1996–97 Miami Heat season

NBA season

200px
team = Miami Heat
end_year = 1997
wins = 61
losses = 21
division_place = 1st
conf_place = 2nd
coach = Pat Riley
arena = Miami Arena
playoffs = Lost Eastern Conference FinalsThe 1996-97 Miami Heat season was Miami's 9th 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. [ [http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/miami/heat.html Miami Heat (1988-Present) ] ] 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. [ [http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/miami/heat.html Miami Heat (1988-Present) ] ] The Heat would go on to win their first division title with a record of 61 wins and 21 losses.

Offseason

NBA Draft

Transactions

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 decisice Game 5 at home 91-83. [ [http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/miami/heat.html Miami Heat (1988-Present) ] ] 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. [ [http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/miami/heat.html Miami Heat (1988-Present) ] ] 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. [ [http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/miami/heat.html Miami Heat (1988-Present) ] ] Despite qualifying for the Eastern Conference Finals, the Heat would be vanquished by the eventual world champion Chicago Bulls in 5 games.

References

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