

Regular season

Season standings

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

Record vs. opponents

Game log

Regular season

, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 1 , November 1, 1996 , @

Orlando Orlando commonly refers to: * Orlando, Florida, a city in the United States Orlando may also refer to: People * Orlando (given name), a masculine name, includes a list of people with the name * Orlando (surname), includes a list of people wit ...

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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 ...

, 1–0 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 2 , November 2, 1996 ,

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

L 96–98 (OT)
, , , , US Airways Arena , 1–1 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 3 , November 6, 1996 ,

San Antonio San Antonio ( ; Spanish for " Saint Anthony") is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the most populous city in Greater San Antonio. San Antonio is the third-largest metropolitan area in Texas and the 24th-largest metropolitan area in the ...

W 96–86
, , , , US Airways Arena , 2–1 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 4 , November 8, 1996 , Charlotte
L 87–102
, , , , US Airways Arena , 2–2 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 5 , November 9, 1996 , @

Indiana Indiana ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern region of the United States. It borders Lake Michigan to the northwest, Michigan to the north and northeast, Ohio to the east, the Ohio River and Kentucky to the s ...

L 100–103 (OT)
, , , ,

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 ...

, 2–3 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 6 , November 12, 1996 ,

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 ...

L 79–92
, , , , US Airways Arena , 2–4 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 7 , November 13, 1996 , @

New Jersey New Jersey is a U.S. state, state located in both the Mid-Atlantic States, Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, Northeastern regions of the United States. Located at the geographic hub of the urban area, heavily urbanized Northeas ...

W 106–91
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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, ...

, 3–4 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 8 , November 15, 1996 , @

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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 ...

, 3–5 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 9 , November 16, 1996 ,

Boston Boston is the capital and most populous city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States. The city serves as the cultural and Financial centre, financial center of New England, a region of the Northeas ...

W 106–92
, , , , US Airways Arena , 4–5 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 10 , November 20, 1996 ,

Seattle Seattle ( ) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Washington and in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. With a population of 780,995 in 2024, it is the 18th-most populous city in the United States. The city is the cou ...

L 110–115 (2OT)
, , , , US Airways Arena , 4–6 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 11 , November 22, 1996 ,

Philadelphia Philadelphia ( ), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the List of United States cities by population, sixth-most populous city in the Unit ...

W 88–76
, , , , US Airways Arena , 5–6 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 12 , November 23, 1996 , @

Milwaukee Milwaukee is the List of cities in Wisconsin, most populous city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it is the List of United States cities by population, 31st-most populous city in the United States ...

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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 ...

, 6–6 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 13 , November 25, 1996 ,

Minnesota Minnesota ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Upper Midwestern region of the United States. It is bordered by the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario to the north and east and by the U.S. states of Wisconsin to the east, Iowa to the so ...

W 105–98
, , , , US Airways Arena , 7–6 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 14 , November 29, 1996 , @

Atlanta 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 ...

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The Omni 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 ...

, 7–7 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 15 , November 30, 1996 ,

Houston Houston ( ) is the List of cities in Texas by population, most populous city in the U.S. state of Texas and in the Southern United States. Located in Southeast Texas near Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, it is the county seat, seat of ...

L 99–103
, , , , US Airways Arena , 7–8 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 16 , December 5, 1996 , @

Toronto Toronto ( , locally pronounced or ) is the List of the largest municipalities in Canada by population, most populous city in Canada. It is the capital city of the Provinces and territories of Canada, Canadian province of Ontario. With a p ...

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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 ...

, 7–9 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 17 , December 7, 1996 ,

L 118–126
, , , , US Airways Arena , 7–10 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 18 , December 10, 1996 , @

New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York New York may also refer to: Places United Kingdom * ...

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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 ...

, 7–11 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 19 , December 11, 1996 ,

W 106–95
, , , , US Airways Arena , 8–11 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 20 , December 13, 1996 ,

Denver Denver ( ) is a List of municipalities in Colorado#Consolidated city and county, consolidated city and county, the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Colorado, most populous city of the U.S. state of ...

W 108–104
, , , , US Airways Arena , 9–11 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 21 , December 15, 1996 , @ Golden State
W 110–102
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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 ...

, 10–11 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 22 , December 16, 1996 , @

Sacramento Sacramento ( or ; ; ) is the capital city of the U.S. state of California and the seat of Sacramento County. Located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers in Northern California's Sacramento Valley, Sacramento's 2020 p ...

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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 ...

, 11–11 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 23 , December 18, 1996 , @ Phoenix
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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 ...

, 11–12 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 24 , December 19, 1996 , @ L.A. Clippers
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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 ...

, 12–12 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 25 , December 22, 1996 , @

Vancouver Vancouver is a major city in Western Canada, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. As the List of cities in British Columbia, most populous city in the province, the 2021 Canadian census recorded 662,248 people in the cit ...

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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 ...

, 12–13 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 26 , December 23, 1996 , @

Portland Portland most commonly refers to: *Portland, Oregon, the most populous city in the U.S. state of Oregon *Portland, Maine, the most populous city in the U.S. state of Maine *Isle of Portland, a tied island in the English Channel Portland may also r ...

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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 ...

, 13–13 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 27 , December 27, 1996 ,

W 100–82
, , , , US Airways Arena , 14–13 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 28 , December 28, 1996 ,

W 97–86
, , , ,

Baltimore Arena CFG Bank Arena is a multipurpose arena in Baltimore, Maryland. This venue is located about one block away from the Baltimore Convention Center on the corner of Baltimore Street and Hopkins Place in downtown Baltimore. With a seating capacit ...

, 15–13 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 29 , December 30, 1996 , Charlotte
L 92–101
, , , , US Airways Arena , 15–14 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 30 , January 2, 1997 ,

L 80–92
, , , , US Airways Arena , 15–15 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 31 , January 4, 1997 , @ Charlotte
W 104–93
, , , ,

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 ...

, 16–15 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 32 , January 8, 1997 , Phoenix
W 115–113 (OT)
, , , , US Airways Arena , 17–15 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 33 , January 10, 1997 , L.A. Clippers
W 102–98
, , , , US Airways Arena , 18–15 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 34 , January 11, 1997 , @

W 98–85
, , , ,

, 19–15 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 35 , January 13, 1997 , @

Miami Miami is a East Coast of the United States, coastal city in the U.S. state of Florida and the county seat of Miami-Dade County, Florida, Miami-Dade County in South Florida. It is the core of the Miami metropolitan area, which, with a populat ...

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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 ...

, 19–16 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 36 , January 14, 1997 , @

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 ...

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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) ...

, 19–17 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 37 , January 17, 1997 ,

L 92–103
, , , ,

, 19–18 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 38 , January 18, 1997 , @

W 112–106
, , , , FleetCenter , 20–18 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 39 , January 20, 1997 , @

L 79–95
, , , ,

, 20–19 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 40 , January 21, 1997 , @

L 88–93
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, 20–20 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 41 , January 24, 1997 , @

L 105–117 (OT)
, , , ,

, 20–21 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 42 , January 25, 1997 ,

W 113–105
, , , , US Airways Arena , 21–21 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 43 , January 28, 1997 ,

W 102–82
, , , , US Airways Arena , 22–21 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 44 , January 31, 1997 , @

L 95–97
, , , ,

KeyArena Climate Pledge Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Seattle, Washington, United States. It is located north of downtown Seattle in the entertainment complex known as the Seattle Center, the site of the 1962 World's Fair, for which it wa ...

, 22–22 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 45 , February 2, 1997 , @ L.A. Lakers
L 99–129
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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 ...

, 22–23 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 46 , February 3, 1997 , @

Utah Utah is a landlocked state in the Mountain states, Mountain West subregion of the Western United States. It is one of the Four Corners states, sharing a border with Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. It also borders Wyoming to the northea ...

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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 ...

, 22–24 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 47 , February 5, 1997 , @

L 104–106
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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 ...

, 22–25 , - align="center" , colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff", All-Star Break , - style="background:#cfc;" , - bgcolor="#bbffbb" , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 48 , February 11, 1997 ,

L 92–97
, , , , US Airways Arena , 22–26 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 49 , February 14, 1997 ,

W 125–107
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, 23–26 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 50 , February 15, 1997 , @

L 86–107
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, 23–27 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 51 , February 17, 1997 ,

W 95–93
, , , , US Airways Arena , 24–27 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 52 , February 19, 1997 , @

L 85–100
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, 24–28 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 53 , February 21, 1997 ,

L 99–103
, , , , US Airways Arena , 24–29 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 54 , February 23, 1997 ,

L 79–85
, , , , US Airways Arena , 24–30 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 55 , February 25, 1997 ,

W 108–87
, , , , US Airways Arena , 25–30 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 56 , February 27, 1997 , L.A. Lakers
L 107–122
, , , , US Airways Arena , 25–31 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 57 , March 1, 1997 , Golden State
W 118–108
, , , , US Airways Arena , 26–31 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 58 , March 4, 1997 , @

W 107–106
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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 ...

, 27–31 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 59 , March 6, 1997 , @

W 99–95
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, 28–31 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 60 , March 7, 1997 ,

L 105–108 (OT)
, , , , US Airways Arena , 28–32 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 61 , March 9, 1997 ,

L 93–99
, , , , US Airways Arena , 28–33 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 62 , March 12, 1997 ,

W 104–82
, , , , US Airways Arena , 29–33 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 63 , March 14, 1997 , @

W 105–96
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, 30–33 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 64 , March 15, 1997 ,

L 93–100
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W 109–85
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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 ...

, 31–34 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 66 , March 18, 1997 , @

Dallas Dallas () is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the most populous city in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, the List of Texas metropolitan areas, most populous metropolitan area in Texas and the Metropolitan statistical area, fourth-most ...

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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 ...

, 32–34 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 67 , March 20, 1997 , @

L 90–96
, , , , The Summit , 32–35 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 68 , March 22, 1997 ,

W 108–104
, , , , US Airways Arena , 33–35 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 69 , March 26, 1997 ,

W 105–92
, , , , US Airways Arena , 34–35 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 70 , March 28, 1997 ,

W 113–86
, , , , US Airways Arena , 35–35 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 71 , March 29, 1997 ,

W 94–87
, , , ,

, 36–35 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 72 , April 1, 1997 , @

W 104–100
, , , ,

, 37–35 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 73 , April 3, 1997 ,

W 110–102
, , , , US Airways Arena , 38–35 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 74 , April 4, 1997 , @

L 95–97
, , , ,

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 ...

, 38–36 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 75 , April 6, 1997 , @

W 120–114
, , , , FleetCenter , 39–36 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 76 , April 8, 1997 , @

L 94–100
, , , ,

, 39–37 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 77 , April 11, 1997 ,

W 109–90
, , , , US Airways Arena , 40–37 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 78 , April 12, 1997 , @ Charlotte
L 97–99
, , , ,

, 40–38 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 79 , April 14, 1997 , @

W 131–110
, , , ,

, 41–38 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 80 , April 16, 1997 ,

W 103–90
, , , , US Airways Arena , 42–38 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 81 , April 18, 1997 ,

W 104–93
, , , , US Airways Arena , 43–38 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" , 82 , April 20, 1997 , @

W 85–81
, , , ,

, 44–38

Playoffs

, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 1 , April 25, 1997 , @

L 86–98
,

(21) ,

(10) ,

(8) ,

24,122 , 0–1 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 2 , April 27, 1997 , @

L 104–109
,

(26) ,

(12) ,

(8) ,

24,267 , 0–2 , - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" , 3 , April 30, 1997 ,

L 95–96
,

(24) ,

(8) ,

(9) , US Airways Arena
18,756 , 0–3 , -

Player statistics

Regular season

, - , style="text-align:left;", , 31 , , 0 , , 4.6 , , .300 , , 1.000 , , .536 , , 1.7 , , .1 , , .2 , , .1 , , 1.3 , - , style="text-align:left;", , 79 , , 79 , , 30.5 , , .505 , , .133 , , .693 , , 3.4 , , 1.4 , , 1.0 , , .2 , , 10.6 , - , style="text-align:left;", ^† , 5 , , 0 , , 1.4 , , .333 , , , , , , 1.0 , , .0 , , .0 , , .0 , , .4 , - , style="text-align:left;", , 78 , , 25 , , 20.6 , , .411 , , .315 , , .769 , , 3.3 , , .9 , , .6 , , .6 , , 4.1 , - , style="text-align:left;", , 82 , , 82 , , 40.5 , , .486 , , .000 , , .756 , , 8.0 , , 3.8 , , 1.1 , , .3 , , 19.1 , - , style="text-align:left;", , 75 , , 0 , , 15.1 , , .407 , , .335 , , .768 , , 1.8 , , .9 , , .6 , , .2 , , 5.0 , - , style="text-align:left;", , 15 , , 0 , , 12.1 , , .313 , , .276 , , .857 , , 1.4 , , .5 , , .2 , , .3 , , 2.9 , - , style="text-align:left;", , 73 , , 69 , , 25.3 , , .604 , , , , .618 , , 6.6 , , .4 , , .6 , , 1.3 , , 10.6 , - , style="text-align:left;", , 82 , , 1 , , 22.1 , , .425 , , .353 , , .839 , , 3.1 , , 1.0 , , .8 , , .2 , , 10.0 , - , style="text-align:left;", ^† , 1 , , 0 , , 6.0 , , .333 , , .000 , , , , 1.0 , , .0 , , 1.0 , , .0 , , 2.0 , - , style="text-align:left;", , 82 , , 81 , , 36.5 , , .466 , , .169 , , .738 , , 4.1 , , 8.9 , , 1.7 , , .2 , , 17.2 , - , style="text-align:left;", , 34 , , 0 , , 5.8 , , .348 , , , , .300 , , 1.7 , , .1 , , .2 , , .3 , , 1.1 , - , style="text-align:left;", , 72 , , 72 , , 39.0 , , .518 , , .397 , , .565 , , 10.3 , , 4.6 , , 1.7 , , 1.9 , , 20.1 , - , style="text-align:left;", , 82 , , 1 , , 13.6 , , .421 , , .356 , , .832 , , 1.3 , , 2.2 , , .6 , , .0 , , 5.2 , - , style="text-align:left;", , 19 , , 0 , , 13.9 , , .645 , , , , .714 , , 3.6 , , .2 , , .3 , , .4 , , 2.4

Playoffs

, - , style="text-align:left;", , 3 , , 3 , , 40.0 , , .439 , , .000 , , .750 , , 3.7 , , 1.3 , , 1.0 , , .7 , , 15.0 , - , style="text-align:left;", , 3 , , 0 , , 9.7 , , .000 , , .000 , , , , 1.3 , , .0 , , .0 , , .7 , , .0 , - , style="text-align:left;", , 3 , , 3 , , 43.0 , , .465 , , , , .889 , , 6.0 , , 1.7 , , .7 , , .7 , , 18.7 , - , style="text-align:left;", , 3 , , 0 , , 3.7 , , , , , , .000 , , .7 , , .3 , , .0 , , .0 , , .0 , - , style="text-align:left;", , 3 , , 0 , , 6.3 , , .000 , , .000 , , .500 , , .3 , , .7 , , .0 , , .0 , , .3 , - , style="text-align:left;", , 3 , , 3 , , 23.3 , , .444 , , , , .875 , , 6.0 , , .0 , , .0 , , 1.3 , , 5.0 , - , style="text-align:left;", , 3 , , 0 , , 29.0 , , .567 , , .500 , , .941 , , 3.0 , , .7 , , 1.3 , , .7 , , 18.3 , - , style="text-align:left;", , 3 , , 3 , , 41.3 , , .423 , , .500 , , .737 , , 6.0 , , 8.3 , , 1.0 , , .0 , , 19.7 , - , style="text-align:left;", , 3 , , 3 , , 35.3 , , .633 , , .455 , , .500 , , 8.0 , , 3.3 , , .7 , , 2.3 , , 15.7 , - , style="text-align:left;", , 3 , , 0 , , 6.7 , , .400 , , .500 , , 1.000 , , .7 , , .7 , , .0 , , .0 , , 2.3 , - , style="text-align:left;", , 2 , , 0 , , 2.5 , , , , , , , , .0 , , .0 , , .0 , , .0 , , .0 Player Statistics Citation:

Awards and records

No Awards.

Draft picks

Roster

Regular season

Season standings

Record vs. opponents

Game log

Regular season

Playoffs

Player statistics

Regular season

Playoffs

Awards and records

Transactions

References

See also