1996–97 Atlanta Hawks season

NBA professional basketball team season August 2023 March 2026 Atlanta Hawks 1997 56 26 Central 2 4 Lenny Wilkens Pete Babcock Ted Turner / Turner Broadcasting System Omni Coliseum Conference Semi-finals(lost to Bulls 1–4) ATL WATL Fox Sports South WCNN The 1996–97 Atlanta Hawks season was the 48th season for the Atlanta Hawks in the National Basketball Association, and their 29th season in Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta Hawks Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/ATL/ August 6, 2026 During this season, Hawks owner Ted Turner was the then-vice chairman of Time Warner after acquiring Turner Broadcasting System. Time Warner-Turner Pact Okayed Tampa Bay Times July 18, 1996 https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1996/07/18/time-warner-turner-pact-okayed/ January 28, 2023 TBS Holders Approve Time Warner Deal United Press International October 10, 1996 https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/10/10/TBS-holders-approve-Time-Warner-deal/8817844920000/ January 28, 2023 Mulligan Thomas S. Turner-Time Warner Merger Approved by Shareholders Los Angeles Times October 11, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-10-11-fi-52676-story.html July 27, 2021 Season summary Off-season During the off-season, the Hawks signed free agent All-Star center Dikembe Mutombo to help strengthen their defense. Associated Press Hawks Get Big with Mutombo Los Angeles Times July 16, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-07-16-sp-24645-story.html?_amp=true November 1, 2016 Asher Mark Mutombo Heading to Hawks The Washington Post July 16, 1996 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1996/07/16/mutombo-heading-to-hawks/6f1396c6-10bb-4e02-8a89-7191e3b62120/ July 10, 2022 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 The team also signed free agents Tyrone Corbin, Willie Burton, Hawks Sign Corbin and Burton The New York Times September 13, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/13/sports/hawks-sign-corbin-and-burton.html January 1, 2022 Wire Services Iverson Set to Sign Three-Year Contract with Philadelphia The Spokesman-Review September 13, 1996 https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1996/sep/13/iverson-set-to-sign-three-year-contract-with/ June 20, 2023 Winderman Ira Corbin Starting for Hawks Sun Sentinel October 26, 1996 https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1996-10-26-9610250475-story.html December 15, 2022 Eldridge Recasner, and former Georgia Tech University guard Jon Barry; Sports Briefs Deseret News August 14, 1996 https://www.deseret.com/1996/8/14/19260016/sports-briefs July 12, 2022 Johnson K.C. Team of Cohesive Elements Pours from Hawks' Beaker Chicago Tribune May 6, 1997 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-05-06-9705060343-story.html January 28, 2023 Corbin previously played for the Hawks during the 1994–95 season. Regular season With the addition of Mutombo and Corbin, the Hawks struggled with a 5–6 start to the regular season, but soon recovered and played above .500 in winning percentage for the remainder of the season. In December, the team signed free agent, and three-point specialist Henry James, and later on released Burton to free agency in January after 24 games. The Hawks posted a 14–2 record in January, which included a 10-game winning streak, Associated Press Hawks Win Their 10th Straight The New York Times January 21, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/21/sports/hawks-win-their-10th-straight.html July 18, 2021 and later on held a 31–15 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 The Hawks posted a seven-game winning streak in March, and finished in second place in the Central Division with a 56–26 record, earning the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference; 1996–97 Atlanta Hawks Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/ATL/1997_games.html June 21, 2021http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/atlanta/atlhawks.html Atlanta Hawks (1968-Present) July 18, 2008 February 16, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120216013148/http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/atlanta/atlhawks.html dead the team qualified for the NBA playoffs for the fifth consecutive year. The Hawks also posted a successful 36–5 home record at the Omni Coliseum, which was the third-best in the league, and also won 20 consecutive home games from November 12, 1996 to February 12, 1997. Associated Press Bulls Halt the Hawks' Home Streak at 20 The New York Times February 15, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/15/sports/bulls-halt-the-hawks-home-streak-at-20.html October 13, 2021 Armour Terry Bulls 89, Hawks 88 Chicago Tribune February 15, 1997 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-02-15-9702150102-story.html December 27, 2022 The Hawks had the third best team defensive rating in the NBA.https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/defense/?sort=DEF_RATING&dir=-1&Season=1996-97&SeasonType=Regular%20Season Teams Defense NBA.com April 16, 2021 Steve Smith averaged 20.1 points and 4.2 assists per game, and contributed 130 three-point field goals, while Christian Laettner averaged 18.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, and Mookie Blaylock provided the team with 17.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 2.7 steals per game, led the Hawks with 221 three-point field goals, and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. In addition, Mutombo provided with 13.3 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game, and was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year for the second time, and was also named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, Associated Press Mutombo Picks Up Defensive Award The New York Times April 25, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/25/sports/mutombo-picks-up-defensive-award.html December 31, 2024 Associated Press Mutombo Is the Difference for Hawks Los Angeles Times May 5, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-05-05-sp-55751-story.html July 27, 2017 NBA & ABA Defensive Player of the Year Award Winners Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/dpoy.html November 29, 2022 while Corbin contributed 9.5 points and 1.3 steals per game. Off the bench, James contributed 6.7 points per game in 53 games, while second-year forward Alan Henderson averaged 6.6 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, but only played just 30 games due to a mysterious illness known as "acute viral pancreatitis", Alan Henderson's Condition Improves Associated Press November 21, 1996 https://apnews.com/article/005bde5de6d4f77fc7069d7fb1857c00 January 28, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230129020012/https://apnews.com/article/005bde5de6d4f77fc7069d7fb1857c00 January 29, 2023 dead Illness Beaten, Henderson Can Look Ahead Chicago Tribune May 14, 1997 https://www.chicagotribune.com/1997/05/14/illness-beaten-henderson-can-look-ahead/ May 16, 2026 Glier Ray Hawks' Henderson Is a Bird in Hand The Washington Post April 22, 1998 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1998/04/22/hawks-henderson-is-a-bird-in-hand/d1cda4fa-45a9-40b6-abdf-251dee3b457a/ January 28, 2023 Recasner provided with 5.7 points per game, and Barry contributed 4.9 points per game. 1996–97 Atlanta Hawks Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/ATL/1997.html June 21, 2021 During the NBA All-Star weekend at the Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, Mutombo and Laettner were both selected for the 1997 NBA All-Star Game, as members of the Eastern Conference All-Star team; it was Laettner's first and only 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 October 13, 2021 Mutombo also finished tied in 13th place in Most Valuable Player voting, while Smith finished tied in 17th place; 1996–97 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1997.html January 2, 2022 Blaylock finished in third place in Defensive Player of the Year voting, and head coach Lenny Wilkens finished tied in sixth place in Coach of the Year voting. The Hawks finished 27th in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 549,414 at the Omni Coliseum during the regular season, which was the third-lowest in the league. 1996–97 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1997.html December 12, 2024 NBA playoffs In the Eastern Conference First Round of the 1997 NBA playoffs, the Hawks faced off against the 5th–seeded Detroit Pistons, who were led by All-Star forward Grant Hill, All-Star guard Joe Dumars, and Lindsey Hunter. The Hawks won Game 1 over the Pistons at home, 89–75 at the Omni Coliseum, Associated Press  Chapman Helps Defeat Seattle  Los Angeles Times  April 26, 1997  https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-04-26-sp-52694-story.html June 5, 2026 Associated Press  Mutombo's "D" Takes a Backseat to His "O"  Deseret News  April 26, 1997  https://www.deseret.com/1997/4/26/19308748/mutombo-s-d-takes-a-backseat-to-his-o/ June 5, 2026 1997 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Game 1: Detroit Pistons at Atlanta Hawks Box Score, April 25, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199704250ATL.html June 5, 2026 but then lost the next two games, which included a Game 3 loss to the Pistons on the road, 99–91 at The Palace of Auburn Hills, as the Pistons took a 2–1 series lead. Atkins Harry Pistons Soar Past Hawks, 99-91 The Washington Post April 29, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nba/longterm/1997/playoffs/detatl3.htm January 18, 2022 Associated Press Houston Moves On; Orlando Stays Alive Deseret News April 30, 1997 https://www.deseret.com/1997/4/30/19309428/houston-moves-on-orlando-stays-alive February 24, 2023 1997 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Game 3: Atlanta Hawks at Detroit Pistons Box Score, April 29, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199704290DET.html May 30, 2026 However, the Hawks managed to win the next two games, including a Game 5 win over the Pistons at the Omni Coliseum, 84–79 to win in a hard-fought five-game series. Associated Press Hawks 84, Pistons 79 The Washington Post May 4, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nba/longterm/1997/playoffs/atldet05.htm May 30, 2022 Associated Press Hawks Earn Date with Bulls The New York Times May 5, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/05/sports/hawks-earn-date-with-bulls.html October 13, 2021 1997 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Pistons vs. Hawks Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1997-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-pistons-vs-hawks.html February 4, 2023 In the Eastern Conference Semi-finals, the team 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 Hawks lost Game 1 to the Bulls on the road, 100–97 at the United Center, Rodman is Man of Exits  Chicago Tribune  May 7, 1997  https://www.chicagotribune.com/1997/05/07/rodman-is-man-of-exits/ June 5, 2026 Berkow Ira  Bulls Overcome Rodman's Latest Self-Destruction  The New York Times  May 8, 1997  https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/08/sports/bulls-overcome-rodman-s-latest-self-destruction.html June 5, 2026 1997 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 1: Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls Box Score, May 6, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199705060CHI.html June 5, 2026 but managed to win Game 2 on the road, 103–95 to even the series; in Game 2, Blaylock scored 26 points, and made 8 out of 9 three-point field-goal attempts. Berkow Ira Chicago's Late Heroics Fail to Arrive in Game 2 The New York Times May 9, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/09/sports/chicago-s-late-heroics-fail-to-arrive-in-game-2.html June 24, 2021 Bagnato Andrew When Push Comes to Shove Chicago Tribune May 9, 1997 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-05-09-9705090313-story.html November 18, 2022 1997 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 2: Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls Box Score, May 8, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199705080CHI.html May 30, 2026 However, the Hawks lost their next two home games at the Omni Coliseum, before losing Game 5 to the Bulls at the United Center, 107–92, thus losing the series in five games. Roberts Selena Bulls, Led by Rodman, Keep Going The New York Times May 14, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/14/sports/bulls-led-by-rodman-keep-going.html July 26, 2021 Nadel Mike Bulls Send Hawks Flying, 107-92 The Washington Post May 14, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nba/longterm/1997/playoffs/chiatl5.htm November 25, 2022 1997 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals: Hawks vs. Bulls Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1997-nba-eastern-conference-semifinals-hawks-vs-bulls.html February 4, 2023 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 Hawks' final season in which they played their home games at the Omni Coliseum, which was scheduled for demolition after the season. Associated Press Atlanta Barely Notes the Passing of the Omni Arena; Enters Its Final Days During NBA Playoffs The Spokesman-Review April 27, 1997 https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1997/apr/27/atlanta-barely-notes-the-passing-of-the-omni/ January 28, 2023 Hill Karen Demolition Experts Place Explosives Around Omni Associated Press July 22, 1997 https://apnews.com/article/db6109eaf311e503e4eef024ac043221 October 12, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20220514003939/https://apnews.com/article/db6109eaf311e503e4eef024ac043221 May 14, 2022 dead News Services Crowd Has a Blast at Omni The Washington Post July 26, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/07/27/crowd-has-a-blast-at-omni/06d2e433-3f46-4c1c-952a-3ec86075e229/ April 8, 2024 The Hawks played their final game at "The Omni" in a Game 4 loss to the Bulls, during the second round of the NBA playoffs, 89–80 on May 11, 1997. Newberry Paul Bulls 89, Hawks 80 The Washington Post May 11, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nba/longterm/1997/playoffs/chiatl4.htm January 28, 2023 Roberts Selena Bulls' Laugher Suddenly Turns Serious The New York Times May 12, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/12/sports/bulls-laugher-suddenly-turns-serious.html May 13, 2022 The Omni Basketball Ballparks http://basketball.ballparks.com/NBA/AtlantaHawks/oldindex.htm May 13, 2022 Following the season, Barry signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Lakers, Howard-Cooper Scott Fox Hunt Finally Over for Lakers Los Angeles Times August 27, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-aug-27-sp-26383-story.html July 12, 2022 while James re-signed with his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Transactions The New York Times September 23, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/23/sports/transactions-247090.html October 6, 2022 and Ken Norman was released to free agency; Norman only played just 17 games this season due to a back injury. Associated Press Pacers Trade Williams for Askew Los Angeles Times November 5, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-11-05-sp-61330-story.html October 4, 2022 Staff and Wire Reports  Rodman Opts Not to Start  Los Angeles Times  October 31, 1997  https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-31-sp-48748-story.html May 15, 2026 2 Offseason Draft picks 1996 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 1 28 Priest Lauderdale (from Seattle)The Hawks traded #45 and #47 picks to the SuperSonics for #28 pick on June 25, 1996.Hawks Regain First-Round Draft Pick in Sonics Trade Associated Press D1 June 25, 1996 Center United States Peristeri BC (Greece) Roster Atlanta Hawks 1996–97 #B50000 #FFFFFF #000000 #FFFFFF 17 Jon Barry G 6 4 195 1969–07–25 Georgia Tech 10 Mookie Blaylock G 6 0 180 1967–03–20 Oklahoma 33 Tyrone Corbin F 6 6 210 1962–12–31 DePaul 35 Darrin Hancock F 6 7 205 1971–11–03 Kansas 44 Alan Henderson F 6 9 235 1972–12–02 Indiana 42 Henry James basketball F 6 8 220 1965–07–29 St. Mary's 32 Christian Laettner F/C 6 11 235 1969–08–17 Duke 15 Priest Lauderdale C 7 4 325 1973–08–31 Central State 2 Anthony Miller basketball F 6 9 235 1971–10–22 Michigan State yes 55 Dikembe Mutombo C 7 2 260 1966–06–25 Georgetown 28 Ivano Newbill F 6 9 245 1970–12–12 Georgia Tech 3 Ken Norman F 6 8 215 1964–09–05 Illinois yes 5 Eldridge Recasner G 6 3 190 1967–12–14 Washington 8 Steve Smith basketball G 6 7 200 1969–03–31 Michigan State Lenny Wilkens Bill Hanzlik Dick Helm Gary Wortman https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/ATL/1997.html Roster Notes Shooting guard Donnie Boyce was waived on March 4, 1997. Small forward Willie Burton was waived on January 7, 1997. Small forward Darrin Hancock played in two separate stints with the Hawks during the regular season; he was signed by the team after being waived by the Phoenix Suns, who acquired him from the Milwaukee Bucks. After the Hawks waived him, he signed with the San Antonio Spurs, where he would only play just one game for them before being released, and re-signed by the Hawks for the remainder of the season. 1996–97 NBA Transactions Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1997_transactions.html July 2, 2021 Rookie center Priest Lauderdale holds both American and Bulgarian dual citizenship. Regular season Season standings ATL 1996–97 NBA season Summary - Basketball-Reference.com ATL z = clinched division title y = clinched division title x = clinched playoff spot Game log Atlanta Hawks 1997 #C03; #FFFFFF 36 5 20 21 Atlanta Hawks November yes #000000 #B86D29 y y 4 1 5 6 |- | 1 || November 1 || @ Miami Heat ||L 81-94 || || Miami Arena15,133 || 0–1 |- |- | 2 || November 2 || Detroit Pistons ||L 78-90 || || Omni Coliseum16,378 || 0–2 |- |- | 3 || November 4 || @ Portland Trail Blazers ||W 94-76 || || Rose Garden Arena21,567 || 1–2 |- |- | 4 || November 5 || @ Seattle SuperSonics ||W 117-95 || || KeyArena at Seattle Center17,072 || 2-2 |- |- | 5 || November 7 || @ Sacramento Kings ||W 91-87 || || ARCO Arena17,317 || 3–2 |- |- | 6 || November 10 || @ Los Angeles Lakers ||L 85-92 || || Great Western Forum16,097 || 3-3 |- |- | 7 || November 12 || Cleveland Cavaliers ||W 87-83 || || Omni Coliseum || 4–3 |- |- | 8 || November 13 || @ Boston Celtics ||L 85-103 || || FleetCenter13,184 || 4-4 |- |- | 9 || November 15 || Miami Heat ||W 85-77 || || Omni Coliseum16,378 || 5–4 |- |- | 10 || November 16 || @ Chicago Bulls ||L 69-97 || || United Center23,939 || 5-5 |- |- | 11 || November 19 || @ Cleveland Cavaliers ||L 63-73 || || Gund Arena14,182 || 5–6 |- |- | 12 || November 21 || @ Milwaukee Bucks ||W 73-65 || || Bradley Center14,698 || 6-6 |- |- | 13 || November 23 || @ Toronto Raptors ||W 91-88 || || SkyDome16,838 || 7–6 |- |- | 14 || November 26 || Vancouver Grizzlies ||W 101-80 || || Omni Coliseum || 8–6 |- |- | 15 || November 27 || @ Orlando Magic ||L 75-79 || || Orlando Arena17,248 || 8–7 |- |- | 16 || November 29 || Washington Bullets ||W 110-81 || || Omni Coliseum12,457 || 9–7 |- Atlanta Hawks December #000000 #B86D29 y y 6 0 1 4 |- | 17 || December 3 || Boston Celtics ||W 105-95 || || Omni Coliseum || 10–7 |- |- | 18 || December 4 || @ Detroit Pistons ||L 90-100 || || The Palace of Auburn Hills14,574 || 10–8 |- |- | 19 || December 7 || Toronto Raptors ||W 101-75 || || Omni Coliseum11,422 || 11–8 |- |- | 20 || December 10 || Denver Nuggets ||W 89-88 || || Omni Coliseum || 12–8 |- |- | 21 || December 14 || Philadelphia 76ers ||W 106-81 || || Omni Coliseum12,473 || 13–8 |- |- | 22 || December 17 || @ Dallas Mavericks ||W 109-73 || || Reunion Arena14,805 || 14–8 |- |- | 23 || December 20 || New Jersey Nets ||W 109-95 || || Omni Coliseum12,884 || 15–8 |- |- | 24 || December 21 || @ Charlotte Hornets ||L 93-98 || || Charlotte Coliseum24,042 || 15–9 |- |- | 25 || December 23 || @ New York Knicks ||L 76-82 || || Madison Square Garden19,763 || 15–10 |- |- | 26 || December 26 || Chicago Bulls ||W 108-103 || || Omni Coliseum16,378 || 16–10 |- |- | 27 || December 28 || @ Washington Bullets ||L 86-97 || || US Airways Arena11,797 || 16–11 |- Atlanta Hawks January #000000 #B86D29 y y 9 0 5 2 |- | 28 || January 3 || @ New Jersey Nets ||W 95-85 || || Continental Airlines Arena14,310 || 17–11 |- |- | 29 || January 4 || New York Knicks ||W 88-71 || || Omni Coliseum16,378 || 18–11 |- |- | 30 || January 7 || Phoenix Suns ||W 105-103 (OT) || || Omni Coliseum || 19–11 |- |- | 31 || January 9 || @ Orlando Magic ||W 97-92 (OT) || || Orlando Arena17,248 || 20–11 |- |- | 32 || January 11 || San Antonio Spurs ||W 87-82 (OT) || || Omni Coliseum15,877 || 21–11 |- |- | 33 || January 13 || @ Cleveland Cavaliers ||W 93-79 || || Gund Arena14,565 || 22–11 |- |- | 34 || January 14 || Minnesota Timberwolves ||W 95-93 || || Omni Coliseum14,032 || 23–11 |- |- | 35 || January 16 || Orlando Magic ||W 78-67 || || Omni Coliseum16,378 || 24–11 |- |- | 36 || January 18 || Milwaukee Bucks ||W 94-71 || || Omni Coliseum16,378 || 25–11 |- |- | 37 || January 20 || Charlotte Hornets ||W 106-97 || || Omni Coliseum16,378 || 26–11 |- |- | 38 || January 21 || @ Miami Heat ||L 91-94 || || Miami Arena14,853 || 26–12 |- |- | 39 || January 24 || Washington Bullets ||W 117-105 (OT) || || Omni Coliseum15,325 || 27–12 |- |- | 40 || January 25 || Boston Celtics ||W 95-90 || || Omni Coliseum16,378 || 28–12 |- |- | 41 || January 28 || @ Los Angeles Clippers ||W 112-96 || || Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena || 29–12 |- |- | 42 || January 30 || @ Utah Jazz ||L 96-102 || || Delta Center19,911 || 29–13 |- |- | 43 || January 31 || @ Vancouver Grizzlies ||W 87-76 || || General Motors Place15,205 || 30–13 |- Atlanta Hawks February #000000 #B86D29 y y 5 2 3 3 |- | 44 || February 2 || @ Denver Nuggets ||L 104-115 || || McNichols Sports Arena13,122 || 30–14 |- |- | 45 || February 4 || @ Golden State Warriors ||W 107-85 || || San Jose Arena13,111 || 31–14 |- |- | 46 || February 5 || @ Phoenix Suns ||L 81-99 || || America West Arena19,023 || 31–15 |- |- | 47 || February 12 || Toronto Raptors ||W 106-84 || || Omni Coliseum13,846 || 32–15 |- |- | 48 || February 14 || Chicago Bulls ||L 88-89 || || Omni Coliseum16,378 || 32–16 |- |- | 49 || February 15 || @ San Antonio Spurs ||W 109-89 || || Alamodome26,809 || 33–16 |- |- | 50 || February 17 || @ Houston Rockets ||L 98-127 || || The Summit16,285 || 33–17 |- |- | 51 || February 19 || Indiana Pacers ||W 100-87 || || Omni Coliseum16,378 || 34–17 |- |- | 52 || February 21 || Houston Rockets ||W 76-74 || || Omni Coliseum16,378 || 35–17 |- |- | 53 || February 22 || Charlotte Hornets ||L 92-93 || || Omni Coliseum16,378 || 35–18 |- |- | 54 || February 24 || Golden State Warriors ||W 106-100 || || Omni Coliseum15,660 || 36–18 |- |- | 55 || February 26 || @ Milwaukee Bucks ||W 79-72 || || Bradley Center13,285 || 37–18 |- |- | 56 || February 28 || Los Angeles Lakers ||W 86-75 || || Omni Coliseum16,378 || 38–18 |- Atlanta Hawks March #000000 #B86D29 y y 9 1 3 3 |- | 57 || March 2 || @ Detroit Pistons ||L 75-82 || || The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454 || 38–19 |- |- | 58 || March 4 || Cleveland Cavaliers ||W 93-88 || || Omni Coliseum15,404 || 39–19 |- |- | 59 || March 6 || @ Philadelphia 76ers ||W 117-104 || || CoreStates Center13,802 || 40–19 |- |- | 60 || March 7 || Milwaukee Bucks ||W 90-80 || || Omni Coliseum14,906 || 41–19 |- |- | 61 || March 9 || @ Boston Celtics ||W 114-90 || || FleetCenter16,931 || 42–19 |- |- | 62 || March 11 || Utah Jazz ||W 106-99 || || Omni Coliseum14,475 || 43–19 |- |- | 63 || March 12 || @ Indiana Pacers ||L 82-92 || || Market Square Arena14,824 || 43–20 |- |- | 64 || March 14 || Seattle SuperSonics ||L 91-97 || || Omni Coliseum16,378 || 43–21 |- |- | 65 || March 15 || @ Chicago Bulls ||L 79-99 || || United Center23,984 || 43–22 |- |- | 66 || March 17 || Orlando Magic ||W 112-107 (OT) || || Omni Coliseum15,708 || 44–22 |- |- | 67 || March 19 || Indiana Pacers ||W 107-95 || || Omni Coliseum14,099 || 45–22 |- |- | 68 || March 21 || Dallas Mavericks ||W 93-72 || || Omni Coliseum13,809 || 46–22 |- |- | 69 || March 23 || @ Toronto Raptors ||W 90-79 || || SkyDome18,533 || 47–22 |- |- | 70 || March 25 || Portland Trail Blazers ||W 96-89 || || Omni Coliseum15,256 || 48–22 |- |- | 71 || March 27 || Los Angeles Clippers ||W 103-88 || || Omni Coliseum13,876 || 49–22 |- |- | 72 || March 29 || Sacramento Kings ||W 88-74 || || Omni Coliseum14,942 || 50–22 |- Atlanta Hawks April #000000 #B86D29 y y 3 1 3 3 |- | 73 || April 2 || @ Charlotte Hornets ||L 84-95 || || Charlotte Coliseum24,042 || 50–23 |- |- | 74 || April 4 || Detroit Pistons ||W 103-89 || || Omni Coliseum16,378 || 51–23 |- |- | 75 || April 5 || New York Knicks ||L 97-102 || || Omni Coliseum16,378 || 51–24 |- |- | 76 || April 9 || @ Philadelphia 76ers ||W 116-101 || || CoreStates Center16,549 || 52–24 |- |- | 77 || April 11 || @ Indiana Pacers ||W 104-92 || || Market Square Arena16,403 || 53–24 |- |- | 78 || April 12 || @ Minnesota Timberwolves ||W 80-66 || || Target Center18,874 || 54–24 |- |- | 79 || April 15 || New Jersey Nets ||W 109-101 || || Omni Coliseum14,458 || 55–24 |- |- | 80 || April 16 || @ New York Knicks ||L 92-96 || || Madison Square Garden19,763 || 55–25 |- |- | 81 || April 19 || Philadelphia 76ers ||W 136-104 || || Omni Coliseum16,457 || 56–25 |- |- | 82 || April 20 || @ New Jersey Nets ||L 92-108 || || Continental Airlines Arena18,702 || 56–26 |- atl 1997 http://www.basketballreference.com/teams/teamscores.htm?tm=Atl&yr=1996&lg=N Playoffs Atlanta Hawks 1997 yes #C03 #FFFFFF Atlanta Hawks First round yes no yes #000000 #B86D29 2 1 1 1 |- | 1 | April 25 | Detroit | W 89–75 | Dikembe Mutombo (26) | Dikembe Mutombo (15) | Christian Laettner (4) | Omni Coliseum15,795 | 1–0 |- | 2 | April 27 | Detroit | L 80–93 | Steve Smith (22) | Mookie Blaylock (9) | Mookie Blaylock (7) | Omni Coliseum16,378 | 1–1 |- | 3 | April 29 | @ Detroit | L 91–99 | Christian Laettner (25) | Dikembe Mutombo (21) | Mookie Blaylock (10) | The Palace of Auburn Hills20,059 | 1–2 |- | 4 | May 2 | @ Detroit | W 94–82 | Steve Smith (28) | Mutombo, Laettner (12) | Mookie Blaylock (9) | The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454 | 2–2 |- | 5 | May 4 | Detroit | W 84–79 | Christian Laettner (23) | Mutombo, Blaylock (9) | Blaylock, Corbin (5) | Omni Coliseum16,378 | 3–2 |- Atlanta Hawks Conference Semi-finals no yes #000000 #B86D29 0 2 1 2 |- | 1 | May 6 | @ Chicago | L 97–100 | Mookie Blaylock (31) | Mookie Blaylock (12) | Christian Laettner (6) | United Center24,397 | 0–1 |- | 2 | May 8 | @ Chicago | W 103–95 | Steve Smith (27) | Dikembe Mutombo (15) | Mookie Blaylock (9) | United Center24,544 | 1–1 |- | 3 | May 10 | Chicago | L 80–100 | Dikembe Mutombo (16) | Dikembe Mutombo (13) | Mookie Blaylock (6) | Omni Coliseum16,378 | 1–2 |- | 4 | May 11 | Chicago | L 80–89 | Christian Laettner (21) | Christian Laettner (12) | Mookie Blaylock (4) | Omni Coliseum16,378 | 1–3 |- | 5 | May 13 | @ Chicago | L 92–107 | Christian Laettner (23) | Dikembe Mutombo (12) | Mookie Blaylock (8) | United Center24,544 | 1–4 |- ATL 1997 yes Player statistics Season PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG Alston, Derrick Derrick Alston 2 0 5.5 .000 . .000 2.0 .0 .0 .0 .0 Barry, Jon Jon Barry 58 8 16.6 .407 .387 .804 1.7 2.0 .9 .1 4.9 Blaylock, Mookie Mookie Blaylock 78 78 39.2 .432 .366 .753 5.3 5.9 2.7 .3 17.4 Boyce, Donnie Donnie Boyce 22 2 7.0 .333 .125 .500 .7 .6 .5 .2 2.5 Burton, Willie Willie Burton 24 2 15.8 .336 .283 .838 1.7 .5 .3 .1 6.2 Corbin, Tyrone Tyrone Corbin 70 65 32.9 .422 .356 .796 4.2 1.8 1.3 .1 9.5 Hancock, Darrin Darrin Hancock 14 0 6.1 .481 . .667 .9 .5 .5 .1 2.4 Henderson, Alan Alan Henderson 30 0 16.7 .475 . .600 3.9 .8 .7 .2 6.6 James, Henry Henry James 53 15 17.8 .408 .420 .833 1.5 .4 .2 .0 6.7 Laettner, Christian Christian Laettner 82 82 38.3 .486 .352 .816 8.8 2.7 1.2 .8 18.1 Lauderdale, priest Priest Lauderdale 35 0 5.1 .551 .000 .565 1.2 .3 .0 .3 3.2 Miller, Anthony Anthony Miller 1 0 14.0 .000 . . 7.0 .0 .0 .0 .0 Mutombo, Dikembe Dikembe Mutombo 80 80 37.2 .527 . .705 11.6 1.4 .6 3.3 13.3 Newbill, Ivano Ivano Newbill 72 2 11.8 .440 . .385 2.8 .3 .4 .2 1.4 Norman, Ken Ken Norman 17 0 12.9 .287 .158 .333 2.3 .7 .4 .2 3.8 Recasner, Eldridge Eldridge Recasner 71 4 17.0 .423 .414 .879 1.6 1.3 .5 .1 5.7 Smith, Steve Steve Smith 72 72 39.1 .429 .335 .847 3.3 4.2 .9 .3 20.1 Playoffs PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG Barry, Jon Jon Barry 2 0 4.5 .000 .000 . . . . . . Blaylock, Mookie Mookie Blaylock 10 10 44.1 .396 .329 .667 7.0 6.5 2.1 .2 16.4 Corbin, Tyrone Tyrone Corbin 10 10 36.4 .457 .351 1.000 4.3 2.0 .4 .2 10.6 Hancock, Darrin Darrin Hancock 6 0 5.5 .400 .000 .000 .8 .2 .2 .2 .7 Henderson, Alan Alan Henderson 10 0 13.6 .559 . .769 3.3 . .1 .3 5.8 James, Henry Henry James 8 0 5.6 .231 .333 . .1 .3 .1 . 1.0 Laettner, Christian Christian Laettner 10 10 40.3 .405 .190 .857 7.2 2.6 1.0 .8 17.6 Lauderdale, priest Priest Lauderdale 3 0 2.3 .000 . . .7 . . . . Mutombo, Dikembe Dikembe Mutombo 10 10 41.5 .628 . .719 12.3 1.3 .1 2.6 15.4 Newbill, Ivano Ivano Newbill 3 0 1.7 . . . .3 .3 . . . Recasner, Eldridge Eldridge Recasner 10 0 12.1 .423 .364 .625 1.1 .9 .2 . 3.1 Smith, Steve (basketball) Steve Smith 10 10 42.1 .396 .327 .824 3.9 1.7 .4 .1 18.9 Player statistics citation: Awards and records Awards Dikembe Mutombo, NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award Dikembe Mutombo, NBA All-Defensive First Team Mookie Blaylock, NBA All-Defensive Second Team Records Transactions Trades July 15, 1996 Traded Stacey Augmon, and Grant Long to the Detroit Pistons for a 1997 second round draft pick, a 1999 first round draft pick, and a 1999 second round draft pick. Free agents July 15, 1996 Signed Dikembe Mutombo as a free agent. August 13, 1996 Signed Jon Barry as a free agent. September 12, 1996 Signed Willie Burton as a free agent. Signed Tyrone Corbin as a free agent. September 27, 1996 Signed Eldridge Recasner as a free agent. October 2, 1996 Signed Ivano Newbill as a free agent. Signed Melvin Booker as a free agent. October 28, 1996 Waived Willie Burton. Waived Melvin Booker. November 13, 1996 Signed Derrick Alston as a free agent. November 14, 1996 Signed Willie Burton as a free agent. Signed Anthony Miller as a free agent. November 26, 1996 Waived Derrick Alston. December 20, 1996 Signed Henry James as a free agent. January 2, 1997 Signed Darrin Hancock as a free agent. January 7, 1997 Waived Darrin Hancock. Waived Willie Burton. March 4, 1997 Waived Donnie Boyce. March 5, 1997 Signed Darrin Hancock to the first of two 10-day contracts. March 25, 1997 Signed Darrin Hancock to a contract for the rest of the season. Additions Player Signed Former team Dikembe Mutombo Denver Nuggets Subtractions Player Left New team Player transactions citation: 1996–97 Atlanta Hawks Transactions Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/ATL/1997_transactions.html July 2, 2021 See also 1996–97 NBA season References Category:Atlanta Hawks seasons Atlanta Hawks Atlanta Hawks Atlanta Hawks