1996–97 Washington Bullets season

NBA professional basketball team season March 2026 August 2023 Washington Bullets 1997 44 38 Atlantic 4 8 Jim Lynam (fired) (22–24) Bob Staak (interim) (0–1) Bernie Bickerstaff (22–13) Wes Unseld Abe Pollin US Airways Arena (37 games) Baltimore Arena (4 games) First round(lost to Bulls 0–3) WSB WBDC Home Team Sports WTOP Washington Wizards The 1996–97 Washington Bullets season was the 36th season for the Washington Bullets in the National Basketball Association, and their 24th season in Washington, D.C.. Washington Wizards Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WAS/ August 10, 2026 Season summary Off-season During the off-season, the Bullets acquired Rod Strickland, and former Bullets forward Harvey Grant from the Portland Trail Blazers, Bembry Jerry Bullets Get Strickland, Grant from Trail Blazers: Washington Deals Wallace and Butler, Signs Murray; Rockets Get Brent Price The Baltimore Sun July 16, 1996 https://www.baltimoresun.com/1996/07/16/bullets-get-strickland-grant-from-trail-blazers-washington-deals-wallace-and-butler-signs-murray-rockets-get-brent-price/ December 3, 2022 Blazers Trade Strickland to Bullets Tampa Bay Times July 16, 1996 https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1996/07/16/blazers-trade-strickland-to-bullets/ https://web.archive.org/web/20230620212923/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1996/07/16/blazers-trade-strickland-to-bullets/ dead June 20, 2023 June 20, 2023 Asher Mark Strickland Decision Has Bullets on Hold The Washington Post July 22, 1996 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1996/07/22/strickland-decision-has-bullets-on-hold/5627bb16-1e28-45aa-9a1f-349a2e370ba7/ July 24, 2022 and signed free agents Tracy Murray, Adande J.A. Bullets' Front Line a Bonus The Washington Post October 7, 1996 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1996/10/07/bullets-front-line-a-bonus/e0028dec-af99-4885-b7d2-629667f77897/ June 20, 2023 Brown Clifton Bullets Open Up Their Gifts and Run The New York Times November 10, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/10/sports/bullets-open-up-their-gifts-and-run.html October 3, 2022 Adande J.A. Murray Takes a Shot at Getting on Track The Washington Post November 29, 1996 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1996/11/29/murray-takes-a-shot-at-getting-on-track/da710ecd-b37e-4e13-8b02-f29ce78e0eb0/ July 10, 2022 Jaren Jackson and Lorenzo Williams. Parks Brad Bullets Sign Williams to Seven-Year Deal The Washington Post July 27, 1996 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1996/07/27/bullets-sign-williams-to-seven-year-deal/809118b7-5105-4006-8038-cb99911a5ca9/ June 22, 2023 Adande J.A. Bullets Add C. Ray as Assistant The Washington Post October 3, 1996 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1996/10/03/bullets-add-c-ray-as-assistant/4b09bf2b-dbf3-4026-9d21-4685bf6db607/ October 7, 2022 Despite a stellar season last year, Juwan Howard signed a 7-year $100 million contract with the Miami Heat. However, the deal was voided claiming that the Heat exceeded their salary cap; Associated Press N.B.A. Rejects Howard Deal The New York Times August 1, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/01/sports/nba-rejects-howard-deal.html June 6, 2023 Asher Mark NBA Rejects Heat's Contract with Howard The Washington Post August 1, 1996 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1996/08/01/nba-rejects-heats-contract-with-howard/fe5546ac-b7ed-4041-bfda-4991c642dc20/ June 6, 2023 Brown Clifton An Angry Pat Riley Insists the Heat Broke No Salary Cap Rules The New York Times August 13, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/13/sports/an-angry-pat-riley-insists-the-heat-broke-no-salary-cap-rules.html May 12, 2022 the Bullets quickly re-signed Howard, but would lose their first-round draft pick next year. Brown Clifton Howard: 2 Deals, 2 Teams, $200 Million The New York Times August 6, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/06/sports/howard-2-deals-2-teams-200-million.html March 14, 2017 Asher Mark Howard's End a Mystery Even with Bullet Signing Los Angeles Times August 6, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-08-06-sp-31765-story.html June 6, 2023 Nakamura David If You Can't Stand the Heat... The Washington Post August 6, 1996 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1996/08/06/if-you-cant-stand-the-heat/332370d2-32d1-4da1-9c1d-d2113292223c/ June 30, 2022 Regular season With the addition of Strickland, Murray and Grant, the Bullets got off to a 7–6 start to the regular season, but then posted a five-game losing streak afterwards. The team played around .500 in winning percentage for the first half of the season, holding a 22–25 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 After 46 games, the Bullets fired head coach Jim Lynam, Adande J.A. "It Just Wasn't Happening," So Bullets Fire Lynam The Washington Post February 6, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/02/06/it-just-wasnt-happening-so-bullets-fire-lynam/da0da731-51e4-42c3-8c95-0b0cf2f1d437/ November 9, 2022 Schmuck Peter Lynam Fired as Bullets Coach: Unseld: "It Wasn't Happening"; Staak Will Serve as Fill-In The Baltimore Sun February 6, 1997 https://www.baltimoresun.com/1997/02/06/lynam-fired-as-bullets-coach-unseld-it-wasnt-happening-staak-will-serve-as-fill-in/ January 2, 2023 then after playing one game under assistant coach Bob Staak, the team hired former Bullets assistant Bernie Bickerstaff as their new coach. Associated Press Bullets Hire Bickerstaff The New York Times February 11, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/11/sports/bullets-hire-bickerstaff.html January 2, 2023 Frey Jennifer For Bickerstaff, Time to Get a Job and a Haircut The Washington Post February 12, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/02/12/for-bickerstaff-time-to-get-a-job-and-a-haircut/692749c7-2bef-4ca3-a046-aa6e0f0d405a/ April 20, 2023 Adande J.A. Changing Times for Bullets The Washington Post February 14, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/02/14/changing-times-for-bullets/32f83a00-f66c-41f5-87aa-713cf56f7ee4/ January 14, 2022 Under Bickerstaff, the Bullets finished the season strong by winning 19 of their final 26 games, including a six-game winning streak between March and April. 1996–97 Washington Bullets Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WSB/1997_games.html June 21, 2021 On the final day of the regular season on April 20, 1997, the Bullets defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road, 85–81 at the Gund Arena to capture the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference; Adande J.A. Rebounding, with Much Emotion The Washington Post April 21, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1997/04/21/rebounding-with-much-emotion/f38b81f8-f64c-4551-97b8-7362286d46c3/ July 1, 2022 Bembry Jerry Last-Chance Bullets Hit Bull's Eye: Washington Rallies Past Cavaliers, 85-81, Gains Playoff Goal; Bulls Series Begins Friday; Longest Postseason Drought in NBA Ends The Baltimore Sun April 21, 1997 https://www.baltimoresun.com/1997/04/21/last-chance-bullets-hit-bulls-eye-washington-rallies-past-cavaliers-85-81-gains-playoff-goal-bulls-series-begins-friday-longest-postseason-drought-in-nba-ends/ January 28, 2023 Washington Bullets at Cleveland Cavaliers Box Score, April 20, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199704200CLE.html November 19, 2022 the team finished in fourth place in the Atlantic Division with a 44–38 record, qualifying for the NBA playoffs for the first time since the 1987–88 season, and ending an eight-year playoff drought. Chris Webber averaged 20.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.9 blocks per game, while Howard averaged 19.1 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game, and Strickland provided the team with 17.2 points, 8.9 assists and 1.7 steals per game. In addition, Calbert Cheaney contributed 10.6 points per game, while last season's Most Improved Player Gheorghe Mureșan averaged 10.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Off the bench, Murray contributed 10.0 points per game and led the Bullets with 106 three-point field goals, while Chris Whitney provided with 5.2 points and 2.2 assists per game, Jackson contributed 5.0 points per game, and Grant averaged 4.1 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. 1996–97 Washington Bullets Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WSB/1997.html June 21, 2021 During the NBA All-Star weekend at the Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, Webber was selected for the 1997 NBA All-Star Game, as a member of the Eastern Conference All-Star team; it was his first ever All-Star appearance. 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 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 November 27, 2021 Meanwhile, Tim Legler participated in the NBA Three-Point Shootout for the second consecutive year; Legler won the competition the previous year. NBA & ABA All-Star Game Contest Winners Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/contest.html September 19, 2025 The Bullets finished twelfth in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 700,646 at US Airways Arena 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 Eastern Conference First Round of the 1997 NBA playoffs, the Bullets faced off against the top–seeded, and defending NBA champion Chicago Bulls, who won the Central Division title, and were led by the trio of All-Star guard Michael Jordan, All-Star forward Scottie Pippen, and rebound-specialist Dennis Rodman. The Bullets lost the first two games to the Bulls on the road at the United Center, which included a 109–104 loss in Game 2, in which Jordan scored 55 points. Adande J.A.  Bullets Can't Keep Pace as Jordan Drives for 55  The Washington Post  April 27, 1997  https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/04/28/bullets-cant-keep-pace-as-jordan-drives-for-55/dc9b7839-517f-4271-bc19-27a7637ae864/ June 5, 2026 Berkow Ira  Jordan Amazes Even Bulls with 55-Point Spectacular  The New York Times  April 28, 1997  https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/28/sports/jordan-amazes-even-bulls-with-55-point-spectacular.html June 5, 2026 1997 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Game 2: Washington Bullets at Chicago Bulls Box Score, April 27, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199704270CHI.html May 30, 2026 In Game 3 at US Airways Arena, and despite taking a 14–2 lead early in the first quarter, the Bullets lost to the Bulls by a score of 96–95, thus losing the series in a three-game sweep. Roberts Selena Bulls Prevail, But Bullets Go Out Fighting The New York Times May 1, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/01/sports/bulls-prevail-but-bullets-go-out-fighting.html May 12, 2022 Adande J.A. In Their Final Shot, Bullets Just Miss The Washington Post May 1, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/05/01/in-their-final-shot-bullets-just-miss/b9087179-0dfa-417a-bbf6-0de691a81918/ June 19, 2021 1997 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Bullets vs. Bulls Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1997-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-bullets-vs-bulls.html February 4, 2023 This would be the team's final NBA playoff appearance until the 2004–05 season, as what would follow was a seven-year playoff drought. The Bulls would go on to defeat the Utah Jazz in six games in the 1997 NBA Finals, winning their second consecutive NBA championship, and their fifth championship in seven years. 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 This was also the Bullet's final full season in which they played their home games at the arena that was known as the "Capital Centre" in Landover, Maryland. In addition, this was also their final season in which they played occasional home games at the Baltimore Arena in Baltimore, Maryland; in their final game at the Baltimore Arena, the Bullets defeated the Dallas Mavericks by a score of 94–87 on March 29, 1997. Adande J.A.  Baltimore Bites Bullet on Team's Departure  The Washington Post  March 30, 1997  https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/03/31/baltimore-bites-bullet-on-teams-departure/1a0c1ebd-80e7-459b-b44d-f47c5bb0c0be/ June 6, 2026 Bembry Jerry  Bullets Leave Baltimore with Win, Mavericks Fall, 94-87; Washington a Half-Game Behind in Playoff Chase  The Baltimore Sun  March 30, 1997 https://www.baltimoresun.com/1997/03/30/bullets-leave-baltimore-with-win-mavericks-fall-94-87-washington-a-half-game-behind-in-playoff-chase/ June 6, 2026 Dallas Mavericks at Washington Bullets Box Score, March 29, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199703290WSB.html June 6, 2026 Following the season, Jackson signed as a free agent with the San Antonio Spurs. Broussard Chris N.B.A. Finals: For Spurs' Jackson, Depth Is the Key The New York Times June 18, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/06/18/sports/nba-finals-for-spurs-jackson-depth-is-the-key.html November 18, 2022 Game 3 of the first-round series against the Bulls at US Airways Arena was officially the team's final game as the "Bullets". In 1995, Bullets owner Abe Pollin 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. On May 15, 1997, the team officially changed its name to the "Wizards", and became known as the "Washington Wizards" the following season. Justice Richard Bullets Seek New Name The Washington Post November 10, 1995 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1995/11/10/bullets-seek-new-name/b9f53a8a-ed49-4e1d-8672-b1b8e88e405c/ October 7, 2022 Justice Richard For Bullets, "Wizards" Casts Magic Spell The Washington Post February 23, 1996 https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/memories/bullets/articles/95wiz.htm July 21, 2017 Adande J.A. They're the Wizards of Ahhhhs The Washington Post May 16, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/05/16/theyre-the-wizards-of-ahhhhs/8ce6043f-a94b-4097-8154-ac9b9630e1a5/ July 10, 2022 The rebrand was held up by a copyright lawsuit filed by the Harlem Wizards, a traveling comedy basketball team with the same name. Still, the Bullets won the trademark infringement case, as a court ruling allowed them to change their name to the "Wizards". Harlem Wizards Sue to Stop Name Change United Press International June 25, 1996 https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/06/25/Harlem-Wizards-sue-to-stop-name-change/8050835675200/ June 20, 2023 Heath Thomas Bullets in a Battle for Name's Sake The Washington Post November 6, 1996 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1996/11/06/bullets-in-a-battle-for-names-sake/d6a13874-0662-4cd1-bec0-2653457186b9/ February 2, 2023 Heath Thomas Adande J.A. Court Ruling Allows Bullets to Become Wizards The Washington Post January 11, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/01/11/court-ruling-allows-bullets-to-become-wizards/a854676c-08f2-48f5-b805-b193f4447cd9/ February 2, 2023 Draft picks 1996 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 2 55 Ronnie Henderson United States LSU Roster Washington Bullets 1996–97 #C9143A white #0344AD white 50 Ashraf Amaya F 6 8 230 1971–11–23 Southern Illinois 40 Calbert Cheaney G 6 7 209 1971–07–17 Indiana 22 Matt Fish C 6 11 235 1969–11–18 UNC Wilmington 44 Harvey Grant F 6 8 195 1965–07–04 Oklahoma 5 Juwan Howard F 6 9 240 1973–02–07 Michigan 32 Jaren Jackson G 6 4 190 1967–10–27 Georgetown 23 Tim Legler G 6 4 200 1966–12–26 La Salle 77 Gheorghe Mureșan C 7 7 303 1971–02–14 Romania 35 Tracy Murray F 6 7 225 1971–07–25 UCLA 1 Rod Strickland G 6 3 175 1966–07–11 DePaul 30 Ben Wallace basketball F 6 9 240 1974–09–10 Virginia Union 4 Chris Webber F 6 9 245 1973–03–01 Michigan 12 Chris Whitney G 6 0 168 1971–10–05 Clemson 43 Lorenzo Williams basketball, born 1969 C 6 9 200 1969–07–15 Stetson Jim Lynam (fired) Bob Staak (interim) Bernie Bickerstaff Buzz Braman https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WSB/1997.html April 16, 1997 Regular season Season standings WSB WSB z – clinched division title y – clinched division title x – clinched playoff spot Game log Regular season Washington Bullets 1997 #DC143C #0000CD Total: 44–38 (home: 25–16; road: 19–22) Washington Bullets November yes #0000CD #DC143C 4 5 3 3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | November 1, 1996 | @ Orlando | W 96–92 | | | | Orlando Arena | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | November 2, 1996 | Cleveland | L 96–98 (OT) | | | | US Airways Arena | 1–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | November 6, 1996 | San Antonio | 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 | L 100–103 (OT) | | | | Market Square Arena | 2–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 6 | November 12, 1996 | Detroit | L 79–92 | | | | US Airways Arena | 2–4 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 7 | November 13, 1996 | @ New Jersey | W 106–91 | | | | Continental Airlines Arena | 3–4 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 8 | November 15, 1996 | @ Detroit | L 84–95 | | | | The Palace of Auburn Hills | 3–5 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 9 | November 16, 1996 | Boston | W 106–92 | | | | US Airways Arena | 4–5 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 10 | November 20, 1996 | Seattle | L 110–115 (2OT) | | | | US Airways Arena | 4–6 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 11 | November 22, 1996 | Philadelphia | W 88–76 | | | | US Airways Arena | 5–6 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 12 | November 23, 1996 | @ Milwaukee | W 95–90 | | | | Bradley Center | 6–6 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 13 | November 25, 1996 | Minnesota | W 105–98 | | | | US Airways Arena | 7–6 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 14 | November 29, 1996 | @ Atlanta | L 81–110 | | | | The Omni | 7–7 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 15 | November 30, 1996 | Houston | L 99–103 | | | | US Airways Arena | 7–8 Washington Bullets December #0000CD #DC143C 4 2 4 4 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 16 | December 5, 1996 | @ Toronto | L 80–82 | | | | SkyDome | 7–9 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 17 | December 7, 1996 | Milwaukee | L 118–126 | | | | US Airways Arena | 7–10 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 18 | December 10, 1996 | @ New York | L 73–85 | | | | Madison Square Garden | 7–11 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 19 | December 11, 1996 | Cleveland | W 106–95 | | | | US Airways Arena | 8–11 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 20 | December 13, 1996 | Denver | W 108–104 | | | | US Airways Arena | 9–11 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 21 | December 15, 1996 | @ Golden State | W 110–102 | | | | San Jose Arena | 10–11 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 22 | December 16, 1996 | @ Sacramento | W 97–89 | | | | ARCO Arena | 11–11 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 23 | December 18, 1996 | @ Phoenix | L 107–114 | | | | America West Arena | 11–12 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 24 | December 19, 1996 | @ L.A. Clippers | W 102–93 | | | | Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena | 12–12 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 25 | December 22, 1996 | @ Vancouver | L 87–91 | | | | General Motors Place | 12–13 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 26 | December 23, 1996 | @ Portland | W 106–84 | | | | Rose Garden Arena | 13–13 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 27 | December 27, 1996 | Toronto | W 100–82 | | | | US Airways Arena | 14–13 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 28 | December 28, 1996 | Atlanta(at Baltimore, MD) | W 97–86 | | | | Baltimore Arena | 15–13 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 29 | December 30, 1996 | Charlotte | L 92–101 | | | | US Airways Arena | 15–14 Washington Bullets January #0000CD #DC143C 4 2 3 6 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 30 | January 2, 1997 | New York | L 80–92 | | | | US Airways Arena | 15–15 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 31 | January 4, 1997 | @ Charlotte | W 104–93 | | | | Charlotte Coliseum | 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 | @ Cleveland | W 98–85 | | | | Gund Arena | 19–15 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 35 | January 13, 1997 | @ Miami | L 95–93 | | | | Miami Arena | 19–16 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 36 | January 14, 1997 | @ Chicago | L 107–108 | | | | United Center | 19–17 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 37 | January 17, 1997 | Miami(at Baltimore, MD) | L 92–103 | | | | Baltimore Arena | 19–18 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 38 | January 18, 1997 | @ Boston | W 112–106 | | | | FleetCenter | 20–18 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 39 | January 20, 1997 | @ New York | L 79–95 | | | | Madison Square Garden | 20–19 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 40 | January 21, 1997 | @ Orlando | L 88–93 | | | | Orlando Arena | 20–20 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 41 | January 24, 1997 | @ Atlanta | L 105–117 (OT) | | | | The Omni | 20–21 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 42 | January 25, 1997 | Sacramento | W 113–105 | | | | US Airways Arena | 21–21 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 43 | January 28, 1997 | Orlando | W 102–82 | | | | US Airways Arena | 22–21 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 44 | January 31, 1997 | @ Seattle | L 95–97 | | | | KeyArena | 22–22 Washington Bullets February #0000CD #DC143C 3 4 0 5 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 45 | February 2, 1997 | @ L.A. Lakers | L 99–129 | | | | Great Western Forum | 22–23 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 46 | February 3, 1997 | @ Utah | L 89–111 | | | | Delta Center | 22–24 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 47 | February 5, 1997 | @ Denver | L 104–106 | | | | McNichols Sports Arena | 22–25 |- align="center" |colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff"|All-Star Break |- style="background:#cfc;" |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 48 | February 11, 1997 | New York | L 92–97 | | | | US Airways Arena | 22–26 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 49 | February 14, 1997 | New Jersey(at Baltimore, MD) | W 125–107 | | | | Baltimore Arena | 23–26 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 50 | February 15, 1997 | @ New Jersey | L 86–107 | | | | Continental Airlines Arena | 23–27 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 51 | February 17, 1997 | Milwaukee | W 95–93 | | | | US Airways Arena | 24–27 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 52 | February 19, 1997 | @ Detroit | L 85–100 | | | | The Palace of Auburn Hills | 24–28 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 53 | February 21, 1997 | Chicago | L 99–103 | | | | US Airways Arena | 24–29 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 54 | February 23, 1997 | Detroit | L 79–85 | | | | US Airways Arena | 24–30 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 55 | February 25, 1997 | Indiana | 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 Washington Bullets March #0000CD #DC143C 6 3 5 1 |- 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 | @ Philadelphia | W 107–106 | | | | CoreStates Center | 27–31 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 59 | March 6, 1997 | @ Miami | W 99–95 | | | | Miami Arena | 28–31 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 60 | March 7, 1997 | Miami | L 105–108 (OT) | | | | US Airways Arena | 28–32 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 61 | March 9, 1997 | Philadelphia | L 93–99 | | | | US Airways Arena | 28–33 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 62 | March 12, 1997 | Vancouver | W 104–82 | | | | US Airways Arena | 29–33 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 63 | March 14, 1997 | @ Milwaukee | W 105–96 | | | | Bradley Center | 30–33 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 64 | March 15, 1997 | Utah | L 93–100 | | | | US Airways Arena | 30–34 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 65 | March 17, 1997 | @ San Antonio | W 109–85 | | | | Alamodome | 31–34 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 66 | March 18, 1997 | @ Dallas | W 86–85 | | | | Reunion Arena | 32–34 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 67 | March 20, 1997 | @ Houston | L 90–96 | | | | The Summit | 32–35 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 68 | March 22, 1997 | Portland | W 108–104 | | | | US Airways Arena | 33–35 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 69 | March 26, 1997 | Boston | W 105–92 | | | | US Airways Arena | 34–35 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 70 | March 28, 1997 | Toronto | W 113–86 | | | | US Airways Arena | 35–35 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 71 | March 29, 1997 | Dallas(at Baltimore, MD) | W 94–87 | | | | Baltimore Arena | 36–35 Washington Bullets April #0000CD #DC143C 4 0 4 3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 72 | April 1, 1997 | @ Indiana | W 104–100 | | | | Market Square Arena | 37–35 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 73 | April 3, 1997 | Chicago | W 110–102 | | | | US Airways Arena | 38–35 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 74 | April 4, 1997 | @ Minnesota | L 95–97 | | | | Target Center | 38–36 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 75 | April 6, 1997 | @ Boston | W 120–114 | | | | FleetCenter | 39–36 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 76 | April 8, 1997 | @ Toronto | L 94–100 | | | | SkyDome | 39–37 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 77 | April 11, 1997 | New Jersey | W 109–90 | | | | US Airways Arena | 40–37 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 78 | April 12, 1997 | @ Charlotte | L 97–99 | | | | Charlotte Coliseum | 40–38 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 79 | April 14, 1997 | @ Philadelphia | W 131–110 | | | | CoreStates Center | 41–38 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 80 | April 16, 1997 | Indiana | W 103–90 | | | | US Airways Arena | 42–38 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 81 | April 18, 1997 | Orlando | W 104–93 | | | | US Airways Arena | 43–38 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 82 | April 20, 1997 | @ Cleveland | W 85–81 | | | | Gund Arena | 44–38 WSB 1997 Playoffs Washington Bullets 1997 yes #DC143C #0000CD Washington Bullets First round no yes yes #0000CD #DC143C 0 1 0 2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 1 | April 25, 1997 | @ Chicago | L 86–98 | Juwan Howard (21) | Rod Strickland (10) | Rod Strickland (8) | United Center24,122 | 0–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | April 27, 1997 | @ Chicago | L 104–109 | Calbert Cheaney (26) | Chris Webber (12) | Rod Strickland (8) | United Center24,267 | 0–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 3 | April 30, 1997 | Chicago | L 95–96 | Rod Strickland (24) | Chris Webber (8) | Rod Strickland (9) | US Airways Arena18,756 | 0–3 |- WSB 1997 yes Player statistics Regular season Washington Bullets |- | style="text-align:left;"|Ashraf Amaya | 31 || 0 || 4.6 || .300 || 1.000 || .536 || 1.7 || .1 || .2 || .1 || 1.3 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Calbert Cheaney | 79 || 79 || 30.5 || .505 || .133 || .693 || 3.4 || 1.4 || 1.0 || .2 || 10.6 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Matt Fish† | 5 || 0 || 1.4 || .333 || || || 1.0 || .0 || .0 || .0 || .4 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Harvey Grant | 78 || 25 || 20.6 || .411 || .315 || .769 || 3.3 || .9 || .6 || .6 || 4.1 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Juwan Howard | 82 || 82 || 40.5 || .486 || .000 || .756 || 8.0 || 3.8 || 1.1 || .3 || 19.1 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Jaren Jackson | 75 || 0 || 15.1 || .407 || .335 || .768 || 1.8 || .9 || .6 || .2 || 5.0 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Tim Legler | 15 || 0 || 12.1 || .313 || .276 || .857 || 1.4 || .5 || .2 || .3 || 2.9 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Gheorghe Mureșan | 73 || 69 || 25.3 || .604 || || .618 || 6.6 || .4 || .6 || 1.3 || 10.6 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Tracy Murray | 82 || 1 || 22.1 || .425 || .353 || .839 || 3.1 || 1.0 || .8 || .2 || 10.0 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Gaylon Nickerson† | 1 || 0 || 6.0 || .333 || .000 || || 1.0 || .0 || 1.0 || .0 || 2.0 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Rod Strickland | 82 || 81 || 36.5 || .466 || .169 || .738 || 4.1 || 8.9 || 1.7 || .2 || 17.2 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Ben Wallace basketball | 34 || 0 || 5.8 || .348 || || .300 || 1.7 || .1 || .2 || .3 || 1.1 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Chris Webber | 72 || 72 || 39.0 || .518 || .397 || .565 || 10.3 || 4.6 || 1.7 || 1.9 || 20.1 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Chris Whitney | 82 || 1 || 13.6 || .421 || .356 || .832 || 1.3 || 2.2 || .6 || .0 || 5.2 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Lorenzo Williams basketball, born 1969 | 19 || 0 || 13.9 || .645 || || .714 || 3.6 || .2 || .3 || .4 || 2.4 |} Playoffs Washington Bullets |- | style="text-align:left;"|Calbert Cheaney | 3 || 3 || 40.0 || .439 || .000 || .750 || 3.7 || 1.3 || 1.0 || .7 || 15.0 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Harvey Grant | 3 || 0 || 9.7 || .000 || .000 || || 1.3 || .0 || .0 || .7 || .0 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Juwan Howard | 3 || 3 || 43.0 || .465 || || .889 || 6.0 || 1.7 || .7 || .7 || 18.7 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Jaren Jackson | 3 || 0 || 3.7 || || || .000 || .7 || .3 || .0 || .0 || .0 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Tim Legler | 3 || 0 || 6.3 || .000 || .000 || .500 || .3 || .7 || .0 || .0 || .3 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Gheorghe Mureșan | 3 || 3 || 23.3 || .444 || || .875 || 6.0 || .0 || .0 || 1.3 || 5.0 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Tracy Murray | 3 || 0 || 29.0 || .567 || .500 || .941 || 3.0 || .7 || 1.3 || .7 || 18.3 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Rod Strickland | 3 || 3 || 41.3 || .423 || .500 || .737 || 6.0 || 8.3 || 1.0 || .0 || 19.7 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Chris Webber | 3 || 3 || 35.3 || .633 || .455 || .500 || 8.0 || 3.3 || .7 || 2.3 || 15.7 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Chris Whitney | 3 || 0 || 6.7 || .400 || .500 || 1.000 || .7 || .7 || .0 || .0 || 2.3 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Lorenzo Williams basketball, born 1969 | 2 || 0 || 2.5 || || || || .0 || .0 || .0 || .0 || .0 |} † Denotes player spent time with another team in the season. Stats reflect time with the Bullets only. Player statistics citation: Awards and records No Awards. References See also 1996–97 NBA season Category:Washington Wizards seasons Wash Wiz Wiz