1996–97 Atlanta Hawks season explained

Team:Atlanta Hawks
End Year:1997
Wins:56
Losses:26
Division:Central
Division Place:2
Conf Place:4
Coach:Lenny Wilkens
Gm:Pete Babcock
Owners:Ted Turner / Turner Broadcasting System
Arena:Omni Coliseum
Playoffs:Conference Semi-finals
(lost to Bulls 1–4)
Bbr Team:ATL
Television:
  • WATL
  • Fox Sports South
Radio:WCNN

The 1996–97 NBA season was the Hawks' 48th season in the National Basketball Association, and 29th season in Atlanta.[1] During this season, Hawks owner Ted Turner was the then-vice chairman of Time Warner after acquiring Turner Broadcasting System.[2] [3] [4] In an effort to improve their team, the Hawks strengthened their defense by signing free agent All-Star center Dikembe Mutombo.[5] [6] [7] [8] [9] During the off-season, the team signed free agents Tyrone Corbin and Willie Burton; Corbin previously played for the Hawks during the 1994–95 season.[10] [11] [12] The team also signed Eldridge Recasner, and former Georgia Tech University guard Jon Barry.[13] [14]

The Hawks struggled with a 5–6 start to the season, but soon played above .500 as the team signed three-point specialist Henry James in December,[14] 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,[15] then later on held a 31–15 record at the All-Star break,[16] 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.[17] [18] The Hawks finished second in the Central Division with a 56–26 record, while posting the third best home record in the league at 36–5.[19] The Hawks had the third best team defensive rating in the NBA.[20]

Mutombo averaged 13.3 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game, and would capture the Defensive Player of the Year honors for the second time, as he was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, finishing second in the NBA in rebounding and blocked shots,[21] [22] [23] while Christian Laettner had a stellar season, averaging 18.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Mutombo and Laettner were both selected for the 1997 NBA All-Star Game.[24] [25] [26] [27] In addition, Steve Smith continued to lead the Hawks in scoring with 20.1 points per game, while Mookie Blaylock provided the team with 17.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.9 assists, led the league with 2.7 steals per game, finished second in the league with 221 three-point field goals, and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, 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 averaged 6.6 points and 3.9 rebounds per game,[28] but only played just 30 games due to a mysterious illness known as "acute viral pancreatitis".[29] [30] [31] Blaylock also finished in third place in Defensive Player of the Year voting.[32]

In the playoffs, the Hawks would be put to the test as they faced the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference First Round. The Pistons took a 2–1 series lead,[33] [34] [35] but the Hawks managed to win the next two games, thus winning the series in five games.[36] [37] [38] [39] However, the Hawks would provide little challenge to Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals, as they fell in five games to the defending and eventual NBA champions,[40] [41] [42] [43] despite winning Game 2 at the United Center, 103–95.[44] [45] [46] [47] The Bulls would go on to defeat the Utah Jazz in six games in the NBA Finals, winning their fifth championship in seven years.[48] [49] [50] [51] [52]

It was also the Hawks' final season playing at The Omni, which was scheduled to demolition after the season,[53] [54] [55] [56] 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.[57] [58] [59] [60] Following the season, Barry signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Lakers,[61] while James re-signed with his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers,[62] and Ken Norman, who only played just 17 games this season due to a back injury, retired.[63]

Offseason

Draft picks

See main article: 1996 NBA draft.

Roster

Roster Notes

Regular season

Season standings

[66]

z = clinched division title

y = clinched division title

x = clinched playoff spot

Record vs. opponents

1996–97 NBA records
width=100TeamATLBOSCHACHICLEDALDENDETGSWHOUINDLACLALMIAMILMINNJNNYKORLPHIPHOPORSACSASSEATORUTAVANWAS
Atlanta – 3–1 1–3 1–3 3–1 2–0 1–1 1–3 2–0 1–1 3–1 2–0 1–1 1–2 4–0 2–0 3–1 1–3 3–1 4–0 1–1 2–0 2–0 2–0 1–1 4–0 1–1 2–0 2–1
1–3 – 0–4 0–4 1–2 1–1 1–1 0–4 1–1 0–2 1–2 0–2 1–1 0–4 1–3 0–2 0–4 0–4 0–4 1–3 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 0–2 3–1 0–2 0–2 0–4
3–1 4–0 – 0–4 3–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 2–0 2–0 2–2 1–1 1–1 1–2 2–2 2–0 4–0 3–1 1–2 4–0 1–1 0–2 2–0 2–0 2–0 2–2 0–2 2–0 3–1
3–1 4–0 4–0 – 3–1 2–0 2–0 3–1 2–0 1–1 4–0 2–0 1–1 2–2 4–0 2–0 3–1 2–2 3–0 4–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 3–1 1–1 2–0 2–1
1–3 2–1 1–3 1–3 – 2–0 1–1 2–2 1–1 0–2 3–1 2–0 1–1 0–4 2–2 2–0 4–0 1–3 2–2 3–0 1–1 1–1 2–0 0–2 0–2 3–1 1–1 2–0 1–3
0–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 – 3–1 0–2 0–4 0–4 1–1 2–2 0–4 0–2 0–2 1–3 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–3 1–3 2–2 1–3 1–3 0–2 1–3 3–1 0–2
1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 1–1 1–3 – 0–2 1–3 1–3 0–2 1–3 0–4 0–2 1–1 0–4 1–1 0–2 0–2 1–1 2–2 0–4 2–2 2–2 0–4 1–1 0–4 3–1 1–1
3–1 4–0 2–2 1–3 2–2 2–0 2–0 – 2–0 1–1 3–1 2–0 1–1 0–4 3–1 2–0 4–0 1–2 2–2 2–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 3–1 1–1 2–0 4–0
0–2 1–1 0–2 0–2 1–1 4–0 3–1 0–2 – 0–4 1–1 1–3 0–4 0–2 1–1 1–3 2–0 0–2 1–1 2–0 0–4 2–2 1–3 4–0 0–4 2–0 0–4 3–1 0–2
1–1 2–0 0–2 1–1 2–0 4–0 3–1 1–1 4–0 – 1–1 3–1 3–1 0–2 1–1 4–0 2–0 1–1 0–2 2–0 2–2 2–2 4–0 3–1 3–1 1–1 2–2 3–1 2–0
1–3 2–1 2–2 0–4 1–3 1–1 2–0 1–3 1–1 1–1 – 2–0 1–1 1–3 2–2 2–0 2–2 1–3 1–3 3–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 4–0 0–2 2–0 1–3
0–2 2–0 1–1 0–2 0–2 2–2 3–1 0–2 3–1 1–3 0–2 – 2–2 0–2 2–0 1–3 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 2–2 0–4 2–2 4–0 1–3 2–0 1–3 4–0 0–2
L.A. Lakers1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 4–0 4–0 1–1 4–0 1–3 1–1 2–2 – 1–1 2–0 3–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 2–0 4–0 1–3 4–0 2–2 3–1 1–1 1–3 4–0 2–0
2–1 4–0 2–1 2–2 4–0 2–0 2–0 4–0 2–0 2–0 3–1 2–0 1–1 – 4–0 1–1 3–1 1–3 2–2 3–1 2–0 1–1 2–0 2–0 0–2 3–1 0–2 2–0 3–1
0–4 3–1 2–2 0–4 2–2 2–0 1–1 1–3 1–1 1–1 2–2 0–2 0–2 0–4 – 0–2 2–1 1–2 2–2 3–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 1–1 1–1 3–1 1–1 2–0 1–3
0–2 2–0 0–2 0–2 0–2 3–1 4–0 0–2 3–1 0–4 0–2 3–1 1–3 1–1 2–0 – 2–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 3–1 2–2 0–4 4–0 0–4 1–1 1–3 4–0 1–1
1–3 4–0 0–4 1–3 0–4 1–1 1–1 0–4 0–2 0–2 2–2 1–1 0–2 1–3 1–2 0–2 – 2–2 1–3 2–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 2–0 1–1 0–3 0–2 2–0 1–3
3–1 4–0 1–3 2–2 3–1 1–1 2–0 2–1 2–0 1–1 3–1 2–0 1–1 3–1 2–1 1–1 2–2 – 3–1 3–2 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 0–2 3–0 1–1 2–0 4–0
1–3 4–0 2–1 0–3 2–2 1–1 2–0 2–2 1–1 2–0 3–1 1–1 1–1 2–2 2–2 1–1 3–1 1–3 – 2–2 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 4–0 0–2 1–1 1–3
0–4 3–1 0–4 0–4 0–3 0–2 1–1 1–2 0–2 0–2 0–3 1–1 0–2 1–3 1–3 1–1 2–2 2–3 2–2 – 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 0–2 1–3 0–2 2–0 1–3
1–1 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 3–1 2–2 2–0 4–0 2–2 1–1 2–2 0–4 0–2 1–1 1–3 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 – 1–3 4–0 3–1 2–2 0–2 1–3 2–2 1–1
0–2 1–1 2–0 0–2 1–1 3–1 4–0 1–1 2–2 2–2 1–1 4–0 3–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 2–0 1–1 0–2 1–1 3–1 – 2–2 4–0 1–3 0–2 2–2 4–0 0–2
0–2 2–0 0–2 0–2 0–2 2–2 2–2 1–1 3–1 0–4 1–1 2–2 0–4 0–2 2–0 4–0 1–1 0–2 1–1 2–0 0–4 2–2 – 3–1 1–3 1–1 0–4 4–0 0–2
0–2 1–1 0–2 0–2 2–0 3–1 2–2 0–2 0–4 1–3 1–1 0–4 2–2 0–2 1–1 0–4 0–2 0–2 1–1 1–1 1–3 0–4 1–3 – 0–4 1–1 1–3 1–3 0–2
1–1 2–0 0–2 0–2 2–0 3–1 4–0 1–1 4–0 1–3 1–1 3–1 1–3 2–0 1–1 4–0 1–1 2–0 1–1 2–0 2–2 3–1 3–1 4–0 – 2–0 1–3 4–0 2–0
0–4 1–3 2–2 1–3 1–3 2–0 1–1 1–3 0–2 1–1 0–4 0–2 1–1 1–3 1–3 1–1 3–0 0–3 0–4 3–1 2–0 2–0 1–1 1–1 0–2 – 1–1 1–1 2–2
1–1 2–0 2–0 1–1 1–1 3–1 4–0 1–1 4–0 2–2 2–0 3–1 3–1 2–0 1–1 3–1 2–0 1–1 2–0 2–0 3–1 2–2 4–0 3–1 3–1 1–1 – 4–0 2–0
0–2 2–0 0–2 0–2 0–2 1–3 1–3 0–2 1–3 1–3 0–2 0–4 0–4 0–2 0–2 0–4 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 2–2 0–4 0–4 3–1 0–4 1–1 0–4 – 1–1
Washington1–2 4–0 1–3 1–2 3–1 2–0 1–1 0–4 2–0 0–2 3–1 2–0 0–2 1–3 3–1 1–1 3–1 0–4 3–1 3–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 2–0 0–2 2–2 0–2 1–1 —

Game log

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 1 || November 1 || @ Miami Heat ||L 81-94 || || Miami Arena
15,133 || 0–1|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 2 || November 2 || Detroit Pistons ||L 78-90 || || Omni Coliseum
16,378 || 0–2|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 3 || November 4 || @ Portland Trail Blazers ||W 94-76 || || Rose Garden Arena
21,567 || 1–2|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 4 || November 5 || @ Seattle SuperSonics ||W 117-95 || || KeyArena at Seattle Center
17,072 || 2-2|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 5 || November 7 || @ Sacramento Kings ||W 91-87 || || ARCO Arena
17,317 || 3–2|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 6 || November 10 || @ Los Angeles Lakers ||L 85-92 || || Great Western Forum
16,097 || 3-3|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 7 || November 12 || Cleveland Cavaliers ||W 87-83 || || Omni Coliseum || 4–3|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 8 || November 13 || @ Boston Celtics ||L 85-103 || || FleetCenter
13,184 || 4-4|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 9 || November 15 || Miami Heat ||W 85-77 || || Omni Coliseum
16,378 || 5–4|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 10 || November 16 || @ Chicago Bulls ||L 69-97 || || United Center
23,939 || 5-5|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 11 || November 19 || @ Cleveland Cavaliers ||L 63-73 || || Gund Arena
14,182 || 5–6|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 12 || November 21 || @ Milwaukee Bucks ||W 73-65 || || Bradley Center
14,698 || 6-6|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 13 || November 23 || @ Toronto Raptors ||W 91-88 || || SkyDome
16,838 || 7–6|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 14 || November 26 || Vancouver Grizzlies ||W 101-80 || || Omni Coliseum || 8–6|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 15 || November 27 || @ Orlando Magic ||L 75-79 || || Orlando Arena
17,248 || 8–7|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 16 || November 29 || Washington Bullets ||W 110-81 || || Omni Coliseum
12,457 || 9–7|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 17 || December 3 || Boston Celtics ||W 105-95 || || Omni Coliseum || 10–7|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 18 || December 4 || @ Detroit Pistons ||L 90-100 || || The Palace of Auburn Hills
14,574 || 10–8|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 19 || December 7 || Toronto Raptors ||W 101-75 || || Omni Coliseum
11,422 || 11–8|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 20 || December 10 || Denver Nuggets ||W 89-88 || || Omni Coliseum || 12–8|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 21 || December 14 || Philadelphia 76ers ||W 106-81 || || Omni Coliseum
12,473 || 13–8|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 22 || December 17 || @ Dallas Mavericks ||W 109-73 || || Reunion Arena
14,805 || 14–8|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 23 || December 20 || New Jersey Nets ||W 109-95 || || Omni Coliseum
12,884 || 15–8|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 24 || December 21 || @ Charlotte Hornets ||L 93-98 || || Charlotte Coliseum
24,042 || 15–9|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 25 || December 23 || @ New York Knicks ||L 76-82 || || Madison Square Garden
19,763 || 15–10|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 26 || December 26 || Chicago Bulls ||W 108-103 || || Omni Coliseum
16,378 || 16–10|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 27 || December 28 || @ Washington Bullets ||L 86-97 || || US Airways Arena
11,797 || 16–11|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 28 || January 3 || @ New Jersey Nets ||W 95-85 || || Continental Airlines Arena
14,310 || 17–11|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 29 || January 4 || New York Knicks ||W 88-71 || || Omni Coliseum
16,378 || 18–11|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 30 || January 7 || Phoenix Suns ||W 105-103 (OT) || || Omni Coliseum || 19–11|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 31 || January 9 || @ Orlando Magic ||W 97-92 (OT) || || Orlando Arena
17,248 || 20–11|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 32 || January 11 || San Antonio Spurs ||W 87-82 (OT) || || Omni Coliseum
15,877 || 21–11|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 33 || January 13 || @ Cleveland Cavaliers ||W 93-79 || || Gund Arena
14,565 || 22–11|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 34 || January 14 || Minnesota Timberwolves ||W 95-93 || || Omni Coliseum
14,032 || 23–11|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 35 || January 16 || Orlando Magic ||W 78-67 || || Omni Coliseum
16,378 || 24–11|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 36 || January 18 || Milwaukee Bucks ||W 94-71 || || Omni Coliseum
16,378 || 25–11|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 37 || January 20 || Charlotte Hornets ||W 106-97 || || Omni Coliseum
16,378 || 26–11|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 38 || January 21 || @ Miami Heat ||L 91-94 || || Miami Arena
14,853 || 26–12|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 39 || January 24 || Washington Bullets ||W 117-105 (OT) || || Omni Coliseum
15,325 || 27–12|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 40 || January 25 || Boston Celtics ||W 95-90 || || Omni Coliseum
16,378 || 28–12|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 41 || January 28 || @ Los Angeles Clippers ||W 112-96 || || Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena || 29–12|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 42 || January 30 || @ Utah Jazz ||L 96-102 || || Delta Center
19,911 || 29–13|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 43 || January 31 || @ Vancouver Grizzlies ||W 87-76 || || General Motors Place
15,205 || 30–13|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 44 || February 2 || @ Denver Nuggets ||L 104-115 || || McNichols Sports Arena
13,122 || 30–14|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 45 || February 4 || @ Golden State Warriors ||W 107-85 || || San Jose Arena
13,111 || 31–14|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 46 || February 5 || @ Phoenix Suns ||L 81-99 || || America West Arena
19,023 || 31–15|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 47 || February 12 || Toronto Raptors ||W 106-84 || || Omni Coliseum
13,846 || 32–15|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 48 || February 14 || Chicago Bulls ||L 88-89 || || Omni Coliseum
16,378 || 32–16|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 49 || February 15 || @ San Antonio Spurs ||W 109-89 || || Alamodome
26,809 || 33–16|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 50 || February 17 || @ Houston Rockets ||L 98-127 || || The Summit
16,285 || 33–17|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 51 || February 19 || Indiana Pacers ||W 100-87 || || Omni Coliseum
16,378 || 34–17|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 52 || February 21 || Houston Rockets ||W 76-74 || || Omni Coliseum
16,378 || 35–17|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 53 || February 22 || Charlotte Hornets ||L 92-93 || || Omni Coliseum
16,378 || 35–18|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 54 || February 24 || Golden State Warriors ||W 106-100 || || Omni Coliseum
15,660 || 36–18|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 55 || February 26 || @ Milwaukee Bucks ||W 79-72 || || Bradley Center
13,285 || 37–18|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 56 || February 28 || Los Angeles Lakers ||W 86-75 || || Omni Coliseum
16,378 || 38–18|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 57 || March 2 || @ Detroit Pistons ||L 75-82 || || The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454 || 38–19|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 58 || March 4 || Cleveland Cavaliers ||W 93-88 || || Omni Coliseum
15,404 || 39–19|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 59 || March 6 || @ Philadelphia 76ers ||W 117-104 || || CoreStates Center
13,802 || 40–19|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 60 || March 7 || Milwaukee Bucks ||W 90-80 || || Omni Coliseum
14,906 || 41–19|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 61 || March 9 || @ Boston Celtics ||W 114-90 || || FleetCenter
16,931 || 42–19|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 62 || March 11 || Utah Jazz ||W 106-99 || || Omni Coliseum
14,475 || 43–19|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 63 || March 12 || @ Indiana Pacers ||L 82-92 || || Market Square Arena
14,824 || 43–20|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 64 || March 14 || Seattle SuperSonics ||L 91-97 || || Omni Coliseum
16,378 || 43–21|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 65 || March 15 || @ Chicago Bulls ||L 79-99 || || United Center
23,984 || 43–22|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 66 || March 17 || Orlando Magic ||W 112-107 (OT) || || Omni Coliseum
15,708 || 44–22|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 67 || March 19 || Indiana Pacers ||W 107-95 || || Omni Coliseum
14,099 || 45–22|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 68 || March 21 || Dallas Mavericks ||W 93-72 || || Omni Coliseum
13,809 || 46–22|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 69 || March 23 || @ Toronto Raptors ||W 90-79 || || SkyDome
18,533 || 47–22|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 70 || March 25 || Portland Trail Blazers ||W 96-89 || || Omni Coliseum
15,256 || 48–22|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 71 || March 27 || Los Angeles Clippers ||W 103-88 || || Omni Coliseum
13,876 || 49–22|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 72 || March 29 || Sacramento Kings ||W 88-74 || || Omni Coliseum
14,942 || 50–22|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 73 || April 2 || @ Charlotte Hornets ||L 84-95 || || Charlotte Coliseum
24,042 || 50–23|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 74 || April 4 || Detroit Pistons ||W 103-89 || || Omni Coliseum
16,378 || 51–23|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 75 || April 5 || New York Knicks ||L 97-102 || || Omni Coliseum
16,378 || 51–24|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 76 || April 9 || @ Philadelphia 76ers ||W 116-101 || || CoreStates Center
16,549 || 52–24|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 77 || April 11 || @ Indiana Pacers ||W 104-92 || || Market Square Arena
16,403 || 53–24|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 78 || April 12 || @ Minnesota Timberwolves ||W 80-66 || || Target Center
18,874 || 54–24|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 79 || April 15 || New Jersey Nets ||W 109-101 || || Omni Coliseum
14,458 || 55–24|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 80 || April 16 || @ New York Knicks ||L 92-96 || || Madison Square Garden
19,763 || 55–25|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 81 || April 19 || Philadelphia 76ers ||W 136-104 || || Omni Coliseum
16,457 || 56–25|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 82 || April 20 || @ New Jersey Nets ||L 92-108 || || Continental Airlines Arena
18,702 || 56–26|-

Playoffs

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 1| April 25| Detroit| W 89–75| Dikembe Mutombo (26)| Dikembe Mutombo (15)| Christian Laettner (4)| Omni Coliseum
15,795| 1–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 2| April 27| Detroit| L 80–93| Steve Smith (22)| Mookie Blaylock (9)| Mookie Blaylock (7)| Omni Coliseum
16,378| 1–1|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 3| April 29| @ Detroit| L 91–99| Christian Laettner (25)| Dikembe Mutombo (21)| Mookie Blaylock (10)| The Palace of Auburn Hills
20,059| 1–2|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 4| May 2| @ Detroit| W 94–82| Steve Smith (28)| Mutombo, Laettner (12)| Mookie Blaylock (9)| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454| 2–2|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 5| May 4| Detroit| W 84–79| Christian Laettner (23)| Mutombo, Blaylock (9)| Blaylock, Corbin (5)| Omni Coliseum
16,378| 3–2|-|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 1| May 6| @ Chicago| L 97–100| Mookie Blaylock (31)| Mookie Blaylock (12)| Christian Laettner (6)| United Center
24,397| 0–1|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 2| May 8| @ Chicago| W 103–95| Steve Smith (27)| Dikembe Mutombo (15)| Mookie Blaylock (9)| United Center
24,544| 1–1|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 3| May 10| Chicago| L 80–100| Dikembe Mutombo (16)| Dikembe Mutombo (13)| Mookie Blaylock (6)| Omni Coliseum
16,378| 1–2|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 4| May 11| Chicago| L 80–89| Christian Laettner (21)| Christian Laettner (12)| Mookie Blaylock (4)| Omni Coliseum
16,378| 1–3|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 5| May 13| @ Chicago| L 92–107| Christian Laettner (23)| Dikembe Mutombo (12)| Mookie Blaylock (8)| United Center
24,544| 1–4|-

Player statistics

Season

PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
2 0 5.5 .000 . .000 2.0 .0 .0 .0 .0
58 8 16.6 .407 .387 .804 1.7 2.0 .9 .1 4.9
78 78 39.2 .432 .366 .753 5.3 5.9 2.7 .3 17.4
22 2 7.0 .333 .125 .500 .7 .6 .5 .2 2.5
24 2 15.8 .336 .283 .838 1.7 .5 .3 .1 6.2
70 65 32.9 .422 .356 .796 4.2 1.8 1.3 .1 9.5
14 0 6.1 .481 . .667 .9 .5 .5 .1 2.4
30 0 16.7 .475 . .600 3.9 .8 .7 .2 6.6
53 15 17.8 .408 .420 .833 1.5 .4 .2 .0 6.7
82 82 38.3 .486 .352 .816 8.8 2.7 1.2 .8 18.1
35 0 5.1 .551 .000 .565 1.2 .3 .0 .3 3.2
1 0 14.0 .000 . . 7.0 .0 .0 .0 .0
80 80 37.2 .527 . .705 11.6 1.4 .6 3.3 13.3
72 2 11.8 .440 . .385 2.8 .3 .4 .2 1.4
17 0 12.9 .287 .158 .333 2.3 .7 .4 .2 3.8
71 4 17.0 .423 .414 .879 1.6 1.3 .5 .1 5.7
72 72 39.1 .429 .335 .847 3.3 4.2 .9 .3 20.1

Playoffs

PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
2 0 4.5 .000 .000 . . . . . .
10 10 44.1 .396 .329 .667 7.0 6.5 2.1 .2 16.4
10 10 36.4 .457 .351 1.000 4.3 2.0 .4 .2 10.6
6 0 5.5 .400 .000 .000 .8 .2 .2 .2 .7
10 0 13.6 .559 . .769 3.3 . .1 .3 5.8
8 0 5.6 .231 .333 . .1 .3 .1 . 1.0
10 10 40.3 .405 .190 .857 7.2 2.6 1.0 .8 17.6
3 0 2.3 .000 . . .7 . . . .
10 10 41.5 .628 . .719 12.3 1.3 .1 2.6 15.4
3 0 1.7 . . . .3 .3 . . .
10 0 12.1 .423 .364 .625 1.1 .9 .2 . 3.1
10 10 42.1 .396 .327 .824 3.9 1.7 .4 .1 18.9

Awards and records

Awards

Records

Transactions

Trades

July 15, 1996

Free agents

July 15, 1996

August 13, 1996

September 12, 1996

September 27, 1996

October 2, 1996

October 28, 1996

November 13, 1996

November 14, 1996

November 26, 1996

December 20, 1996

January 2, 1997

January 7, 1997

March 4, 1997

March 5, 1997

March 25, 1997

Additions

Player Signed Former team
Dikembe Mutombo Denver Nuggets

Subtractions

Player Transactions Citation:[67]

See also

Notes and References

  1. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/ATL/1997.html 1996-97 Atlanta Hawks
  2. News: Time Warner-Turner Pact Okayed . Tampa Bay Times . July 18, 1996 . January 28, 2023.
  3. News: TBS Holders Approve Time Warner Deal . United Press International . October 10, 1996 . January 28, 2023.
  4. News: Mulligan . Thomas S. . Turner-Time Warner Merger Approved by Shareholders . Los Angeles Times . October 11, 1996 . July 27, 2021.
  5. News: Tribune News Services . Shot-Blocking Star Mutombo Goes to Hawks . Chicago Tribune . July 15, 1996 . June 29, 2022.
  6. News: Hawks Sign Mutombo; Deal Augmon, Long . United Press International . July 15, 1996 . December 3, 2022.
  7. News: Associated Press . Hawks Get Big with Mutombo . Los Angeles Times . July 16, 1996 . November 1, 2016.
  8. News: Asher . Mark . Mutombo Heading to Hawks . The Washington Post . July 16, 1996 . July 10, 2022.
  9. News: Hawks Sign Mutombo, Trade Augmon, Long . Tampa Bay Times . July 16, 1996 . June 20, 2023.
  10. News: Hawks Sign Corbin and Burton . The New York Times . September 13, 1996 . January 1, 2022.
  11. News: Wire Services . Iverson Set to Sign Three-Year Contract with Philadelphia . The Spokesman-Review . September 13, 1996 . June 20, 2023.
  12. News: Winderman . Ira . Corbin Starting for Hawks . Sun Sentinel . October 26, 1996 . December 15, 2022.
  13. News: Sports Briefs . Deseret News . August 14, 1996 . July 12, 2022.
  14. News: Johnson . K.C. . Team of Cohesive Elements Pours from Hawks' Beaker . Chicago Tribune . May 6, 1997 . January 28, 2023.
  15. News: Associated Press . Hawks Win Their 10th Straight . The New York Times . January 21, 1997 . July 18, 2021.
  16. Web site: NBA Games Played on February 6, 1997 . Basketball-Reference . July 19, 2022.
  17. News: Associated Press . Bulls Halt the Hawks' Home Streak at 20 . The New York Times . February 15, 1997 . October 13, 2021.
  18. News: Armour . Terry . Bulls 89, Hawks 88 . Chicago Tribune . February 15, 1997 . December 27, 2022.
  19. Web site: 1996–97 Atlanta Hawks Schedule and Results. Basketball-Reference. June 21, 2021.
  20. Web site: Teams Defense. NBA.com. April 16, 2021.
  21. News: Saladino . Tom . Mutombo Tops on Defense . South Coast Today . April 25, 1997 . December 27, 2022.
  22. News: Associated Press . Mutombo Is the Difference for Hawks . Los Angeles Times . May 5, 1997 . July 27, 2017.
  23. News: NBA & ABA Defensive Player of the Year Award Winners . Basketball-Reference . November 29, 2022.
  24. News: Jorgensen . Loren . No Offense, But Malone Would Rather Be Home . Deseret News . February 8, 1997 . April 19, 2023.
  25. News: Fry . Darrell . On to the Next Stage . Tampa Bay Times . February 8, 1997 . December 28, 2022.
  26. News: NBA.com Staff . 1997 NBA All-Star Recap . NBA.com . September 13, 2021 . May 16, 2023.
  27. Web site: 1997 NBA All-Star Game: East 132, West 120 . Basketball-Reference . October 13, 2021.
  28. Web site: 1996–97 Atlanta Hawks Roster and Stats. Basketball-Reference. June 21, 2021.
  29. News: Alan Henderson's Condition Improves . Associated Press . November 21, 1996 . January 28, 2023.
  30. News: Shapiro . Mark . Heartbeat Back to Normal, Olajuwon Released from Hospital . Chicago Tribune . November 22, 1996 . January 28, 2023.
  31. News: Glier . Ray . Hawks' Henderson Is a Bird in Hand . The Washington Post . April 22, 1998 . January 28, 2023.
  32. News: 1996–97 NBA Awards Voting . Basketball-Reference . January 2, 2022.
  33. News: Atkins . Harry . Pistons Soar Past Hawks, 99-91 . The Washington Post . April 29, 1997 . January 18, 2022.
  34. News: Hunter, Pistons Defeat Atlanta . The Oklahoman . April 30, 1997 . October 5, 2022.
  35. News: Associated Press . Houston Moves On; Orlando Stays Alive . Deseret News . April 30, 1997 . February 24, 2023.
  36. News: Associated Press . Hawks 84, Pistons 79 . The Washington Post . May 4, 1997 . May 30, 2022.
  37. News: Associated Press . Hawks Earn Date with Bulls . The New York Times . May 5, 1997 . October 13, 2021.
  38. News: Smith . Sam . Hawks 84, Pistons 79 . Chicago Tribune . May 5, 1997 . November 25, 2022.
  39. News: 1997 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Pistons vs. Hawks . Basketball-Reference . February 4, 2023.
  40. News: Roberts . Selena . Bulls, Led by Rodman, Keep Going . The New York Times . May 14, 1997 . July 26, 2021.
  41. News: Nadel . Mike . Bulls Send Hawks Flying, 107-92 . The Washington Post . May 14, 1997 . November 25, 2022.
  42. News: Isaacson . Melissa . Plenty of Reasons for Bulls' Playoff Success . Chicago Tribune . May 14, 1997 . May 30, 2022.
  43. News: 1997 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals: Hawks vs. Bulls . Basketball-Reference . February 4, 2023.
  44. News: Nadel . Mike . Hawks 103, Bulls 95 . The Washington Post . May 8, 1997 . February 24, 2023.
  45. News: Berkow . Ira . Chicago's Late Heroics Fail to Arrive in Game 2 . The New York Times . May 9, 1997 . June 24, 2021.
  46. News: Bagnato . Andrew . When Push Comes to Shove . Chicago Tribune . May 9, 1997 . November 18, 2022.
  47. http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/atlanta/atlhawks.html Atlanta Hawks (1968-Present)
  48. News: Wise . Mike . A Fistful of Rings: Bulls Grab Fifth Title of 90's . The New York Times . June 14, 1997 . June 4, 2022.
  49. News: Howard-Cooper . Scott . June 14, 1997 . Bulls Get Fifth Element . Los Angeles Times . July 25, 2022.
  50. News: Johnson . K.C. . Bulls Got There, Because They'd Been There . Chicago Tribune . June 16, 1997 . June 4, 2022.
  51. News: Benson . Lee . Chicago Heartbreaker . Deseret News . June 14, 1997 . December 12, 2022.
  52. News: 1997 NBA Finals: Jazz vs. Bulls . Basketball-Reference . February 4, 2023.
  53. News: Associated Press . Atlanta Barely Notes the Passing of the Omni Arena; Enters Its Final Days During NBA Playoffs . The Spokesman-Review . April 27, 1997 . January 28, 2023.
  54. News: Hill . Karen . Demolition Experts Place Explosives Around Omni . Associated Press . July 22, 1997 . October 12, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220514003939/https://apnews.com/article/db6109eaf311e503e4eef024ac043221 . May 14, 2022 . dead.
  55. News: News Services . Crowd Has a Blast at Omni . The Washington Post . July 26, 1997 . April 8, 2024.
  56. News: The Atlanta Constitution - 27 July 1997, Sun - Page 82 - (Atlanta, Georgia) . Newspapers.com . July 27, 1997 . November 8, 2023.
  57. News: Newberry . Paul . Bulls 89, Hawks 80 . The Washington Post . May 11, 1997 . January 28, 2023.
  58. News: Roberts . Selena . Bulls' Laugher Suddenly Turns Serious . The New York Times . May 12, 1997 . May 13, 2022.
  59. Web site: 1997 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 4: Chicago Bulls at Atlanta Hawks Box Score, May 11, 1997 . Basketball-Reference . April 10, 2024.
  60. Web site: The Omni . Basketball Ballparks . May 13, 2022.
  61. News: Howard-Cooper . Scott . Fox Hunt Finally Over for Lakers . Los Angeles Times . August 27, 1997. July 12, 2022.
  62. News: Transactions . The New York Times . September 23, 1997 . October 6, 2022.
  63. News: Associated Press . Pacers Trade Williams for Askew . Los Angeles Times . November 5, 1996 . October 4, 2022.
  64. The Hawks traded #45 and #47 picks to the SuperSonics for #28 pick on June 25, 1996.
    News: Hawks Regain First-Round Draft Pick in Sonics Trade . . D1 . June 25, 1996.
  65. Web site: 1996–97 NBA Transactions. Basketball-Reference. July 2, 2021.
  66. https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1997.html 1996–97 NBA season Summary - Basketball-Reference.com
  67. Web site: 1996–97 Atlanta Hawks Transactions. Basketball-Reference. July 2, 2021.

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