1997–98 Milwaukee Bucks season explained

The 1997–98 NBA season was the Bucks' 30th season in the National Basketball Association.[1] In the off-season, the Bucks acquired All-Star guard Terrell Brandon and Tyrone Hill from the Cleveland Cavaliers in a three-team trade.[2] [3] [4] [5] [6] The team also selected Danny Fortson from the University of Cincinnati with the tenth overall pick in the 1997 NBA draft,[7] [8] but soon traded him to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Ervin Johnson,[9] [10] [11] signed free agent Michael Curry,[12] [13] [14] and re-signed former Bucks star and sixth man Ricky Pierce in December.[15] [16] [17] [18]

After an 11–8 start to the season, the Bucks slipped under .500, but then posted a six-game winning streak between January and February, and held a 24–23 record at the All-Star break.[19] However, with Glenn Robinson out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury after 56 games,[20] [21] [22] [23] the Bucks struggled and went on a nine-game losing streak in March; Brandon only played just 50 games due to an ankle injury,[24] [25] [26] and Hill only played 57 games due to a knee injury, and a strained back.[27] [28] [29] The Bucks finished seventh in the Central Division with a 36–46 record, missing the playoffs in seven straight seasons.[30]

Robinson averaged 23.4 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, while second-year star Ray Allen had a stellar season, averaging 19.5 points and 1.4 steals per game, and Brandon provided the team with 16.8 points, 7.7 assists and 2.2 steals per game. In addition, Hill contributed 10.0 points and 10.7 rebounds per game, while Armen Gilliam provided with 11.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, Johnson averaged 8.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game, Elliot Perry contributed 7.3 points and 2.8 assists per game, and Curry contributed 6.6 points per game.[31]

Following the season, Pierce retired after playing in his second stint with the Bucks,[32] while Andrew Lang signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bulls,[33] [34] and head coach Chris Ford was fired after coaching the Bucks for two seasons.[35] [36] [37]

Draft picks

See main article: article and 1997 NBA draft.

RoundPickPlayerPositionNationalityCollege
1 10 PF Cincinnati
2 38 SF Tulane

Regular season

Season standings

z - clinched division title

y - clinched division title

x - clinched playoff spot

Record vs. opponents

1997-98 NBA Records
width=100TeamATLBOSCHACHICLEDALDENDETGSWHOUINDLACLALMIAMILMINNJNNYKORLPHIPHOPORSACSASSEATORUTAVANWAS
Atlanta– 2–1 4–0 1–3 4–0 2–0 2–0 2–2 2–0 1–1 1–3 2–0 0–2 1–3 3–1 0–2 1–2 2–2 2–2 3–1 0–2 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 4–0 0–2 2–0 4–0
Boston1–2 – 1–2 1–3 1–3 1–1 1–1 2–2 1–1 1–1 0–4 2–0 1–1 0–4 2–2 1–1 2–2 2–2 2–2 3–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 3–0 0–2 2–0 3–2
Charlotte0–4 2–1 – 1–3 2–2 2–0 2–0 3–1 1–1 2–0 3–1 2–0 1–1 3–1 3–1 1–1 2–2 1–3 3–1 2–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 4–0 1–1 2–0 2–2
Chicago3–1 3–1 3–1 – 2–2 1–1 2–0 3–1 2–0 2–0 2–2 2–0 1–1 2–1 4–0 1–1 4–0 4–0 3–1 2–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 1–1 4–0 0–2 2–0 3–1
Cleveland0–4 3–1 2–2 2–2 – 1–1 2–0 3–1 2–0 1–1 2–2 2–0 1–1 1–3 2–2 2–0 3–1 1–2 2–2 3–1 2–0 1–1 2–0 0–2 0–2 3–1 1–1 2–0 1–2
Dallas0–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 – 3–1 0–2 1–3 0–4 1–1 1–3 0–4 0–2 0–2 2–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 0–2 0–4 0–4 0–4 0–4 2–2 1–1 0–4 4–0 1–1
Denver0–2 1–1 0–2 0–2 0–2 1–3 – 0–2 1–3 0–4 0–2 2–2 0–4 0–2 0–2 1–3 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–4 2–2 1–3 0–4 0–4 0–2 0–4 1–3 1–1
Detroit2–2 2–2 1–3 1–3 1–3 2–0 2–0 – 2–0 1–1 1–3 2–0 0–2 1–2 2–2 0–2 2–2 2–2 1–2 3–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 4–0 0–2 0–2 2–2
Golden State0–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 3–1 3–1 0–2 – 1–3 0–2 1–3 1–3 0–2 0–2 0–4 0–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 0–4 1–3 2–2 1–3 1–3 0–2 0–4 1–3 0–2
Houston1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 1–1 4–0 4–0 1–1 3–1 – 1–1 4–0 1–3 0–2 1–1 1–3 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–3 1–3 4–0 2–2 1–3 2–0 0–4 3–1 1–1
Indiana3–1 4–0 1–3 2–2 2–2 1–1 2–0 3–1 2–0 1–1 – 2–0 0–2 3–1 4–0 2–0 2–1 2–1 3–1 4–0 1–1 1–1 2–0 0–2 0–2 4–0 1–1 2–0 4–0
L.A. Clippers0–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 3–1 2–2 0–2 3–1 0–4 0–2 – 0–4 0–2 0–2 0–4 1–1 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–4 0–4 3–1 1–3 0–4 1–1 1–3 1–3 0–2
L.A. Lakers2–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 4–0 4–0 2–0 3–1 3–1 2–0 4–0 – 1–1 2–0 4–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 0–2 2–2 2–2 4–0 4–0 1–3 2–0 3–1 4–0 1–1
Miami3–1 4–0 1–3 1–2 3–1 2–0 2–0 2–1 2–0 2–0 1–3 2–0 1–1 – 3–1 1–1 3–1 2–2 3–1 4–0 0–2 2–0 2–0 0–2 0–2 4–0 1–1 2–0 2–2
Milwaukee1–3 2–2 1–3 0–4 2–2 2–0 2–0 2–2 2–0 1–1 0–4 2–0 0–2 1–3 – 1–1 0–4 3–1 2–1 2–2 0–2 2–0 2–0 0–2 1–1 3–1 0–2 1–1 1–2
Minnesota2–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 0–2 2–2 3–1 2–0 4–0 3–1 0–2 4–0 0–4 1–1 1–1 – 2–0 1–1 0–2 2–0 3–1 1–3 3–1 1–3 1–3 1–1 1–3 4–0 0–2
New Jersey2–1 2–2 2–2 0–4 1–3 2–0 2–0 2–2 2–0 1–1 1–2 1–1 1–1 1–3 4–0 0–2 – 2–2 3–1 3–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 0–2 3–1 0–2 2–0 1–3
New York2–2 2–2 3–1 0–4 2–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 1–1 1–1 1–2 2–0 1–1 2–2 1–3 1–1 2–2 – 4–0 2–2 2–0 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 3–1 0–2 2–0 1–3
Orlando2–2 2–2 1–3 1–3 2–2 2–0 2–0 2–1 1–1 2–0 1–3 2–0 1–1 1–3 1–2 2–0 1–3 0–4 – 4–0 0–2 2–0 0–2 0–2 1–1 3–1 0–2 2–0 3–1
Philadelphia1–3 1–3 1–2 1–2 1–3 2–0 2–0 1–3 2–0 1–1 0–4 1–1 2–0 0–4 2–2 0–2 1–3 2–2 0–4 – 1–1 1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 2–2 0–2 2–0 3–1
Phoenix2–0 2–0 1–1 1–1 0–2 4–0 4–0 1–1 4–0 3–1 1–1 4–0 2–2 2–0 2–0 1–3 1–1 0–2 2–0 1–1 – 2–2 3–1 3–1 2–2 2–0 1–3 4–0 1–1
Portland1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 4–0 2–2 2–0 3–1 3–1 1–1 4–0 2–2 0–2 0–2 3–1 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 2–2 – 3–1 2–2 0–4 2–0 3–1 2–2 1–1
Sacramento0–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 4–0 3–1 1–1 2–2 0–4 0–2 1–3 0–4 0–2 0–2 1–3 0–2 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–3 1–3 – 0–4 1–3 1–1 2–2 2–2 1–1
San Antonio1–1 2–0 1–1 0–2 2–0 4–0 4–0 1–1 3–1 2–2 2–0 3–1 0–4 2–0 2–0 3–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 2–0 1–3 2–2 4–0 – 2–2 2–0 1–3 4–0 1–1
Seattle1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 4–0 2–0 3–1 3–1 2–0 4–0 3–1 2–0 1–1 3–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 4–0 3–1 2–2 – 2–0 2–2 4–0 1–1
Toronto0–4 0–3 0–4 0–4 1–3 1–1 2–0 0–4 2–0 0–2 0–4 1–1 0–2 0–4 1–3 1–1 1–3 1–3 1–3 2–2 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 0–2 – 0–2 1–1 0–3
Utah2–0 2–0 1–1 2–0 1–1 4–0 4–0 2–0 4–0 4–0 1–1 3–1 1–3 1–1 2–0 3–1 2–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 3–1 1–3 2–2 3–1 2–2 2–0 – 4–0 0–2
Vancouver0–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–4 3–1 2–0 3–1 1–3 0–2 3–1 0–4 0–2 1–1 0–4 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–4 2–2 2–2 0–4 0–4 1–1 0–4 – 1–1
Washington0–4 2–3 2–2 1–3 2–1 1–1 1–1 2–2 2–0 1–1 0–4 2–0 1–1 2–2 2–1 2–0 3–1 3–1 1–3 1–3 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 3–0 2–0 1–1 —

Game log

|-style="background:#bbffbb;"| 1 || October 31, 1997 || @ Philadelphia| W 103–88|Ray Allen (29)||| CoreStates Center| 1–0|-style="background:#fcc;"| 2 || November 1, 1997 || New Jersey| L 109–113|||| Bradley Center
18,717| 1–1|-style="background:#bbffbb;"| 3 || November 4, 1997 || Orlando| W 110–76|Ray Allen (20)||| Bradley Center
12,764| 2–1|-style="background:#bbffbb;"| 4 || November 6, 1997 || Philadelphia| W 100–93|||| Bradley Center
13,851| 3–1|-style="background:#bbffbb;"| 5 || November 8, 1997 || Boston| W 105–96|||| Bradley Center
17,653| 4–1|-style="background:#fcc;"| 6 || November 12, 1997 || @ Phoenix| L 95–103|||| America West Arena
19,023| 4–2|-style="background:#bbffbb;"| 7 || November 13, 1997 || @ L. A. Clippers| W 102–94|||| Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
4,300| 5–2|-style="background:#fcc;"| 8 || November 15, 1997 || @ Vancouver| L 94–109|||| General Motors Place
17,666| 5–3|-style="background:#fcc;"| 9 || November 16, 1997 || @ Seattle| L 99–119|||| Key Arena
17,072| 5–4|-style="background:#bbffbb;"| 10 || November 18, 1997 || Detroit| W 87–79|||| Bradley Center
13,065| 6–4|-style="background:#fcc;"| 11 || November 20, 1997 || Indiana| L 83–109|||| Bradley Center
14,106| 6–5|-style="background:#bbffbb;"| 12 || November 22, 1997 || @ Dallas| W 104–109|||| Reunion Arena
11,425| 7–5|-style="background:#bbffbb;"| 13 || November 26, 1997 || Vancouver| W 101–82|||| Bradley Center
15,126| 8–5|-style="background:#fcc;"| 14 || November 28, 1997 || @ Orlando| L 95–103|||| Orlando Arena
17,070| 8–6|-style="background:#bbffbb;"| 15 || November 29, 1997 || @ Miami| W 93–87|||| Miami Arena
14,897| 9–6|-style="background:#fcc;"| 16 || December 2, 1997 || Phoenix| L 86–90|||| Bradley Center
13,131| 9–7|-style="background:#bbffbb;"| 17 || December 4, 1997 || Charlotte| W 102–92|||| Bradley Center
13,898| 10–7|-style="background:#fcc;"| 18 || December 5, 1997 || @ Chicago| L 62–84|||| United Center
24,041| 10–8|-style="background:#bbffbb;"| 19 || December 7, 1997 || Seattle| W 97–91|||| Bradley Center
15,806| 11–8|-style="background:#fcc;"| 20 || December 10, 1997 || @ Boston| L 91–96|||| Fleet Center
17,012| 11–9|-style="background:#fcc;"| 21 || December 11, 1997 || Cleveland| L 77–79|||| Bradley Center
13,105| 11–10|-style="background:#fcc;"| 22 || December 13, 1997 || Miami| L 87–87|||| Bradley Center
15,803| 11–11|-style="background:#fcc;"| 23 || December 17, 1997 || @ Charlotte| L 90–99|||| Charlotte Coliseum
20,691| 11–12|-style="background:#fcc;"| 24 || December 19, 1997 || @ Toronto| L 91–92|||| SkyDome
15,076| 11–13|-style="background:#bbffbb;"| 25 || December 20, 1997 || New York| W 98–78|||| Bradley Center
15,955| 12–13|-style="background:#fcc;"| 26 || December 22, 1997 || Washington| L 79–110|||| Bradley Center
14,442| 12–14|-style="background:#bbffbb;"| 27 || December 26, 1997 || Atlanta| W 99–94|||| Bradley Center
17,038| 13–14|-style="background:#fcc;"| 28 || December 27, 1997 || @ New Jersey| L 104–112|||| Meadowlands Arena
16,351| 13–15|-style="background:#bbffbb;"| 29 || December 30, 1997 || Dallas| W 105–98|||| Bradley Center
14,948| 14–15|-style="background:#fcc;"| 30 || January 2, 1998 || @ Chicago| L 100–114|||| United Center
23,897| 14–16|-style="background:#fcc;"| 31 || January 3, 1998 || Boston| L 99–106|||| Bradley Center
16,211| 14–17|-style="background:#bbffbb;"| 32 || January 5, 1998 || @ Portland| W 98–92|||| Rose Garden Arena
19,215| 15–17|-style="background:#fcc;"| 33 || January 7, 1998 || @ L. A. Lakers| L 98–92|||| Great Western Forum
15,483| 15–18

Player statistics

PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3FG%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
Glenn Robinson56 5641.047.038.580.85.52.81.20.623.4
Ray Allen82 8240.142.836.487.54.94.31.40.119.5
Terrell Brandon50 4835.746.433.384.63.57.72.20.316.8
Armen Gilliam82 2525.848.40.080.25.41.30.80.511.2
Tyrone Hill57 5636.249.80.060.810.71.51.20.510.0
Ervin Johnson81 8127.953.70.060.18.50.71.02.08.0
Elliot Perry81 3321.643.034.084.41.32.81.10.07.3
Michael Curry82 2724.146.944.483.51.21.70.70.26.6
38 013.940.737.762.12.40.90.50.26.4
Ricky Pierce39 011.336.430.882.71.20.90.20.03.9
57 012.137.80.077.22.70.30.30.52.7
Tony Smith7 011.433.30.075.01.01.40.70.32.7
Jamie Feick45 210.043.330.848.82.80.40.60.42.3
Tim Breaux6 05.036.433.350.00.30.30.30.21.7
Jeff Nordgaard1303.727.80.088.91.10.20.20.01.4
Litterial Green21 05.921.70.075.00.30.80.20.01.2
[38]

Transactions

Trades

June 25, 1997To Milwaukee Bucks---- To Denver Nuggets----
September 25, 1997To Milwaukee Bucks
Terrell Brandon
Tyrone Hill		To Cleveland Cavaliers
Sherman Douglas
Shawn Kemp
To Seattle SuperSonics
Vin Baker

Free agents

Player Signed Former team
Michael CurryJuly 30, 1997Detroit Pistons
Tim BreauxAugust 6, 1997Rockford Lightning
Jamie FeickOctober 2, 1997San Antonio Spurs
Ricky PierceDecember 4, 1997Charlotte Hornets

Player Transactions Citation:[39]

See also

Notes and References

  1. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIL/1998.html 1997-98 Milwaukee Bucks
  2. News: Roberts . Selena . PRO BASKETBALL; Sonics' Kemp Gets Wish and Is Traded, to Cavs . The New York Times . September 26, 1997 . July 25, 2021.
  3. News: Baker . Chris . Kemp Is Key Player in Three-Way Trade . Los Angeles Times . September 26, 1997 . September 18, 2022.
  4. News: Sherwin . Bob . Shawn Kemp Moves On -- Reign Comes to an End -- Kemp Is a Cav, Baker Is a Sonic After 3-Way Deal . The Seattle Times . September 26, 1997 . May 16, 2022.
  5. News: Kemp Is Traded to Cavaliers in Three-Way Deal . The Washington Post . September 26, 1997 . December 3, 2022.
  6. News: Associated Press . Sonics Send Kemp to Cavs in 3-Way Deal . Deseret News . September 26, 1997 . June 20, 2023.
  7. News: First Round Selections in the 1997 NBA Draft Wednesday in Charlotte, N.C. . Hartford Courant . June 26, 1997 . June 2, 2023.
  8. Web site: 1997 NBA Draft . Basketball-Reference . December 1, 2022.
  9. News: Wise . Mike . After Duncan, Utah Forward Steals Show . The New York Times . June 26, 1997 . July 25, 2021.
  10. News: Heisler . Mark . Draft Over, But Not Finished . Los Angeles Times . June 26, 1997 . December 1, 2022.
  11. News: Cotton . Anthony . No. 1 Pick Turns Duncan into Spur of Moment . The Washington Post . June 26, 1997 . September 24, 2022.
  12. News: Wire Services . Sports People . The Spokesman-Review . July 31, 1997 . December 27, 2022.
  13. Associated Press . Transactions . Daily Union . July 31, 1997 . Page 12 . November 1, 2024.
  14. News: Myslenski . Skip . A Whole New Deal for Bucks . Chicago Tribune . December 6, 1997 . July 11, 2022.
  15. News: Transactions . The New York Times . December 5, 1997 . October 7, 2022.
  16. News: Associated Press . Nelson Replaces Cleamons . Los Angeles Times . December 5, 1997 . November 18, 2022.
  17. News: Wire Reports . Mavs Respond to Change . The Spokesman-Review . December 5, 1997 . November 12, 2023.
  18. News: Watson . Phil . Milwaukee Bucks: 25 Best Players to Play for the Bucks . Hoops Habit . August 11, 2016 . January 15, 2022.
  19. Web site: NBA Games Played on February 5, 1998 . Basketball-Reference . July 19, 2022.
  20. News: Game at a Glance . Deseret News . March 8, 1998 . October 3, 2022.
  21. News: Bucks' Robinson on Injured List . Associated Press . March 10, 1998 . January 18, 2022.
  22. News: Associated Press . Webber Leads Wizards to Win . CBS News . March 10, 1998 . December 5, 2022.
  23. Associated Press . Jordan Gets Best of Miami . The Day . March 11, 1998 . E4 . November 3, 2024.
  24. News: Brandon on Injured List, Green Signed . United Press International . February 13, 1998 . November 9, 2022.
  25. News: Thompson . Jack . Bucks' Brandon on Injured List with Bad Ankle . Chicago Tribune . February 14, 1998 . June 27, 2022.
  26. News: Associated Press . Bucks' 4th Qrt Run Beats Cavs . CBS News . February 14, 1998 . January 4, 2023.
  27. News: Facer . Dirk . Results of Mega-Trade Please Bucks Coach . Deseret News . January 9, 1998 . June 28, 2022.
  28. News: Associated Press . Pacers Comeback to Beat Bucks . CBS News . March 22, 1998 . January 28, 2023.
  29. News: Johnson . K.C. . Talent-Depleted Bucks Playing Out the String . Chicago Tribune . March 30, 1998 . July 17, 2017.
  30. Web site: 1997–98 Milwaukee Bucks Schedule and Results. Basketball-Reference. June 28, 2021.
  31. Web site: 1997–98 Milwaukee Bucks Roster and Stats. Basketball-Reference. June 28, 2021.
  32. News: Mannix . Chris . RICKY PIERCE: One of the NBA's Premier Sixth Men, Now Provides Hands-On Instruction in the Art of the Perfect Jumper . Sports Illustrated Vault . July 2, 2007 . April 20, 2023.
  33. News: Armour . Terry . Result Raises Eyebrows--and Some Hope . Chicago Tribune . February 8, 1999 . February 2, 2023.
  34. News: Carney . Brian . Chicago's Temperature Is Minus 23 . The Washington Post . February 19, 1999 . June 27, 2022.
  35. News: CBS News.com Staff . Bucks Fire Head Coach Ford . CBS News . August 26, 1998 . September 25, 2023.
  36. News: Associated Press . PLUS: PRO BASKETBALL -- MILWAUKEE; Dismal Bucks Dismiss Ford . The New York Times . August 27, 1998 . January 2, 2023.
  37. News: Staff and Wire Reports . Improvement Not Enough: Bucks Fire Ford . Los Angeles Times . August 27, 1998 . September 25, 2023.
  38. Web site: 1997–98 Milwaukee Bucks Roster and Stats. Basketball-Reference. June 28, 2021.
  39. Web site: 1997–98 Milwaukee Bucks Transactions. Basketball-Reference. July 3, 2021.

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