Atlanta Hawks 1996-97 Roster and Stats

The 1996-97 Atlanta Hawks had a strong regular season, finishing with a 56-26 record. Under the guidance of head coach Lenny Wilkens, the Hawks capitalized on a solid roster featuring stars like Dikembe Mutombo and Steve Smith. Mutombo, known for his defensive prowess, was instrumental in anchoring the team’s defense, which was among the best in the league.

In the postseason, the Hawks entered as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. They faced the Detroit Pistons in the first round, defeating them 3-2 in a tightly contested series. However, their playoff run ended in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they were outmatched by the Chicago Bulls, losing the series 4-1. Despite the playoff exit, the 1996-97 season was a successful campaign, showcasing the Hawks’ defensive strength and team cohesion. The season also highlighted Wilkens’ effective coaching, which maximized the team’s potential.

Regular Season Record: 56-26
Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 3-2, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 1-4

Atlanta Hawks Roster and Stats for 1996-97 Season

POINTS

Steve Smith

20.1

REBOUNDS

Dikembe Mutombo

11.6

ASSISTS

Mookie Blaylock

5.9

	Regular Season							Playoffs
Player	GP	PTS	REB	AST	STL	BLK	3P%	GP	PTS	REB	AST	STL	BLK	3P%
Steve Smith	72	20.1	3.3	4.2	0.9	0.3	33.5	10	18.9	3.9	1.7	0.4	0.1	32.7
Christian Laettner	82	18.1	8.8	2.7	1.2	0.8	35.2	10	17.6	7.2	2.6	1.0	0.8	19.0
Mookie Blaylock	78	17.4	5.3	5.9	2.7	0.3	36.6	10	16.4	7.0	6.5	2.1	0.2	32.9
Dikembe Mutombo	80	13.3	11.6	1.4	0.6	3.3	0.0	10	15.4	12.3	1.3	0.1	2.6	0.0
Tyrone Corbin	70	9.5	4.2	1.8	1.3	0.1	35.6	10	10.6	4.3	2.0	0.4	0.2	35.1
Henry James	53	6.7	1.5	0.4	0.2	0.0	42.0	8	1.0	0.1	0.3	0.1	0.0	33.3
Alan Henderson	30	6.6	3.9	0.8	0.7	0.2	0.0	10	5.8	3.3	0.0	0.1	0.3	0.0
Willie Burton	24	6.2	1.7	0.5	0.3	0.1	28.3	0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
Eldridge Recasner	71	5.7	1.6	1.3	0.5	0.1	41.4	10	3.1	1.1	0.9	0.2	0.0	36.4
Jon Barry	58	4.9	1.7	2.0	0.9	0.1	38.7	2	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
Ken Norman	17	3.8	2.3	0.7	0.4	0.2	15.8	0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
Priest Lauderdale	35	3.2	1.2	0.3	0.0	0.3	0.0	3	0.0	0.7	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
Donnie Boyce	22	2.5	0.7	0.6	0.5	0.2	12.5	0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
Darrin Hancock	14	2.4	0.9	0.5	0.5	0.1	0.0	6	0.7	0.8	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.0
Ivano Newbill	72	1.4	2.8	0.3	0.4	0.2	0.0	3	0.0	0.3	0.3	0.0	0.0	0.0
Derrick Alston	2	0.0	2.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
Anthony Miller	1	0.0	7.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

Atlanta Hawks in the 1997 NBA Playoffs

Playoffs First Round vs. Detroit Pistons

In the first round of the 1997 NBA Playoffs, the Atlanta Hawks faced off against the Detroit Pistons. The Hawks, led by the dynamic duo of Christian Laettner and Steve Smith, managed to secure a series victory in five games. Their strong defensive play and balanced scoring proved crucial as they advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Date	Opponent	Result	High Scorer
Apr 25, 1997	vs. Detroit Pistons	W 89-75	Dikembe Mutombo (26 pts)
Apr 27, 1997	vs. Detroit Pistons	L 93-80	Steve Smith (22 pts)
Apr 29, 1997	@ Detroit Pistons	L 99-91	Christian Laettner (25 pts)
May 02, 1997	@ Detroit Pistons	W 94-82	Steve Smith (28 pts)
May 04, 1997	vs. Detroit Pistons	W 84-79	Christian Laettner (23 pts)

Playoffs Second Round vs. Chicago Bulls

In the 1997 NBA Playoffs, the Atlanta Hawks faced the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Despite a strong effort, the Hawks struggled against Michael Jordan and his formidable Bulls team, ultimately losing the series 4-1. The Hawks' defense and the standout performance of Steve Smith were not enough to overcome the defending champions, who were on their way to a second consecutive title.

Date	Opponent	Result	High Scorer
May 06, 1997	@ Chicago Bulls	L 100-97	Mookie Blaylock (31 pts)
May 08, 1997	@ Chicago Bulls	W 103-95	Steve Smith (27 pts)
May 10, 1997	vs. Chicago Bulls	L 100-80	Dikembe Mutombo (16 pts)
May 11, 1997	vs. Chicago Bulls	L 89-80	Christian Laettner (21 pts)
May 13, 1997	@ Chicago Bulls	L 107-92	Christian Laettner (23 pts)

Atlanta Hawks 1996-97 Regular Season Game Log

Here is the game log for the 1996-97 season for the Atlanta Hawks.

Date	Opponent	Result	High Scorer
Nov 01, 1996	@ Miami Heat	L 94-81	Christian Laettner (31 pts)
Nov 02, 1996	vs. Detroit Pistons	L 90-78	Steve Smith (23 pts)
Nov 04, 1996	@ Portland Trail Blazers	W 94-76	Mookie Blaylock (22 pts)
Nov 05, 1996	@ Seattle SuperSonics	W 117-95	Steve Smith (27 pts)
Nov 07, 1996	@ Sacramento Kings	W 91-87	Christian Laettner (23 pts)
Nov 10, 1996	@ Los Angeles Lakers	L 92-85	Mookie Blaylock (16 pts)
Nov 12, 1996	vs. Cleveland Cavaliers	W 87-83	Mookie Blaylock (39 pts)
Nov 13, 1996	@ Boston Celtics	L 103-85	Christian Laettner (27 pts)
Nov 15, 1996	vs. Miami Heat	W 85-77	Tyrone Corbin (22 pts)
Nov 16, 1996	@ Chicago Bulls	L 97-69	Christian Laettner (17 pts)
Nov 19, 1996	@ Cleveland Cavaliers	L 73-63	Christian Laettner (16 pts)
Nov 21, 1996	@ Milwaukee Bucks	W 73-65	Christian Laettner (21 pts)
Nov 23, 1996	@ Toronto Raptors	W 91-88	Christian Laettner (29 pts)
Nov 26, 1996	vs. Vancouver Grizzlies	W 101-80	Christian Laettner (18 pts)
Nov 27, 1996	@ Orlando Magic	L 79-75	Dikembe Mutombo (20 pts)
Nov 29, 1996	vs. Washington Bullets	W 110-81	Dikembe Mutombo (25 pts)
Dec 03, 1996	vs. Boston Celtics	W 105-95	Dikembe Mutombo (21 pts)
Dec 04, 1996	@ Detroit Pistons	L 100-90	Mookie Blaylock (21 pts)
Dec 07, 1996	vs. Toronto Raptors	W 101-75	Steve Smith (22 pts)
Dec 10, 1996	vs. Denver Nuggets	W 89-88	Christian Laettner (22 pts)
Dec 14, 1996	vs. Philadelphia 76ers	W 106-81	Christian Laettner (17 pts)
Dec 17, 1996	@ Dallas Mavericks	W 109-73	Mookie Blaylock (27 pts)
Dec 20, 1996	vs. New Jersey Nets	W 109-95	Steve Smith (20 pts)
Dec 21, 1996	@ Charlotte Hornets	L 98-93	Christian Laettner (24 pts)
Dec 23, 1996	@ New York Knicks	L 82-76	Steve Smith (22 pts)
Dec 26, 1996	vs. Chicago Bulls	W 108-103	Christian Laettner (37 pts)
Dec 28, 1996	@ Washington Bullets	L 97-86	Mookie Blaylock (27 pts)
Jan 03, 1997	@ New Jersey Nets	W 95-85	Christian Laettner (24 pts)
Jan 04, 1997	vs. New York Knicks	W 88-71	Henry James (19 pts)
Jan 07, 1997	vs. Phoenix Suns	W 105-103	Christian Laettner (30 pts)
Jan 09, 1997	@ Orlando Magic	W 97-92	Steve Smith (27 pts)
Jan 11, 1997	vs. San Antonio Spurs	W 87-82	Christian Laettner (26 pts)
Jan 13, 1997	@ Cleveland Cavaliers	W 93-79	Christian Laettner (25 pts)
Jan 14, 1997	vs. Minnesota Timberwolves	W 95-93	Steve Smith (26 pts)
Jan 16, 1997	vs. Orlando Magic	W 78-67	Christian Laettner (22 pts)
Jan 18, 1997	vs. Milwaukee Bucks	W 94-71	Mookie Blaylock (26 pts)
Jan 20, 1997	vs. Charlotte Hornets	W 106-97	Steve Smith (31 pts)
Jan 21, 1997	@ Miami Heat	L 94-91	Steve Smith (22 pts)
Jan 24, 1997	vs. Washington Bullets	W 117-105	Henry James (26 pts)
Jan 25, 1997	vs. Boston Celtics	W 95-90	Mookie Blaylock (24 pts)
Jan 28, 1997	@ Los Angeles Clippers	W 112-96	Mookie Blaylock (34 pts)
Jan 30, 1997	@ Utah Jazz	L 102-96	Steve Smith (41 pts)
Jan 31, 1997	@ Vancouver Grizzlies	W 87-76	Steve Smith (24 pts)
Feb 02, 1997	@ Denver Nuggets	L 115-104	Mookie Blaylock (29 pts)
Feb 04, 1997	@ Golden State Warriors	W 107-85	Steve Smith (36 pts)
Feb 05, 1997	@ Phoenix Suns	L 99-81	Ken Norman (16 pts)
Feb 12, 1997	vs. Toronto Raptors	W 106-84	Dikembe Mutombo (22 pts)
Feb 14, 1997	vs. Chicago Bulls	L 89-88	Christian Laettner (21 pts)
Feb 15, 1997	@ San Antonio Spurs	W 109-89	Steve Smith (25 pts)
Feb 17, 1997	@ Houston Rockets	L 127-98	Steve Smith (28 pts)
Feb 19, 1997	vs. Indiana Pacers	W 100-87	Mookie Blaylock (19 pts)
Feb 21, 1997	vs. Houston Rockets	W 76-74	Mookie Blaylock (17 pts)
Feb 22, 1997	vs. Charlotte Hornets	L 93-92	Christian Laettner (24 pts)
Feb 24, 1997	vs. Golden State Warriors	W 106-100	Christian Laettner (25 pts)
Feb 26, 1997	@ Milwaukee Bucks	W 79-72	Steve Smith (21 pts)
Feb 28, 1997	vs. Los Angeles Lakers	W 86-75	Dikembe Mutombo (27 pts)
Mar 02, 1997	@ Detroit Pistons	L 82-75	Christian Laettner (21 pts)
Mar 04, 1997	vs. Cleveland Cavaliers	W 93-88	Christian Laettner (21 pts)
Mar 06, 1997	@ Philadelphia 76ers	W 117-104	Steve Smith (25 pts)
Mar 07, 1997	vs. Milwaukee Bucks	W 90-80	Dikembe Mutombo (20 pts)
Mar 09, 1997	@ Boston Celtics	W 114-90	Steve Smith (17 pts)
Mar 11, 1997	vs. Utah Jazz	W 106-99	Steve Smith (27 pts)
Mar 12, 1997	@ Indiana Pacers	L 92-82	Steve Smith (21 pts)
Mar 14, 1997	vs. Seattle SuperSonics	L 97-91	Steve Smith (36 pts)
Mar 15, 1997	@ Chicago Bulls	L 99-79	Christian Laettner (22 pts)
Mar 17, 1997	vs. Orlando Magic	W 112-107	Steve Smith (38 pts)
Mar 19, 1997	vs. Indiana Pacers	W 107-95	Steve Smith (23 pts)
Mar 21, 1997	vs. Dallas Mavericks	W 93-72	Mookie Blaylock (20 pts)
Mar 23, 1997	@ Toronto Raptors	W 90-79	Mookie Blaylock (18 pts)
Mar 25, 1997	vs. Portland Trail Blazers	W 96-89	Steve Smith (27 pts)
Mar 27, 1997	vs. Los Angeles Clippers	W 103-88	Mookie Blaylock (26 pts)
Mar 29, 1997	vs. Sacramento Kings	W 88-74	Christian Laettner (24 pts)
Apr 02, 1997	@ Charlotte Hornets	L 95-84	Steve Smith (25 pts)
Apr 04, 1997	vs. Detroit Pistons	W 103-89	Christian Laettner (30 pts)
Apr 05, 1997	vs. New York Knicks	L 102-97	Mookie Blaylock (32 pts)
Apr 09, 1997	@ Philadelphia 76ers	W 116-101	Mookie Blaylock (19 pts)
Apr 11, 1997	@ Indiana Pacers	W 104-92	Mookie Blaylock (23 pts)
Apr 12, 1997	@ Minnesota Timberwolves	W 80-66	Steve Smith (25 pts)
Apr 15, 1997	vs. New Jersey Nets	W 109-101	Henry James (24 pts)
Apr 16, 1997	@ New York Knicks	L 96-92	Steve Smith (33 pts)
Apr 19, 1997	vs. Philadelphia 76ers	W 136-104	Steve Smith (21 pts)
Apr 20, 1997	@ New Jersey Nets	L 108-92	Alan Henderson (19 pts)

Team

W-L

PCT

Detroit Pistons

17-4

0.810

New York Knicks

13-6

0.684

Miami Heat

14-7

0.667

Toronto Raptors

14-7

0.667

Orlando Magic

13-8

0.619

Atlanta Hawks

13-9

0.591

Cleveland Cavaliers

13-9

0.591

Boston Celtics

11-9

0.550

Philadelphia 76ers

10-9

0.526

Chicago Bulls

9-11

0.450

Milwaukee Bucks

9-13

0.409

Charlotte Hornets

6-15

0.286

Brooklyn Nets

4-16

0.200

Indiana Pacers

4-17

0.190

Washington Wizards

3-16

0.158

Team

W-L

PCT

Oklahoma City Thunder

20-1

0.952

Los Angeles Lakers

15-5

0.750

Houston Rockets

13-5

0.722

Denver Nuggets

14-6

0.700

San Antonio Spurs

13-6

0.684

Minnesota Timberwolves

12-8

0.600

Phoenix Suns

13-9

0.591

Golden State Warriors

11-10

0.524

Memphis Grizzlies

9-12

0.429

Portland Trail Blazers

8-12

0.400

Utah Jazz

7-13

0.350

Dallas Mavericks

7-15

0.318

Los Angeles Clippers

5-16

0.238

Sacramento Kings

5-16

0.238

New Orleans Pelicans

3-18

0.143

Team

W-L

PCT

New Orleans Pelicans

3-18

0.143

Washington Wizards

3-16

0.158

Indiana Pacers

4-17

0.190

Brooklyn Nets

4-16

0.200

Los Angeles Clippers

5-16

0.238

Sacramento Kings

5-16

0.238

Charlotte Hornets

6-15

0.286

Dallas Mavericks

7-15

0.318

Utah Jazz

7-13

0.350

Portland Trail Blazers

8-12

0.400

Milwaukee Bucks

9-13

0.409

Memphis Grizzlies

9-12

0.429

Chicago Bulls

9-11

0.450

Pistons Edge Hawks 99-98 to Extend Winning Streak to 15 Games

The Detroit Pistons secured a thrilling 99-98 victory over the Atlanta Hawks at home. This win marks their 15th consecutive triumph, showcasing their dominance in the league. The Pistons' resilience was on full display as they held off the Hawks in a closely contested matchup. With this victory, Detroit continues to build momentum in their impressive season run.

Donovan Mitchell Leads Cavaliers to Victory Over Pacers

Donovan Mitchell powered the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 135-119 win against the Indiana Pacers. Mitchell scored 43 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, and dished out 6 assists in the impressive victory. The Cavaliers' strong performance on the road highlights their offensive prowess, with Mitchell's contribution being a key factor in the win.

Most games this season:
40+ points

Luka Dončić — 5 games
Tyrese Maxey — 4 games
Anthony Edwards — 3 games
Donovan Mitchell — 3 games
Lauri Markkanen — 3 games
Stephen Curry — 3 games
Austin Reaves — 2 games
Cade Cunningham — 2 games
CJ McCollum — 2 games
Giannis Antetokounmpo — 2 games

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Season Snapshot

Donovan Mitchell has had 40+ points 3 times this season. The Cleveland Cavaliers are 2-1 (.667) when Donovan Mitchell reaches this stat line.

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Luka Dončić Shines with 38 Points in Lakers' Loss to Suns

Despite a stellar performance from Luka Dončić, the Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Phoenix Suns 125-108. Dončić scored 38 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists in the matchup. The Lakers struggled to keep up with the Suns, resulting in a tough home loss.

Alperen Şengün Shines Despite Rockets' Loss to Jazz

Alperen Şengün delivered an impressive performance with 31 points, 8 rebounds, and 14 assists for the Houston Rockets. Despite his efforts, the Rockets fell short against the Utah Jazz, losing 133-125. Şengün's standout play included contributing over 50 combined points, rebounds, and assists, showcasing his all-around game. The Rockets will look to bounce back after this tough road loss.

Nikola Jokić's Triple-Double Not Enough in Nuggets' Loss

Despite a stellar performance from Nikola Jokić, the Denver Nuggets fell to the Dallas Mavericks 131-121. Jokić recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 20 rebounds, and 13 assists. However, his efforts couldn't secure a win for the Nuggets at home. The loss highlights the need for more support around Jokić to turn such performances into victories.

Desmond Bane Shines in Orlando Magic's Victory Over Bulls

Desmond Bane led the Orlando Magic to a thrilling 125-120 victory over the Chicago Bulls. Bane scored 37 points, adding 6 rebounds and 5 assists, showcasing his all-around game. The Magic's win at home was bolstered by Bane's impressive performance, helping them secure a hard-fought victory.

Most games this season:
35+ points

Luka Dončić — 10 games
Donovan Mitchell — 8 games
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — 7 games
Tyrese Maxey — 7 games
Anthony Edwards — 6 games
Giannis Antetokounmpo — 5 games
Jaylen Brown — 5 games
Stephen Curry — 5 games
James Harden — 4 games
Lauri Markkanen — 4 games
Desmond Bane — 2 games

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Season Snapshot

Desmond Bane has had 35+ points 2 times this season. The Orlando Magic are 2-0 (1.000) when Desmond Bane reaches this stat line.

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Kawhi Leonard's 36 Points Not Enough in Clippers' Loss to Heat

Kawhi Leonard delivered a strong performance with 36 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists, but the Los Angeles Clippers fell short against the Miami Heat. The Clippers lost 123-140 in the matchup at Miami. Despite Leonard's efforts, the Heat proved too strong, handing the Clippers a tough defeat.

Michael Porter Jr. Shines in Brooklyn Nets' Victory Over Hornets

Michael Porter Jr. led the Brooklyn Nets to a commanding 116-103 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Porter Jr. scored 35 points, including seven three-pointers, and added seven rebounds and four assists. The Nets secured a solid home victory with this performance, further establishing their dominance in the matchup.

Most games this season:
35+ points and 7+ three-pointers made

Stephen Curry — 3 games
Donovan Mitchell — 2 games
Aaron Gordon — 1 game
Anthony Edwards — 1 game
CJ McCollum — 1 game
Devin Vassell — 1 game
Grayson Allen — 1 game
James Harden — 1 game
Luka Dončić — 1 game
Michael Porter Jr. — 1 game

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Dillon Brooks Shines in Suns' Victory Over Lakers

Dillon Brooks led the Phoenix Suns to a commanding 125–108 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Brooks scored 33 points, helping the Suns secure the win on the road. His performance was pivotal in maintaining the team's momentum and securing the victory. The Suns continue their strong form with this impressive win.

Most games this season:
30+ points

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — 17 games
Donovan Mitchell — 12 games
Luka Dončić — 12 games
Anthony Edwards — 10 games
Giannis Antetokounmpo — 10 games
Jaylen Brown — 10 games
Tyrese Maxey — 10 games
Jalen Brunson — 9 games
Lauri Markkanen — 8 games
Nikola Jokić — 8 games
Dillon Brooks — 3 games

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Season Snapshot

Dillon Brooks has had 30+ points 3 times this season. The Phoenix Suns are 2-1 (.667) when Dillon Brooks reaches this stat line.

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Anthony Davis Leads Mavericks to Victory Over Nuggets

Anthony Davis powered the Dallas Mavericks to a 131–121 win against the Denver Nuggets. Davis scored 32 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and added 4 assists. The Mavericks' triumph in Denver highlights Davis's crucial role in the team's success.

Most games this season:
30+ points

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — 17 games
Donovan Mitchell — 12 games
Luka Dončić — 12 games
Anthony Edwards — 10 games
Giannis Antetokounmpo — 10 games
Jaylen Brown — 10 games
Tyrese Maxey — 10 games
Jalen Brunson — 9 games
Lauri Markkanen — 8 games
Nikola Jokić — 8 games
Anthony Davis — 1 game

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NBA

Atlantic

Central

Southeast

Northwest

Pacific

Southwest

Atlanta Hawks 1996-97 Roster and Stats

Atlanta Hawks Roster and Stats for 1996-97 Season

Atlanta Hawks in the 1997 NBA Playoffs

Playoffs First Round vs. Detroit Pistons

Playoffs Second Round vs. Chicago Bulls

Atlanta Hawks 1996-97 Regular Season Game Log