1995-96 NBA season
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The 1995-96 NBA season was the 50th season of the National Basketball Association, although the league didn't celebrate this anniversary until the following season. The season ended with the Chicago Bulls defeating the Seattle Supersonics 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals to win the franchise's 4th championship.
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[edit] Notable Occurrences
- The NBA marks its return to Canada after almost 50 years as the Toronto Raptors and the Vancouver Grizzlies make their debuts as the NBA's 28th and 29th franchise. The Grizzlies began play at GM Place while the Raptors set up shop in the Skydome.
- The NBA All-Star Game was played at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, with the East defeating the West 129-118. Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls was named the game's MVP.
- At 72-10, the Chicago Bulls set the record for most wins in a season that still holds as of date. This year's Bulls are regarded by many as the NBA's greatest team.
- The Boston Celtics play their first game at the Fleet Center (now TD Banknorth Garden).
- The Seattle SuperSonics play their first game at Key Arena.
- The Portland Trail Blazers play their first game at the Rose Garden.
- Referees were locked out to begin the season, but reached an agreement to return to work in December 1995.
[edit] Final standings
[edit] Eastern Conference
| Team | W | L | PCT. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando Magic | 60 | 22 | .732 | - |
| New York Knicks | 47 | 35 | .573 | 13 |
| Miami Heat | 42 | 40 | .512 | 18 |
| Washington Bullets | 39 | 43 | .476 | 21 |
| Boston Celtics | 33 | 49 | .402 | 27 |
| New Jersey Nets | 30 | 52 | .366 | 30 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 18 | 64 | .220 | 42 |
| Team | W | L | PCT. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bulls C | 72 | 10 | .878 | - |
| Indiana Pacers | 52 | 30 | .634 | 20 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 47 | 35 | .573 | 25 |
| Atlanta Hawks | 46 | 36 | .561 | 26 |
| Detroit Pistons | 46 | 36 | .561 | 26 |
| Charlotte Hornets | 41 | 41 | .500 | 31 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | 25 | 57 | .305 | 47 |
| Toronto Raptors | 21 | 61 | .256 | 51 |
[edit] Western Conference
| Team | W | L | PCT. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio Spurs | 59 | 23 | .720 | - |
| Utah Jazz | 55 | 27 | .671 | 4 |
| Houston Rockets | 48 | 34 | .585 | 11 |
| Denver Nuggets | 35 | 47 | .427 | 24 |
| Dallas Mavericks | 26 | 56 | .317 | 33 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 26 | 56 | .317 | 33 |
| Vancouver Grizzlies | 15 | 67 | .183 | 44 |
| Team | W | L | PCT. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle SuperSonics | 64 | 18 | .780 | - |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 53 | 29 | .646 | 11 |
| Portland Trail Blazers | 44 | 38 | .537 | 20 |
| Phoenix Suns | 41 | 41 | .500 | 23 |
| Sacramento Kings | 39 | 43 | .476 | 25 |
| Golden State Warriors | 36 | 46 | .439 | 28 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | 29 | 53 | .354 | 35 |
C - NBA Champions
[edit] NBA awards
- Most Valuable Player: Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
- Rookie of the Year: Damon Stoudamire, Toronto Raptors
- Defensive Player of the Year: Gary Payton, Seattle SuperSonics
- Sixth Man of the Year: Toni Kukoc, Chicago Bulls
- Most Improved Player: Gheorghe Muresan, Washington Bullets
- Coach of the Year: Phil Jackson, Chicago Bulls
- All-NBA First Team:
- F - Karl Malone, Utah Jazz
- F - Scottie Pippen, Chicago Bulls
- C - David Robinson, San Antonio Spurs
- G - Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
- G - Anfernee Hardaway, Orlando Magic
- All-NBA Rookie Team:
- Damon Stoudamire, Toronto Raptors
- Joe Smith, Golden State Warriors
- Jerry Stackhouse, Philadelphia 76ers
- Antonio McDyess, Denver Nuggets
- Arvydas Sabonis, Portland TrailBlazers
- Michael Finley, Phoenix Suns
Note: All information on this page were obtained on the History section on NBA.com
