1996–97 Toronto Raptors season

NBA season
team = Toronto Raptors
misc =
end_year = 1997
wins = 30
losses = 52
division = Central
division_place = 8
conf_place = 12
coach = Darrell Walker
arena = Sky Dome
owners = John Bitove, Allan Slaight, Isiah Thomas
television = CKVR-TV
radio = CFRB-AM
playoffs = Did not qualify
bbr_team = TOR

The Raptors started their second season with new coach Darrell Walker. Their win total would increase from 21 in their inaugural season to 30 wins. Veteran leadership was added to the team with the acquisitions of Walt Williams, Popeye Jones, John Long, and Earl Cureton.

NBA Draft

Regular season

Highs

* November 1, 1996 – To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the NBA, the first game of the season was played between the Raptors and the New York Knicks. Both teams wore throwback uniforms to recognize the anniversary. The Raptors wore the jerseys of the Toronto Huskies. The reason the game was played in Toronto was to recognize that the first ever NBA game was played in Toronto. The final score was 107-99 for the Knicks.

* November 8, 1996 – The Raptors pulled a huge upset by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers by a score of 93-92. One of the game’s highlights was Popeye Jones blocking a shot by Shaquille O’Neal.

* December 8, 1996 – In a game against the defending NBA Champion Chicago Bulls, the Raptors pulled another upset by defeating the Bulls 97-89

* February 25, 1997 – Versus the Denver Nuggets, the Raptors had their highest point total of the season. The final score was 124-122 for the Raptors.

Lows

* January 15, 1997 – The Raptors suffer one of their worst losses of the season. It was at the hands of the defending Western Conference champion Seattle Supersonics by a score of 122-78.

eason standings

Game log

Player statistics

Regular season

* Statistics include only games with the Raptors

Award winners

* Marcus Camby, First Team, NBA All-Rookie Team

References

* [http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teamyear.htm?yr=1996&tm=Tor&lg=N Raptors on Database Basketball]
* [http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/TOR/1997.html Raptors on Basketball Reference]