1997–98 Dallas Mavericks season

NBA professional basketball team season March 2026 August 2023 Dallas Mavericks 1998 20 62 Midwest 5 10 Jim Cleamons (fired) Don Nelson Don Nelson Reunion Arena Did not qualify DAL KXTX-TVFox Sports Southwest WBAP The 1997–98 Dallas Mavericks season was the 18th season for the Dallas Mavericks in the National Basketball Association. Dallas Mavericks Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DAL/ August 6, 2026 Season summary Off-season The Mavericks had the 15th overall pick in the 1997 NBA draft, and selected center Kelvin Cato out of Iowa State University, but soon traded him to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Australian rookie center, and first-round draft pick Chris Anstey; the Mavericks originally had the sixth overall pick in the draft, but traded it to the Boston Celtics. Wise Mike After Duncan, Utah Forward Steals Show The New York Times June 26, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/26/sports/after-duncan-utah-forward-steals-show.html May 7, 2026 Heisler Mark Draft Over, But Not Finished Los Angeles Times June 26, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-06-26-sp-7002-story.html May 7, 2026 1997 NBA Draft Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1997.html May 7, 2026 During the off-season, the team acquired three-point specialist Dennis Scott from the Orlando Magic, Associated Press Plus: Basketball: Dallas-Orlando Trade The New York Times September 25, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/25/sports/plus-basketball-dallas-orlando-trade.html December 5, 2022 Staff and Wire Reports Nelson Still Dealing, Gets Scott from Magic Los Angeles Times September 25, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-sep-25-sp-36126-story.html June 23, 2023 Johnson L.C. Trade Lets Magic Get Rid of Scott Orlando Sentinel September 25, 1997 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1997-09-25-9709250227-story.html September 23, 2022 and signed free agent Hubert Davis. Associated Press Two Free Agents Sign The New York Times September 5, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/05/sports/two-free-agents-sign.html January 1, 2022 Shapiro Mark 76ers Sign Cummings to 2-Year Deal Chicago Tribune September 5, 1997 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-09-05-9709050225-story.html January 13, 2023 Staff and Wire Reports NBA Referee Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax Returns Los Angeles Times September 5, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-sep-05-sp-29188-story.html January 13, 2023 Regular season With the addition of Scott and Davis, the Mavericks won their first three games of the regular season, but continued to struggle posting a 10-game losing streak afterwards. Head coach Jim Cleamons was fired after a 4–12 start to the season, and was replaced with General Manager Don Nelson. Associated Press Nelson Replaces Cleamons Los Angeles Times December 5, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-dec-05-sp-61012-story.html November 18, 2022 Smith Sam Nelson Fires Cleamons, Then Defeats Knicks Chicago Tribune December 5, 1997 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-12-05-9712050073-story.html December 12, 2022 Wire Reports Mavs Respond to Change The Spokesman-Review December 5, 1997 https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1997/dec/05/mavs-respond-to-change/ November 12, 2023 Along the way, forward A.C. Green broke the NBA's "Iron Man" record of most consecutive games played, breaking Randy Smith's record, which was 906 consecutive games. Farber Michael Ironman, Move Over, Cal Ripken. A.C. Green of the Mavericks Is Working on Two Streaks: Consecutive Games Played and Temptations Resisted Sports Illustrated Vault November 17, 1997 https://vault.si.com/vault/1997/11/17/ironman-move-over-cal-ripken-ac-green-of-the-mavericks-is-working-on-two-streaks-consecutive-games-played-and-temptations-resisted February 5, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20210423171213/https://vault.si.com/vault/1997/11/17/ironman-move-over-cal-ripken-ac-green-of-the-mavericks-is-working-on-two-streaks-consecutive-games-played-and-temptations-resisted April 23, 2021 dead Associated Press They're Iron Men at Heart Los Angeles Times November 21, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-nov-21-sp-56109-story.html March 1, 2017 Ortiz Jorge L. Even at 6-Foot-9, Green Overshadowed by Ripken SFGate November 23, 1997 https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Even-at-6-foot-9-Green-overshadowed-by-Ripken-3089078.php February 5, 2023 The Mavericks won their first game under Nelson, in a home victory over the New York Knicks by a score of 105–91 at the Reunion Arena on December 4, 1997. New York Knicks at Dallas Mavericks Box Score, December 4, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199712040DAL.html March 4, 2026 However, the team suffered a 15-game losing streak between December and January afterwards, which led to a dreadful 5–27 start to the season. Players like Shawn Bradley, Robert Pack, Kurt Thomas and second-year forward Samaki Walker all missed large parts of the season due to injuries, Springer Steve Piatkowski's Place Is on Injured List Los Angeles Times March 30, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-mar-30-sp-34325-story.html June 30, 2022 as the team held a 9–38 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 5, 1998 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/?month=2&day=5&year=1998 July 20, 2022 At mid-season, the team traded Scott to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Cedric Ceballos; Gardner Kris Dennis Scott Goes to Phoenix The Houston Roundball Review February 18, 1998 https://thehrr.com/nba/trade_archive/021898scottceballosdeal.html September 17, 2022 Associated Press Celtics Land Anderson in Deal with Raptors Los Angeles Times February 19, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-feb-19-sp-20865-story.html July 31, 2021 Heisler Mark It's a Big Deal for Clippers: There Are No Slam Dunks in the Flurry of NBA Deals Los Angeles Times February 20, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-feb-20-sp-21072-story.html December 5, 2022 before the trade, Scott averaged 13.6 points per game in 52 games, while Ceballos only played just twelve games with the Mavericks after the trade, due to a season-ending knee injury. Springer Steve Tonight Los Angeles Times March 29, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-mar-29-sp-34019-story.html October 18, 2022 The team also signed free agent Shawn Respert, who was previously released by the Toronto Raptors. 1997-98 Misc News Eskimo.com https://www.eskimo.com/~pbender/mavs/mavs-stats/97-98/mavs-misc97-98.html November 9, 2022 The Mavericks played around .500 in winning percentage by posting an 8–8 record in March, but then lost eight of their final nine games of the season, finishing in fifth place in the Midwest Division with a 20–62 record, and missing the NBA playoffs for the eighth consecutive year. 1997–98 Dallas Mavericks Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DAL/1998_games.html June 28, 2021 Michael Finley averaged 21.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game, while Ceballos averaged 16.9 points and 6.0 rebounds per game after the trade, and Bradley provided the team with 11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game in 64 games. In addition, Davis contributed 11.1 points per game and led the Mavericks with 101 three-point field goals, while Walker provided with 8.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game in only just 41 games, Khalid Reeves contributed 8.7 points per game, and Pack averaged 7.8 points, 3.5 assists and 1.7 steals per game in only just twelve games. Meanwhile, Respert contributed 8.2 points per game in ten games, second-year guard Erick Strickland provided with 7.6 points and 2.5 assists per game, but only shot .357 in field-goal percentage, Green averaged 7.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, Anstey averaged 5.9 points and 3.8 rebounds per game in 41 games, and second-year forward Martin Müürsepp contributed 5.7 points per game also in 41 games. 1997–98 Dallas Mavericks Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DAL/1998.html June 28, 2021 During the NBA All-Star weekend at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, Davis participated in the NBA Three-Point Shootout for the second time; Davis lost in the final round to Jeff Hornacek of the Utah Jazz. Popper Steve N.B.A. All-Star Weekend: Kids Slam and Ham, But a Grown-Up Shoots for Dough; Houston Pair Win in 2Ball The New York Times February 8, 1998 https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/08/sports/nba-all-star-weekend-kids-slam-ham-but-grown-up-shoots-for-dough-houston-pair.html September 19, 2025 Bender Patricia 1997–98 All-Star Events and Contestants - in New York Eskimo.com https://www.eskimo.com/~pbender/misc/all-star98.txt September 19, 2025 NBA & ABA All-Star Game Contest Winners Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/contest.html September 19, 2025 Finley finished tied in fourth place in Most Improved Player voting, and also finished tied in 18th place in Most Valuable Player voting. Povtak Tim Hawks' Henderson Wins Most Improved Orlando Sentinel May 1, 1998 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1998-05-01-9805010302-story.html December 27, 2022 1997–98 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1998.html December 27, 2022 The Mavericks finished 26th in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 503,936 at the Reunion Arena during the regular season, which was the fourth-lowest in the league. 1997–98 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1998.html January 22, 2026 Notable highlights One notable highlight of the regular season occurred on December 6, 1997, in which the Mavericks traveled to Mexico City, Mexico to play against the Houston Rockets at the Palacio de los Deportes (Sports Palace). Despite the Mavericks being the home team, the fans cheered for the Rockets. The Mavericks lost to the Rockets by a score of 108–106, in front of a sellout crowd of 20,635 fans in attendance; Finley led the team with 35 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. It was the first ever NBA regular season game played in Mexico. Associated Press N.B.A.: Yesterday: Rockets Win as N.B.A. Makes Debut in Mexico The New York Times December 7, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/12/07/sports/nba-yesterday-rockets-win-as-nba-makes-debut-in-mexico.html May 16, 2022 Associated Press 20,635 See Rockets Win in Mexico Los Angeles Times December 7, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-dec-07-sp-61703-story.html November 18, 2022 Houston Rockets at Dallas Mavericks Box Score, December 6, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199712060DAL.html March 4, 2026 Another notable highlight of the season occurred on December 29, 1997, in a road game against the 2-time defending NBA champion Chicago Bulls at the United Center; Wells fouled out of the game in just three minutes, which was an NBA record for fouling out in the shortest amount of time. Nelson used a strategy for Wells to foul Bulls forward, and rebound-specialist Dennis Rodman, who is known as a poor free throw shooter. However, the plan backfired as Rodman shot 9–12 from the foul line, and the Bulls defeated the Mavericks by a score of 111–105. Armour Terry Bulls 111, Mavericks 105 Chicago Tribune December 30, 1997 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-12-30-9712300049-story.html June 29, 2022 Associated Press Jordan Scores 41, Rodman Fouls Up Nelson Strategy Los Angeles Times December 30, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-dec-30-sp-3563-story.html June 29, 2022 Dallas Mavericks at Chicago Bulls Box Score, December 29, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199712290CHI.html June 6, 2026 The Bulls would go on to defeat the Utah Jazz in six games in the 1998 NBA Finals for their third consecutive NBA championship, and sixth overall in eight years. Araton Harvey Sports of the Times: At the End, Jordan Lifts Bulls to Their Sixth N.B.A. Title The New York Times June 15, 1998 https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/15/sports/sports-of-the-times-at-the-end-jordan-lifts-bulls-to-their-sixth-nba-title.html July 18, 2022 Howard-Cooper Scott A Rousing Six-cess Los Angeles Times June 15, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jun-15-sp-60167-story.html July 25, 2022 1998 NBA Finals: Bulls vs. Jazz Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1998-nba-finals-bulls-vs-jazz.html February 4, 2023 Aftermath Following the season, Thomas signed as a free agent with the New York Knicks, Associated Press NBA Dealings: McDyess, Divac and Smith Sign Kitsap Sun January 23, 1999 https://products.kitsapsun.com/archive/1999/01-23/0066_nba_dealings__mcdyess__divac_and_.html June 25, 2023 Roberts Selena Pro Basketball; Thomas Elbows Way Into the Oakley Role The New York Times February 3, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/02/03/sports/pro-basketball-thomas-elbows-way-into-the-oakley-role.html June 25, 2022 Lewis Brian Thomas Volunteers for Oakley's Role New York Post February 3, 1999 https://nypost.com/1999/02/03/thomas-volunteers-for-oakleys-role/ December 5, 2022 while Müürsepp and rookie small forward, and second-round draft pick Bubba Wells were both traded to the Phoenix Suns on draft day, Gardner Kris Steve Nash Dealt to Dallas The Houston Roundball Review June 24, 1998 https://www.thehrr.com/nba/trade_archive/062498nashdealt.html December 5, 2022 Wise Mike Pro Basketball: 7 Feet 1 Inch of Potential at No. 1 The New York Times June 25, 1998 https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/25/sports/pro-basketball-7-feet-1-inch-of-potential-at-no-1.html June 25, 2023 and Respert was released to free agency. Offseason Draft picks 1997 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 1 15 Kelvin Cato C Iowa State 2 34 Bubba Wells SF/SG Austin Peay State Roster Dallas Mavericks 1997–98 #191970 #FFFFFF #048234 #FFFFFF 11 Chris Anstey C 7 0 249 1975–01–01 Australia 44 Shawn Bradley C 7 6 235 1972–03–22 BYU 23 Cedric Ceballos G/F 6 6 190 1969–08–02 Cal State Fullerton yes 24 Hubert Davis G 6 5 183 1970–05–17 North Carolina 4 Michael Finley G/F 6 7 215 1973–03–06 Wisconsin 45 A.C. Green F 6 9 220 1963–10–04 Oregon State 13 Martin Müürsepp F 6 9 235 1974–09–26 Estonia 14 Robert Pack basketball G 6 2 180 1969–02–03 USC yes 6 Khalid Reeves G 6 3 199 1972–07–15 Arizona 21 Shawn Respert G 6 3 195 1972–02–06 Michigan State 50 Eric Riley C 7 0 245 1970–06–02 Michigan 20 Erick Strickland G 6 3 210 1973–11–25 Nebraska 40 Kurt Thomas basketball F 6 9 230 1972–10–04 Texas Christian yes 52 Samaki Walker F/C 6 9 240 1976–02–25 Louisville yes 35 Bubba Wells G/F 6 5 230 1974–07–26 Austin Peay Don Nelson Sonny Allen Butch Beard Ron Ekker Donnie Nelson Charlie Parker Scott Roth Bob Salmi Kurt Thomas (IN) Inactive https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DAL/1998.html March 27, 1998 Roster notes Center Shawn Bradley holds both American and German citizenship. Rookie power forward Ace Custis was on the injured reserve list due to a preseason knee injury, and missed the entire regular season. Mavericks Sign Forward Ace Custis Associated Press October 5, 2000 https://apnews.com/article/4f946c060f4c27eaa519c96ceebbabbd May 1, 2023 Regular season Season standings DAL DAL z - clinched division title y - clinched division title x - clinched playoff spot Game log Dallas Mavericks 1998 #191970 white Total: 20–62 (Home: 13–28; Road: 7–34) Dallas Mavericks October yes #048234 white 0 0 0 0 Dallas Mavericks November #048234 white 0 0 0 0 Dallas Mavericks December #048234 white 0 0 0 0 Dallas Mavericks January #048234 white 0 0 0 0 Dallas Mavericks February #048234 white 0 0 0 0 Dallas Mavericks March #048234 white 0 0 0 0 Dallas Mavericks April #048234 white 0 0 0 0 DAL 1998 Player statistics Ragular season Player POS Position GP Games played GS Games starter MP Minutes played REB Rebounds AST Assists STL Steals BLK Blocks PTS Points MPG Minutes per game RPG Rebounds per game APG Assists per game SPG Steals per game BPG Blocks per game PPG Points per gameMichael FinleySF82 82 3,394 438 405 132 30 1,763 41.4 5.3 4.9 1.6 .4 21.5A.C. GreenPF82 68 2,649 668 123 78 27 600 32.3 8.1 1.5 1.0 .3 7.3Khalid ReevesPG82 54 1,950 185 230 80 10 717 23.8 2.3 2.8 1.0 .1 8.7Hubert DavisSG 81 30 2,378 169 157 43 5 898 29.4 2.1 1.9 .5 .1 11.1Erick StricklandSG 67 19 1,505 161 167 56 8 511 22.5 2.4 2.5 .8 .1 7.6Shawn BradleyC 64 46 1,822 518 60 51 214 731 28.5 8.1 .9 .8 3.3 11.4Dennis Scott basketball†SF 52 42 1,797 197 129 43 32 707 34.6 3.8 2.5 .8 .6 13.6Samaki WalkerPF 41 19 1,027 302 24 30 40 365 25.0 7.4 .6 .7 1.0 8.9Chris AnsteyC 41 8 680 157 35 31 27 240 16.6 3.8 .9 .8 .7 5.9Martin MüürseppPF 41 7 603 114 30 29 14 233 14.7 2.8 .7 .7 .3 5.7Eric RileyC 39 14 544 133 22 15 46 139 13.9 3.4 .6 .4 1.2 3.6Bubba WellsSG 39 2 395 68 34 15 4 128 10.1 1.7 .9 .4 .1 3.3Kevin Ollie†PG 16 0 214 21 32 6 0 46 13.4 1.3 2.0 .4 .0 2.9Robert Pack basketballPG 12 10 292 34 42 20 1 94 24.3 2.8 3.5 1.7 .1 7.8Cedric Ceballos†SF 12 9 364 72 25 11 8 203 30.3 6.0 2.1 .9 .7 16.9Shawn Respert†SG 10 0 215 27 17 5 0 82 21.5 2.7 1.7 .5 .0 8.2Kurt Thomas basketballPF 5 0 73 24 3 1 0 37 14.6 4.8 .6 .2 .0 7.4Adrian CaldwellPF 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 3.0 .0 .0 .0 .0 .0 † Denotes player spent time with another team in the season. Stats reflect time with the Mavericks only. References See also 1997-98 NBA season Category:Dallas Mavericks seasons Dallas Dallas Dallas