1996–97 Miami Heat season

The 1996-97 Miami Heat season was Miami's ninth season in the NBA. Tim Hardway had a career season with the Heat as he led the Heat in scoring with 20.3 points per game.^[1] On the defensive side, Alonzo Mourning and P.J. Brown provided leadership. The club also had a group of role players led by Isaac Austin. He would be honored with the NBA Most Improved Player Award.^[1] The Heat would go on to win their first division title with a record of 61 wins and 21 losses.

Offseason

NBA Draft

Regular season

Roster

Season standings

Schedule

Awards, records, and honors

• Isaac Austin, NBA Most Improved Player Award

Player stats

Note: GP= Games played; REB= Rebounds; AST= Assists; STL = Steals; BLK = Blocks; PTS = Points; AVG = Average

Transactions

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Postseason

In the playoffs, the Heat would confront their state rivals, the Orlando Magic. The Heat would win their first two games. In Orlando, the Magic would defeat the Heat to force a 5th game. The Heat would win the decisive Game 5 at home 91-82.^[1] In the following round, the Heat were matched up against Pat Riley's former team the New York Knicks. After the first 4 games, the Knicks had a controlling 3-1 series lead. The Heat won Game 5 although the game was remembered for P.J. Brown fighting with Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward.^[1] The Knicks players came off the bench and earned an automatic suspension. The Heat stayed on the bench and would gain an advantage for the rest of the series. The Heat would eliminate the undermanned Knicks in 7 games and one of the most heated rivalries in the NBA would be born.^[1] Despite qualifying for the Eastern Conference Finals, the Heat would be vanquished by the eventual world champion Chicago Bulls in 5 games.

References

• Heat on Database Basketball
• Heat on Basketball Reference