Head coach P.J. Carlesimo Record 49–33 (.598) | Arena Rose Garden Arena | |
Playoff finish West First Round (eliminated 1–3) | ||
The 1996–97 NBA season was the 27th season of the Portland Trail Blazers in the National Basketball Association. During the offseason, the Blazers signed free agent Kenny Anderson while acquiring Isaiah Rider from the Minnesota Timberwolves, and second-year forward Rasheed Wallace from the Washington Bullets. The Blazers would hover around .500 for most of the first half of the season as they traded Aaron McKie to the Detroit Pistons for Stacey Augmon at midseason. However, they posted a 13–2 record in March including an 11-game winning streak. The Blazers finished the season third in the Pacific Division, and fifth in the Western Conference with a 49–33 record. Making their 15th straight trip to the postseason and 20th in 21 years.
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The Blazers faced the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, and were defeated 3–1, marking the fifth straight year they were eliminated in the first round. Following the season, Clifford Robinson signed as a free agent with the Phoenix Suns, and Chris Dudley was traded to the New York Knicks.
Season standings
z - clinched division titley - clinched division titlex - clinched playoff spotWest First Round
(4) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (5) Portland Trail Blazers Last Playoff Meeting: 1992 Western Conference First Round (Portland won 3–1)