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1995–96 Miami Heat season

The 1995–96 NBA season was the eighth season for the Miami Heat in the National Basketball Association.[1] The Heat had the tenth overall pick in the 1995 NBA draft, and selected Kurt Thomas out of Texas Christian University.[2][3][4][5][6] Under new head coach Pat Riley, the Heat would be restructured.[7][8][9][10] On the first day of the regular season, which began on November 3, 1995, the team acquired All-Star center Alonzo Mourning from the Charlotte Hornets.[11][12][13][14][15][16] With the addition of Mourning, along with the off-season acquisition of Rex Chapman from the Washington Bullets,[17][18][19] the Heat won 11 of their first 14 games, but then lost 23 of their next 34 games, holding a 22–26 at the All-Star break.[20][16]

Riley continued to make changes as he would make three more deals at the trading deadline. The club traded Kevin Willis and Bimbo Coles to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for All-Star guard Tim Hardaway and Chris Gatling,[21][22][23][24][25] while trading Billy Owens and Kevin Gamble to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Walt Williams and Tyrone Corbin, and then trading rookie guard Terrence Rencher to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Tony Smith.[21][23][26][25][16] The flurry of deadline deals led to one of the most remarkable wins of the season, as the Heat only had eight players available to face the Chicago Bulls at the Miami Arena on February 23, 1996, but won 113–104, thanks mainly to a 39-point game by Chapman (this was one of only 10 losses the Bulls suffered on their way to a then-record 72-win season).[27][28][29][30] The team also signed free agents Jeff Malone, who was previously released by the Philadelphia 76ers, and rookie guard Voshon Lenard, who previously played in the Continental Basketball Association.[31]

The Heat played above. 500 for the remainder of the season, and finished third in the Atlantic Division with a 42–40 record, which was good enough for the #8 seed in the Eastern Conference.[32] Mourning averaged 23.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game, while Chapman provided the team with 14.0 points per game, but only played 56 games due to a Achilles tendon injury,[33][34][35] rookie guard Sasha Danilovic contributed 13.4 points per game, but only played just 19 games due to a wrist injury,[36][37] and Thomas provided with 9.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.[38] Mourning also became the first Heat player to appear in an All-Star Game, as he was selected for the 1996 NBA All-Star Game in San Antonio, Texas.[39][40][41][42]

In the Eastern Conference First Round of the playoffs, the Heat lost in three straight games to the Bulls, who were led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman.[43][44][45][46] The Bulls would defeat the Seattle SuperSonics in six games in the NBA Finals, winning their fourth championship in six years.[47][48][49][50][51] Following the season, Chapman signed as a free agent with the Phoenix Suns,[52][53][54] while Williams signed with the Toronto Raptors,[55][56][57] Gatling signed with the Dallas Mavericks,[58][59][60] Corbin signed with the Atlanta Hawks,[61][62] Smith signed with the Charlotte Hornets,[63] and Malone retired.

For the season, the Heat added new red alternate road uniforms, which remained in use until 1999.[64]

Offseason

NBA draft

Roster

Regular season

Season standings

Record vs. opponents

Schedule

Playoffs

Player statistics

NOTE: Please write the players statistics in alphabetical order by last name.

Season

Playoffs

Transactions

July 1, 1995

September 1, 1995

September 29, 1995

October 5, 1995

October 13, 1995

November 3, 1995

December 12, 1995

December 27, 1995

December 29, 1995

January 5, 1996

February 12, 1996

February 22, 1996

March 3, 1996

June 26, 1996

Player Transactions Citation:[65]

Postseason

The Heat would qualify for the playoffs by beating out the Charlotte Hornets by 1 game for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with a record of 42 wins and 40 losses. In the playoffs, the Heat were swept in 3 straight games. The Heat would lose by double digits in each game to the eventual World Champion Chicago Bulls.[16]

Awards, records, and honors

Pat Riley led the Heat to a 42-40 record which tying the franchise record for best record. Alonzo Mourning was voted by fans to be in the All-Star Game.[66]

References

Notes
  1. ^ 1995-96 Miami Heat
  2. ^ Wise, Mike (June 29, 1995). "PRO BASKETBALL; Underclassmen Rule Atop N.B.A. Draft Board". The New York Times. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  3. ^ Heisler, Mark (June 29, 1995). "NBA Is a Young Man's Game: Draft: Smith, McDyess, Stackhouse, Wallace and Garnett Lead the Way". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 3, 2022.
  4. ^ "NBA DRAFT: Clippers Deal No. 2 McDyess to Nuggets: Pro Basketball: L.A. Gets Rodney Rogers and Rights to Oregon State's Brent Barry. O'Bannon Goes Ninth to New Jersey, and Zidek Is Selected No. 22 by Charlotte". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. June 29, 1995. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
  5. ^ Nakamura, David (June 29, 1995). "Joe Goes West as Warriors Make Smith No. 1 Pick". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
  6. ^ "1995 NBA Draft". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
  7. ^ Winderman, Ira (September 2, 1995). "Heat Will Name Riley Coach Today". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved December 3, 2022.
  8. ^ Wise, Mike (September 3, 1995). "PRO BASKETBALL; Riley Back in Spotlight and Back at the Helm". The New York Times. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
  9. ^ Wise, Mike (September 8, 1995). "PRO BASKETBALL; Book Is Closed on the Knicks-Riley Saga". The New York Times. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
  10. ^ Wine, Steven (October 29, 1995). "Can Riley Inspire Miami's Underachievers?". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 3, 2022.
  11. ^ "Mourning News". The Washington Post. November 3, 1995. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  12. ^ Brown, Clifton (November 4, 1995). "PRO BASKETBALL; For Riley and the Heat, It Is Mourning in Miami". The New York Times. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
  13. ^ Heisler, Mark (November 4, 1995). "Mourning Turns Up with Heat: Pro Basketball: Center Is Traded for Rice, Reeves and Geiger After Turning Down Hornets". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
  14. ^ Smith, Sam (November 4, 1995). "Mourning Off to Miami". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  15. ^ Winderman, Ira (November 4, 1995). "A New Mourning". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved December 3, 2022.
  16. ^ a b c d Miami Heat (1988-Present)
  17. ^ Justice, Richard (June 29, 1995). "Bullets Select UNC's Wallace". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  18. ^ Mallozzi, Vincent M. (June 30, 1995). "BASKETBALL; Knicks File Tampering Charges Over Riley". The New York Times. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
  19. ^ Justice, Richard (July 1, 1995). "Pollin on Chapman: I'm Disappointed'". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
  20. ^ "NBA Games Played on February 8, 1996". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  21. ^ a b Brown, Clifton (February 23, 1996). "PRO BASKETBALL; On Deadline, Riley Makes Bold Moves". The New York Times. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  22. ^ "Hardaway Heads for the Heat in Trade". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. February 23, 1996. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
  23. ^ a b Winderman, Ira (February 23, 1996). "Meet the New Heat: Miami's Trades Bring 5 Players". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved September 16, 2022.
  24. ^ Steele, David (February 23, 1996). "Warriors Turn the Page; Hardaway, Gatling Go to Miami". SFGate. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  25. ^ a b Patton, Robes (February 24, 1996). "Heat's Months of Preparation Pay Off on Trading Day". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved December 3, 2022.
  26. ^ "Riley's Heat The Big Movers on D-Day". Deseret News. Associated Press. February 23, 1996. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  27. ^ "PRO BASKETBALL; Chapman, Heat Surprise Bulls". The New York Times. Associated Press. February 24, 1996. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  28. ^ "Chapman's 39 Lead Heat Over the Bulls". The Washington Post. February 24, 1996. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  29. ^ Winderman, Ira (February 24, 1996). "No Bull: Rex Wrecks Chicago". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
  30. ^ "Chicago Bulls at Miami Heat Box Score, February 23, 1996". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  31. ^ Winderman, Ira (January 6, 1996). "Mourning Travels West". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved June 30, 2022.
  32. ^ "1995–96 Miami Heat Schedule and Results". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  33. ^ "Chapman Has Surgery". The Washington Post. November 23, 1995. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  34. ^ Winderman, Ira (November 23, 1995). "Chapman Out 3 Months After Achilles Surgery". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved November 18, 2022.
  35. ^ Patton, Robes (January 23, 1996). "Chapman Keeps Firing, Starts Hitting". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved November 18, 2022.
  36. ^ Winderman, Ira (January 3, 1996). "Surgery Sidelines Danilovic for Year". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved January 18, 2022.
  37. ^ "Heat's Danilovic to Miss 3-4 Months". United Press International. January 2, 1996. Retrieved November 10, 2022.
  38. ^ "1995–96 Miami Heat Roster and Stats". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  39. ^ Bembry, Jerry (January 31, 1996). "NBA Coaches Recognize Howard's Star Quality; Bullets' 2nd-Year Player Named Eastern Reserve". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  40. ^ Heisler, Mark (February 11, 1996). "NBA Has All-Stars in Its Eyes". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
  41. ^ "1996 NBA All-Star Recap". NBA.com. NBA.com Staff. September 13, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  42. ^ "1996 NBA All-Star Game: East 129, West 118". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  43. ^ "NBA PLAYOFFS; Jordan Sends Heat Home". The New York Times. Associated Press. May 2, 1996. Retrieved October 13, 2017.
  44. ^ Greenstein, Teddy (May 2, 1996). "Triple Double Backs Up Pippen's Forecast". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
  45. ^ Hyde, Dave (May 2, 1996). "Heat Go Quietly - On Court and Off". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  46. ^ "1996 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Heat vs. Bulls". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
  47. ^ Brown, Clifton (June 17, 1996). "N.B.A. FINALS; After a Few Anxious Days, Jordan and Bulls Get Their Title". The New York Times. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  48. ^ "Bulls Drown Out SuperSonics, 87-75". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. June 17, 1996. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
  49. ^ Hirsley, Michael (June 17, 1996). "Game 6 Telecast Brings Happy Ending Home". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  50. ^ Judd, Ron C. (June 17, 1996). "Not This Time -- Sonic Hopes End 87-75 as Bulls Win Fourth Title". The Seattle Times. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  51. ^ "1996 NBA Finals: SuperSonics vs. Bulls". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
  52. ^ "Raptors Sign Benjamin for Backup Role". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. October 12, 1996. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
  53. ^ "New York Knicks". Orlando Sentinel. October 12, 1996. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  54. ^ Winderman, Ira (November 25, 1996). "Chapman Burned Up Over Treatment from Riley, Heat". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  55. ^ "Raptors Sign Walt Williams for Minimum". The New York Times. August 30, 1996. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
  56. ^ Winderman, Ira (August 30, 1996). "Raptors Get Williams for Minimum". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  57. ^ "Raptors Sign Walt Williams for 1 Year". United Press International. August 30, 1996. Retrieved January 18, 2022.
  58. ^ "Mavericks Sign Gatling to 5-Year Deal". United Press International. July 17, 1996. Retrieved June 30, 2022.
  59. ^ Brown, Clifton (July 18, 1996). "PRO BASKETBALL; Lakers Up Offer to O'Neal to $140 Million". The New York Times. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  60. ^ "Magic Said to Be Keeping Grant". Los Angeles Times. Times News Services. July 18, 1996. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  61. ^ "Hawks Sign Corbin and Burton". The New York Times. September 13, 1996. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  62. ^ Winderman, Ira (October 26, 1996). "Corbin Starting for Hawks". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  63. ^ "Ex-Laker Smith Joins Hornets". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. October 21, 1996. Retrieved September 24, 2022.
  64. ^ "Miami Heat Uniform". Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page - SportsLogos.Net. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  65. ^ "1995–96 Miami Heat Transactions". Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  66. ^ "Year by Year: 1995-96". Heat History. NBA.com. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
Sources