1996–97 Houston Rockets season

March 2026 August 2023 Houston Rockets 1997 57 25 Midwest 2 3 Rudy Tomjanovich Carroll Dawson Leslie Alexander The Summit Western Conference finals(lost to Jazz 2–4) HOU KTXH Fox Sports Southwest KTRH The 1996–97 Houston Rockets season was the 30th season for the Houston Rockets in the National Basketball Association, and their 26th season in Houston, Texas. Houston Rockets Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/ August 6, 2026 Season summary Off-season During the off-season, the Rockets acquired All-Star forward Charles Barkley from the Phoenix Suns, Associated Press Barkley Confirms His Trade to Rockets The New York Times August 19, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/19/sports/barkley-confirms-his-trade-to-rockets.html February 28, 2017 Associated Press Suns Unload Barkley, Get Four Players from Rockets Los Angeles Times August 19, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-08-19-sp-35694-story.html May 15, 2022 Barkley Traded to the Rockets The Washington Post August 19, 1996 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1996/08/19/barkley-traded-to-the-rockets/1f30d680-5188-406f-b2d8-e2e95405d759/ December 3, 2022 and signed free agents Kevin Willis, Howard-Cooper Scott With Barkley, Rockets Have Twin Power Los Angeles Times August 19, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-08-19-sp-35695-story.html September 24, 2022 Graczyk Michael Barkley Gets His Wish: He's on the Rockets Associated Press August 20, 1996 https://apnews.com/article/25f064440a0c158494d1a640d7bbc968 December 30, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20220410201415/https://apnews.com/article/25f064440a0c158494d1a640d7bbc968 April 10, 2022 dead Heisler Mark NBA Preview Los Angeles Times October 31, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-10-31-sp-59693-story.html January 30, 2023 Brent Price, Hawks Sign Mutombo, Trade Augmon, Long Tampa Bay Times July 16, 1996 https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1996/07/16/hawks-sign-mutombo-trade-augmon-long/ June 20, 2023 Rockets Sign Free Agent G Brent Price United Press International July 16, 1996 https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/07/16/Rockets-sign-free-agent-G-Brent-Price/3845837489600/ June 30, 2022 undrafted rookie point guard Matt Maloney, Lanman Scott Maloney Signs with Rockets The Daily Pennsylvanian October 3, 1996 https://www.thedp.com/article/1996/10/maloney_signs_with_rockets June 27, 2022 and re-signed former Rockets forward and three-point specialist Matt Bullard, who was a member of the championship team from the 1994 NBA Finals. Regular season With the addition of Barkley, Willis and Maloney, the Rockets won their first six games of the regular season. The team posted a nine-game winning streak between November and December, and posted another six-game winning streak in December, leading to a 21–2 start to the season. However, the Rockets later on struggled posting a six-game losing streak between January and February, and held a 32–16 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 6, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/?month=2&day=6&year=1997 July 19, 2022 At mid-season, the team signed free agents Eddie Johnson and Sedale Threatt. Associated Press Foot Injury Sidelines Bulls' Kukoc Los Angeles Times March 4, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-03-04-sp-34639-story.html January 28, 2023 Roberts Selena Johnson Gives Rockets a Boost from the Bench The New York Times May 24, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/24/sports/johnson-gives-rockets-a-boost-from-the-bench.html January 2, 2022 The Rockets posted another six-game winning streak in March, won 14 of their final 17 games of the season, and finished in second place in the Midwest Division with a 57–25 record, earning the third seed in the Western Conference; 1996–97 Houston Rockets Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1997_games.html June 21, 2021 the team qualified for the NBA playoffs for the fifth consecutive year. Hakeem Olajuwon averaged 23.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 2.2 blocks per game, and was named to the All-NBA First Team, and to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, while Barkley averaged 19.2 points, 13.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game, but only played 53 games due to ankle and hip injuries, Associated Press Barkley and Drexler Are Injured The New York Times January 29, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/29/sports/barkley-and-drexler-are-injured.html November 9, 2022 Associated Press Injuries Cast Pall on Rockets The Spokesman-Review January 29, 1997 https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1997/jan/29/injuries-cast-pall-on-rockets/ December 27, 2022 Associated Press Barkley Is Latest Casualty Los Angeles Times March 2, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-03-02-sp-34137-story.html April 4, 2023 and Clyde Drexler provided the team with 18.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.9 steals per game, along with 119 three-point field goals, but only played 62 games due to a hamstring injury. Rockets' Drexler Re-Injures Hamstring United Press International February 5, 1997 https://www.upi.com/Archives/1997/02/05/Rockets-Drexler-re-injures-hamstring/3351855118800/ November 9, 2022 In addition, Mario Elie provided with 11.7 points and 4.0 assists per game, along with 120 three-point field goals, while Johnson contributed 11.5 points per game in 24 games, Willis averaged 11.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, and Maloney contributed 9.4 points and 3.7 assists per game, led the Rockets with 154 three-point field goals, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. Meanwhile, Sam Mack contributed 5.6 points per game in 52 games, Price provided with 5.0 and 2.6 assists per game in 25 games, rookie power forward, and second-round draft pick Othella Harrington averaged 4.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, Bullard contributed 4.5 points per game, and rookie point guard, and second-round draft pick Randy Livingston provided with 3.9 points and 2.4 assists per game. 1996–97 Houston Rockets Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1997.html June 21, 2021 During the NBA All-Star weekend at the Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, Olajuwon, Barkley and Drexler were all selected for the 1997 NBA All-Star Game, as members of the Western Conference All-Star team, while head coach Rudy Tomjanovich was selected to coach the Western Conference. NBA.com Staff 1997 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-1997 May 16, 2023 1997 NBA All-Star Game: East 132, West 120 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_1997.html October 13, 2021 However, Barkley and Drexler did not participate due to injuries; Brown Clifton Ewing, Still Injured, Quits All-Star Roster The New York Times February 6, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/06/sports/ewing-still-injured-quits-all-star-roster.html October 3, 2022 Jorgensen Loren No Offense, But Malone Would Rather Be Home Deseret News February 8, 1997 https://www.deseret.com/1997/2/8/19293914/no-offense-but-malone-would-rather-be-home April 19, 2023 Fry Darrell On to the Next Stage Tampa Bay Times February 8, 1997 https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1997/02/08/on-to-the-next-stage/ December 28, 2022 it was also the final All-Star selections for Olajuwon, Barkley and Drexler. Meanwhile, Maloney was selected for the NBA Rookie Game, as a member of the Western Conference Rookie team. 1997 NBA Rising Stars: East 96, West 91 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_1997_rookie.html September 19, 2025 Olajuwon also finished in seventh place in Most Valuable Player voting, while Barkley finished in 16th place, Kawakami Tim MVP: Malone, the Standout Jazz Forward Known as Mailman, Edges Jordan in the Voting to Earn Stamp of Greatness Los Angeles Times May 19, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-05-19-sp-60282-story.html September 24, 2022 1996–97 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1997.html January 2, 2022 and Elie finished tied in sixth place in Defensive Player of the Year voting. The Rockets finished 19th in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 667,685 at The Summit during the regular season. 1996–97 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1997.html January 22, 2026 NBA playoffs In the Western Conference First Round of the 1997 NBA playoffs, the Rockets faced off against the 6th–seeded Minnesota Timberwolves, a team that featured the trio of All-Star forward Tom Gugliotta, All-Star forward Kevin Garnett, and rookie point guard Stephon Marbury. The Rockets won the first two games over the Timberwolves at home at The Summit, before winning Game 3 on the road, 125–120 at the Target Center to win the series in a three-game sweep. Tribune News Services Rockets Eliminate Wolves; Suns Take Lead Over Sonics Chicago Tribune April 30, 1997 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-04-30-9704300250-story.html June 3, 2022 Associated Press Houston Moves On; Orlando Stays Alive Deseret News April 30, 1997 https://www.deseret.com/platform/amp/1997/4/30/19309428/houston-moves-on-orlando-stays-alive July 2, 2021 1997 NBA Western Conference First Round: Timberwolves vs. Rockets Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1997-nba-western-conference-first-round-timberwolves-vs-rockets.html February 4, 2023 In the Western Conference Semi-finals, the team faced off against the 2nd–seeded, and Pacific Division champion Seattle SuperSonics, who were led by the All-Star trio of Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp and Detlef Schrempf. Both teams finished with the same regular-season record, but despite the SuperSonics winning the Pacific Division title, the Rockets had home-court advantage in the series. The Rockets took a 3–1 series lead over the SuperSonics, which included a Game 4 road win in overtime, 110–106 at the KeyArena at Seattle Center. Associated Press Rockets Are Almost Home Free After Overtime Victory The New York Times May 12, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/12/sports/rockets-are-almost-home-free-after-overtime-victory.html January 19, 2022 Adande J.A. Rockets 110, SuperSonics 106 The Washington Post May 12, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/05/12/rockets-110-supersonics-106/2459dfc4-ff86-4a3f-9bca-c780d83e729d/ October 5, 2022 1997 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Game 4: Houston Rockets at Seattle SuperSonics Box Score, May 11, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199705110SEA.html May 31, 2026 However, the Rockets lost the next two games to the SuperSonics, including a Game 6 road loss, 99–96. Friend Tom Fisticuffs Fever Spreads to Seattle The New York Times May 16, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/16/sports/fisticuffs-fever-spreads-to-seattle.html January 19, 2022 Associated Press It Gets Worse for Rockets Los Angeles Times May 16, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-05-16-sp-59413-story.html October 5, 2022 1997 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Game 6: Houston Rockets at Seattle SuperSonics Box Score, May 15, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199705150SEA.html May 31, 2026 With the series tied at 3–3, the Rockets won Game 7 over the SuperSonics at The Summit, 96–91 to win in a hard-fought seven-game series, and advance to the Conference Finals. Howe Verhovek Sam Barkley Closer to Goal as Rockets Move Ahead The New York Times May 18, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/18/sports/barkley-closer-to-goal-as-rockets-move-ahead.html May 13, 2022 Associated Press Rockets Survive SuperSonic Scare Los Angeles Times May 18, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-05-18-sp-60086-story.html May 30, 2022 1997 NBA Western Conference Semifinals: SuperSonics vs. Rockets Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1997-nba-western-conference-semifinals-supersonics-vs-rockets.html February 4, 2023 In the Western Conference Finals, the Rockets then faced off against the top–seeded, and Midwest Division champion Utah Jazz, who were led by the trio of All-Star forward, and Most Valuable Player of the Year, Karl Malone, All-Star guard John Stockton, and Jeff Hornacek. The Rockets lost the first two games to the Jazz on the road at the Delta Center, Sheridan Chris Jazz 104, Rockets 92 Associated Press May 21, 1997 https://apnews.com/article/2c8e91cbe65093a01945fcf9c037ab01 February 24, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230225030454/https://apnews.com/article/2c8e91cbe65093a01945fcf9c037ab01 February 25, 2023 dead Friend Tom Jazz No-Names Introduce Themselves to Rockets The New York Times May 22, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/22/sports/jazz-no-names-introduce-themselves-to-rockets.html January 18, 2022 Howard-Cooper Scott Rockets Bruised, Battered by Jazz Los Angeles Times May 22, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-05-22-sp-61399-story.html October 5, 2022 but managed to win their next two home games to even the series at 2–2, as Johnson hit a three-point buzzer-beater to win Game 4 over the Jazz, 95–92 at The Summit. Roberts Selena A Bolt of 0.2-Second Lightning in Houston The New York Times May 26, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/26/sports/a-bolt-of-0.2-second-lightning-in-houston.html May 13, 2022 Howard-Cooper Scott Rockets Are No Longer a Longshot Los Angeles Times May 26, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-05-26-sp-62713-story.html October 5, 2022 1997 NBA Western Conference Finals Game 4: Utah Jazz at Houston Rockets Box Score, May 25, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199705250HOU.html May 31, 2026 However, after losing Game 5 at the Delta Center, 96–91, Friend Tom Resurgent Malone Puts Jazz Ahead The New York Times May 28, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/28/sports/resurgent-malone-puts-jazz-ahead.html May 31, 2026 Howard-Cooper Scott It's All in the Delivery Los Angeles Times May 28, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-05-28-sp-63146-story.html May 31, 2026 1997 NBA Western Conference Finals Game 5: Houston Rockets at Utah Jazz Box Score, May 27, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199705270UTA.html May 31, 2026 the Rockets lost Game 6 to the Jazz at The Summit, 103–100, when Stockton hit the series-winning three-point shot over Barkley at the buzzer, thus losing the series in six games. Friend Tom Stockton Sends Jazz to Finals at Last Second The New York Times May 30, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/30/sports/stockton-sends-jazz-to-finals-at-last-second.html July 24, 2017 Howard-Cooper Scott Jazz Toots Its Own Horn, Now Gets to Face the Music Los Angeles Times May 30, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-05-30-sp-63941-story.html May 30, 2022 1997 NBA Western Conference Finals: Rockets vs. Jazz Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1997-nba-western-conference-finals-rockets-vs-jazz.html February 4, 2023 The Jazz would advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history, but would lose to the defending NBA champion Chicago Bulls in six games in the 1997 NBA Finals. Wise Mike A Fistful of Rings: Bulls Grab Fifth Title of 90's The New York Times June 14, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/14/sports/a-fistful-of-rings-bulls-grab-fifth-title-of-90-s.html June 4, 2022 Howard-Cooper Scott June 14, 1997 Bulls Get Fifth Element Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-06-14-sp-3291-story.html July 25, 2022 1997 NBA Finals: Jazz vs. Bulls Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1997-nba-finals-jazz-vs-bulls.html February 4, 2023 Aftermath Following the season, Mack was traded to the Vancouver Grizzlies, Grizzlies Acquire Massenburg, Mack Associated Press October 28, 1997 https://apnews.com/article/50c38e4cc72f7dafe7848c91e29a9916 June 27, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220627071035/https://apnews.com/article/50c38e4cc72f7dafe7848c91e29a9916 June 27, 2022 dead Gardner Kris Two Minor Deals Completed on October 28, 1997 The Houston Roundball Review October 28, 1997 https://www.thehrr.com/nba/trade_archive/102897twodeals.html November 18, 2022 and Threatt and Livingston were both released to free agency. The Rockets would not advance to the Western Conference Finals again until 2015, where they were defeated by the Golden State Warriors in five games.January 2022 Offseason During the 1996 off-season, All-Star forward Charles Barkley was traded from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Sam Cassell, Robert Horry, Mark Bryant, and Chucky Brown; Barkley chose Houston specifically because he hoped to win an NBA championship with the team. Draft picks 1996 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 2 30 Othella Harrington PF/C United States Georgetown 2 42 Randy Livingston SG/PG United States LSU 2 50 Terrell Bell C United States Georgia Roster Houston Rockets 1996–97 #1D2951 #FFFFFF #B50000 #FFFFFF 4 Charles Barkley F 6 6 252 1963–02–20 Auburn 50 Matt Bullard F 6 10 215 1967–06–05 Iowa 15 Emanual Davis G 6 4 195 1968–08–27 Delaware State 22 Clyde Drexler G 6 7 210 1962–06–22 Houston 17 Mario Elie G/F 6 5 210 1963–11–26 American International 32 Othella Harrington F 6 9 235 1974–01–31 Georgetown 8 Eddie Johnson basketball, born 1959 G/F 6 7 215 1959–05–01 Illinois 27 Charles Jones basketball, born 1957 F/C 6 9 215 1957–04–03 Albany State 3 Randy Livingston G 6 4 209 1975–04–02 LSU 5 Sam Mack F 6 7 220 1970–05–26 Houston 12 Matt Maloney G 6 3 192 1971–12–06 Penn 34 Hakeem Olajuwon C 7 0 255 1963–01–21 Houston 20 Brent Price G 6 1 165 1968–12–09 Oklahoma 2 Sedale Threatt G 6 2 175 1961–09–10 West Virginia Tech 42 Kevin Willis F/C 7 0 220 1962–09–06 Michigan State Rudy Tomjanovich Bill Berry Jim Boylen Carroll Dawson Larry Smith https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1997.html Regular season In his first game with the Houston Rockets, Charles Barkley got 33 rebounds, a career high.Numbelievable! 101 Michael X. Ferraro John Veneziano Triumph Books Chicago 2007 978-1-57243-990-0 Season standings HOU HOU c – clinched conference title y – clinched division title x – clinched playoff spot Game log Game Date Opponent Result Team points Opponent score Record Streak OT 1 November 1 vs Sacramento Win 96 85 1-0 Won 1 2 November 2 at Phoenix Win 110 95 2-0 Won 2 3 November 4 at Utah Win 75 72 3-0 Won 3 4 November 5 at Sacramento Win 102 80 4-0 Won 4 5 November 7 at Denver Win 110 108 5-0 Won 5 OT 6 November 9 vs Utah Win 91 85 6-0 Won 6 7 November 12 vs LA Lakers Loss 115 126 6-1 Lost 1 2OT 8 November 14 vs Indiana Win 90 88 7-1 Won 1 9 November 16 vs Golden State Win 115 103 8-1 Won 2 10 November 19 vs Minnesota Win 122 93 9-1 Won 3 11 November 21 vs Phoenix Win 115 105 10-1 Won 4 12 November 23 at Golden State Win 120 115 11-1 Won 5 OT 13 November 24 at LA Lakers Win 90 85 12-1 Won 6 14 November 26 vs Portland Win 102 101 13-1 Won 7 OT 15 November 29 at Boston Win 120 94 14-1 Won 8 16 November 30 at Washington Win 103 99 15-1 Won 9 17 December 2 at Toronto Loss 89 100 15-2 Lost 1 18 December 4 vs Boston Win 94 89 16-2 Won 1 19 December 7 vs Philadelphia Win 123 108 17-2 Won 2 20 December 10 at Minnesota Win 96 94 18-2 Won 3 21 December 12 vs Detroit Win 115 96 19-2 Won 4 22 December 14 at Seattle Win 109 100 20-2 Won 5 23 December 15 at Portland Win 99 89 21-2 Won 6 24 December 17 at Vancouver Loss 92 93 21-3 Lost 1 25 December 19 vs San Antonio Loss 101 115 21-4 Lost 2 26 December 21 vs Miami Loss 66 86 21-5 Lost 3 27 December 23 vs Milwaukee Loss 76 81 21-6 Lost 4 28 December 26 at Milwaukee Win 101 90 22-6 Won 1 29 December 28 vs Golden State Win 104 95 23-6 Won 2 30 December 30 vs Seattle Win 99 91 24-6 Won 3 31 January 2 vs Portland Loss 96 112 24-7 Lost 1 32 January 4 vs LA Clippers Loss 91 95 24-8 Lost 2 33 January 7 at Minnesota Win 104 95 25-8 Won 1 34 January 8 at Cleveland Win 81 78 26-8 Won 2 35 January 10 at Philadelphia Win 120 99 27-8 Won 3 36 January 11 at Chicago Loss 86 110 27-9 Lost 1 37 January 14 vs New York Win 106 86 28-9 Won 1 38 January 16 vs Sacramento Win 89 80 29-9 Won 2 39 January 17 at Dallas Win 88 78 30-9 Won 3 40 January 19 vs Chicago Win 102 86 31-9 Won 4 41 January 21 at Charlotte Loss 108 114 31-10 Lost 1 42 January 23 vs New Jersey Win 111 104 32-10 Won 1 43 January 25 vs Utah Loss 100 105 32-11 Lost 1 OT 44 January 30 vs Denver Loss 109 113 32-12 Lost 2 45 January 31 at Indiana Loss 74 100 32-13 Lost 3 46 February 2 at Orlando Loss 90 103 32-14 Lost 4 47 February 4 at New York Loss 95 99 32-15 Lost 5 48 February 6 at Detroit Loss 87 96 32-16 Lost 6 49 February 11 vs Vancouver Win 106 97 33-16 Won 1 50 February 14 at Seattle Loss 85 105 33-17 Lost 1 51 February 15 at Portland Loss 105 109 33-18 Lost 2 52 February 17 vs Atlanta Win 127 98 34-18 Won 1 53 February 20 vs Toronto Win 107 97 35-18 Won 2 54 February 21 at Atlanta Loss 74 76 35-19 Lost 1 55 February 23 vs San Antonio Win 95 85 36-19 Won 1 56 February 25 vs LA Lakers Win 100 96 37-19 Won 2 57 February 27 vs Charlotte Loss 95 106 37-20 Lost 1 58 March 1 vs Dallas Win 89 80 38-20 Won 1 59 March 4 at LA Clippers Win 113 109 39-20 Won 2 60 March 5 at Golden State Win 90 85 40-20 Won 3 61 March 7 at LA Lakers Win 111 90 41-20 Won 4 62 March 9 at Dallas Win 88 83 42-20 Won 5 63 March 11 at San Antonio Win 103 79 43-20 Won 6 64 March 12 vs Orlando Loss 95 96 43-21 Lost 1 65 March 16 at Miami Loss 80 101 43-22 Lost 2 66 March 18 at New Jersey Win 97 89 44-22 Won 1 67 March 20 vs Washington Win 96 90 45-22 Won 2 68 March 22 vs Phoenix Loss 99 104 45-23 Lost 1 69 March 25 vs Minnesota Win 112 103 46-23 Won 1 70 March 27 vs Cleveland Win 107 89 47-23 Won 2 71 March 29 vs Denver Win 120 105 48-23 Won 3 72 April 1 at Denver Win 116 99 49-23 Won 4 73 April 2 at Phoenix Loss 96 109 49-24 Lost 1 74 April 4 at Sacramento Win 108 94 50-24 Won 1 75 April 6 at Vancouver Win 94 85 51-24 Won 2 76 April 8 at LA Clippers Win 127 117 52-24 Won 3 77 April 10 vs Vancouver Win 102 94 53-24 Won 4 78 April 11 at Utah Loss 83 104 53-25 Lost 1 79 April 13 vs Seattle Win 113 73 54-25 Won 1 80 April 15 vs LA Clippers Win 123 119 55-25 Won 2 81 April 18 vs Dallas Win 112 102 56-25 Won 3 OT 82 April 20 at San Antonio Win 103 99 57-25 Won 4 Playoffs Houston Rockets 1997 yes #1D2951 #FFFFFF Houston Rockets First Round yes yes no #C03 #FFFFFF 2 0 1 0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | April 24 | Minnesota | W 112–95 | Mario Elie (21) | Kevin Willis (13) | Clyde Drexler (8) | The Summit16,285 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | April 26 | Minnesota | W 96–84 | Charles Barkley (20) | Charles Barkley (15) | Clyde Drexler (7) | The Summit16,285 | 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | April 29 | @ Minnesota | W 125–120 | Matt Maloney (26) | Hakeem Olajuwon (11) | Clyde Drexler (9) | Target Center19,006 | 3–0 |- Houston Rockets Conference semifinals yes no #C03 #FFFFFF 2 2 2 1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | May 5 | Seattle | W 112–102 | Clyde Drexler (22) | Hakeem Olajuwon (11) | Mario Elie (8) | The Summit16,285 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | May 7 | Seattle | L 101–106 | Clyde Drexler (25) | Hakeem Olajuwon (12) | Clyde Drexler (8) | The Summit16,285 | 1–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | May 9 | @ Seattle | W 97–93 | Hakeem Olajuwon (24) | Hakeem Olajuwon (11) | Sedale Threatt (5) | KeyArena17,072 | 2–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | May 11 | @ Seattle | W 110–106 (OT) | Maloney, Barkley (26) | Charles Barkley (15) | Hakeem Olajuwon (9) | KeyArena17,072 | 3–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 5 | May 13 | Seattle | L 94–100 | Hakeem Olajuwon (31) | Charles Barkley (20) | Mario Elie (6) | The Summit16,285 | 3–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 6 | May 15 | @ Seattle | L 96–99 | Hakeem Olajuwon (30) | Charles Barkley (12) | Clyde Drexler (6) | KeyArena17,072 | 3–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 7 | May 17 | Seattle | W 96–91 | Clyde Drexler (24) | Charles Barkley (14) | Mario Elie (11) | The Summit16,285 | 4–3 |- Houston Rockets Conference finals yes no #C03 #FFFFFF 2 1 0 3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 1 | May 19 | @ Utah | L 86–101 | Hakeem Olajuwon (30) | Hakeem Olajuwon (13) | Hakeem Olajuwon (5) | Delta Center19,911 | 0–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | May 21 | @ Utah | L 92–104 | Hakeem Olajuwon (30) | Charles Barkley (12) | Clyde Drexler (4) | Delta Center19,911 | 0–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | May 23 | Utah | W 118–100 | Eddie Johnson (31) | Charles Barkley (16) | three players tied (6) | The Summit16,285 | 1–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | May 25 | Utah | W 95–92 | Hakeem Olajuwon (27) | Charles Barkley (16) | Matt Maloney (6) | The Summit16,285 | 2–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 5 | May 27 | @ Utah | L 91–96 | Hakeem Olajuwon (33) | Hakeem Olajuwon (10) | Charles Barkley (5) | Delta Center19,911 | 2–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 6 | May 29 | Utah | L 100–103 | Clyde Drexler (33) | Hakeem Olajuwon (11) | Sedale Threatt (9) | The Summit16,285 | 2–4 |- HOU 1997 yes Player statistics Season Player GP GS MPG FG% 3FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPGPPGCharles Barkley 53 53 37.9 .484 .283 .694 13.5 4.7 1.3 .5 19.2Elmer Bennett† 4 0 4.0 .333 .333 .833 .3 1.0 .5 .0 2.5Matt Bullard 71 12 14.4 .401 .366 .735 1.6 .9 .3 .3 4.5Emanual Davis 13 0 17.7 .444 .444 .625 1.7 2.0 .7 .2 5.0Clyde Drexler 62 62 36.6 .442 .355 .750 6.0 5.7 1.9 .6 18.0Mario Elie 78 77 34.4 .497 .420 .896 3.0 4.0 1.2 .2 11.7Othella Harrington 57 1 15.1 .549 .000 .605 3.5 .3 .2 .4 4.8Eddie Johnson basketball, born 1959† 24 2 25.3 .447 .388 .854 4.1 1.5 .4 .0 11.5Charles Jones basketball, born 1957 12 0 7.8 .400 1.1 .3 .2 .3 .3Randy Livingston 64 0 15.3 .437 .409 .646 1.5 2.4 .6 .2 3.9Sam Mack 52 10 17.4 .401 .331 .833 2.0 1.1 .6 .1 5.6Matt Maloney 82 82 29.1 .441 .404 .763 2.0 3.7 1.0 .0 9.4Tracy Moore basketball 27 1 8.8 .388 .256 .710 1.0 .7 .2 .0 3.7Hakeem Olajuwon 78 78 36.6 .510 .313 .787 9.2 3.0 1.5 2.2 23.2Brent Price 25 0 15.6 .419 .321 1.000 1.2 2.6 .7 .0 5.0Joe Stephens basketball 2 0 4.5 .200 .333 1.5 .0 1.5 .0 1.5Sedale Threatt 21 0 15.9 .378 .400 .750 1.1 1.9 .7 .1 3.3Kevin Willis 75 32 26.2 .481 .143 .693 7.5 .9 .6 .4 11.2 Playoffs Player GP GS MPG FG% 3FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPGPPGCharles Barkley 16 16 37.8 .434 .289 .769 12.0 3.4 1.2 .4 17.9Matt Bullard 2 0 3.5 1.000 1.000 1.0 .0 .0 .0 3.0Clyde Drexler 16 16 38.9 .436 .373 .778 5.6 4.8 1.6 .4 18.1Mario Elie 16 16 37.4 .466 .400 .839 3.5 3.8 .9 .3 11.5Othella Harrington 7 0 2.1 .500 .700 .6 .0 .0 .0 1.3Eddie Johnson basketball, born 1959 16 0 17.8 .410 .298 .958 2.3 .6 .3 .0 8.3Charles Jones basketball, born 1957 1 0 2.0 .0 1.0 .0 .0 .0Randy Livingston 2 0 7.5 .250 1.000 .0 2.0 .5 .0 1.5Matt Maloney 16 16 32.9 .399 .398 .667 1.2 3.1 .6 .2 11.2Hakeem Olajuwon 16 16 39.3 .590 .000 .731 10.9 3.4 2.1 2.6 23.1Sedale Threatt 16 0 16.6 .393 .300 .750 1.1 3.0 .4 .3 3.7Kevin Willis 16 0 18.4 .400 .000 .684 4.7 .7 .6 .3 6.4 Player statistics citation: Awards and records Awards Hakeem Olajuwon, All-NBA First Team Hakeem Olajuwon, NBA All-Defensive Second Team Matt Maloney, NBA All-Rookie Team 2nd Team Records Transactions Trades August 19, 1996 To Houston RocketsCharles Barkley To Phoenix SunsRobert HorrySam CassellMark BryantChucky Brown Free agents 52% Additions Player || style="width:70px"|Signed || style="width:210px"|Former team' Subtractions Player Left New team Player transactions citation: 1996–97 Houston Rockets Transactions Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1997_transactions.html January 1, 2022 See also 1996–97 NBA season References Category:Houston Rockets seasons Houston Category:1996 in sports in Texas Category:1997 in sports in Texas Category:1996 in Houston Category:1997 in Houston