1997–98 New Jersey Nets season

NBA season

team = New Jersey Nets
end_year = 1998
wins = 43
losses = 39
division = Atlantic
division_place = 1st
confreence = Eastern
conf_place = 8th
coach = John Calipari
arena = Meadowlands Arena
playoffs = Lost 1st Round

The Nets had a new look and a new logo. A youth movement began to pay off as the Nets made the playoffs with a 43-39 record, as rookie Keith Van Horne shook off an early season injury to lead the team in scoring at 19.7 ppg. However, in the playoff the Nets are given a quick exit by the Chicago Bulls in 3 straight. [ [http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/nj/njnets.html New Jersey Nets (1967-Present) ] ]

Offseason

NBA Draft

[ [http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NJN/1998_games.html 1997-98 New Jersey Nets Games - Basketball-Reference.com ] ]

Player stats

"Note: GP= Games played; MIN= Minutes; STL= Steals; REB = Rebounds; ASST = Assists; BLK = Blocks; PTS = Points"

Playoffs

Injuries would become a problem in the playoffs for the Nets. In Game 1 against Chicago, Cassell nursed a strained groin and Williams played despite a broken thumb. Williams would manage to get 21 rebounds in the game. The Nets forced overtime at the United Center before falling by a score of 96-93. The Bulls ultimately swept the series, but the Nets' effort suggested that the team had a bright future.

Awards, Records and Honors

* Jayson Williams, NBA All-Star Game
* Keith Van Horn, All-NBA Rookie First Team

References

* [http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teamyear.htm?yr=1997&tm=NJN&lg=N New Jersey Nets on Database Basketball]
* [http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NJN/1998.html New Jersey Nets on Basketball Reference]