Dallas Mavericks History - 1997 ---- January 2 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Charlotte 97-107 -10 JJ/CG 22 Gatling 13 Rice 37 Game #28, current record: 10-18, streak: lost 1; final record: 24-58 ---- January 4 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Portland 104-110 -6 Gatling 24 AG/EM 12 Sabonis 33 Game #29, current record: 10-19, streak: lost 2; final record: 24-58 ---- January 6 Released Erick Strickland. Strickland was re-signed 40 days later. ---- January 7 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @New York 72-102 -30 Jackson 20 Jackson 7 Starks 21 Game #30, current record: 10-20, streak: lost 3; final record: 24-58 ---- January 8 Activated Fred Roberts and placed Samaki Walker on IR with a sprained left ankle. Roberts had missed 30 days (12 games) with a sprained left elbow. Walker was activated 40 days (17 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 W @Philadelphia 111-93 +18 McCloud 23 Finley 9 Iverson 22 Game #31, current record: 11-20, streak: won 1; final record: 24-58 ---- January 11 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 W Denver 104-99 +5 CG/GM 21 Green 9 LEllis 28 Game #32, current record: 12-20, streak: won 2; final record: 24-58 ---- January 13 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Phoenix 98-105 -7 Gatling 22 AG/MF 7 Ceballos 26 Game #33, current record: 12-21, streak: lost 1; final record: 24-58 ---- January 15 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Orlando 66-78 -12 DH/JJ 12 Green 13 Hardaway 26 Game #34, current record: 12-22, streak: lost 2; final record: 24-58 ---- January 17 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Houston 78-88 -10 Mashburn 17 AG/OM 10 Olajuwon 26 Game #35, current record: 12-23, streak: lost 3; final record: 24-58 ---- January 18 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 W @Denver 107-104 +3 Mashburn 27 Jackson 9 DEllis 24 Game #36, current record: 13-23, streak: won 1; final record: 24-58 ---- January 20 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @LA Lakers 99-109 -10 Jackson 22 Green 10 Van_Exel 24 Game #37, current record: 13-24, streak: lost 1; final record: 24-58 ---- January 21 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Golden State 93-105 -12 Jackson 22 Gatling 9 Sprewell 46 Latrell Sprewell (GS) had 46 points, the 44th time a Mavs opponent had 40+ points. Game #38, current record: 13-25, streak: lost 2; final record: 24-58 ---- January 24 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @San Antonio 87-97 -10 Gatling 25 Jackson 9 Wilkins 24 Game #39, current record: 13-26, streak: lost 3; final record: 24-58 ---- January 25 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 W New Jersey 92-81 +11 Mashburn 21 Green 8 Gill 23 Game #40, current record: 14-26, streak: won 1; final record: 24-58 ---- January 28 Suspended Chris Gatling for 1 game for insubordination. Gatling had walked out of practice after not playing at the end of the previous game (which Dallas won). Despite the suspension, Gatling was permitted to sit on the bench (in street clothes) the next game. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L LA Lakers 83-102 -19 Mashburn 26 Miller 12 O'Neal 31 Chris Gatling (suspended) did not play. Game #41, current record: 14-27, streak: lost 1; final record: 24-58 ---- January 30 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Minnesota 82-92 -10 Gatling 29 Gatling 18 Mitchell 21 Game #42, current record: 14-28, streak: lost 2; final record: 24-58 ==== February 1 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 W Utah 100-97 +3 Harper 29 Gatling 12 Malone 36 Game #43, current record: 15-28, streak: won 1; final record: 24-58 ---- February 4 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 W Sacramento 104-96 +8 Cassell 20 McCloud 9 Richmond 31 Game #44, current record: 16-28, streak: won 2; final record: 24-58 ---- February 7 Named Don Nelson as GM. Released Oliver Miller. Miller had appeared in 42 games with Dallas. ---- February 11 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L San Antonio 97-111 -14 Gatling 24 Gatling 13 Maxwell 34 Game #45, current record: 16-29, streak: lost 1; final record: 24-58 ---- February 13 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Golden State 99-107 -8 Gatling 19 Gatling 13 Sprewell 28 Game #46, current record: 16-30, streak: lost 2; final record: 24-58 ---- February 14 Traded Jamal Mashburn to Miami for Kurt Thomas, Sasha Danilovic, and Martin Muursepp. Released Fred Roberts. Roberts appeared in 12 games with Dallas. ---- February 15 Signed Erick Strickland to a 10-day contract. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Utah 84-99 -15 Jackson 19 Green 10 Hornacek 18 Game #47, current record: 16-31, streak: lost 3; final record: 24-58 ---- February 17 Traded Jim Jackson, Chris Gatling, Sam Cassell, George McCloud, and Eric Montross to New Jersey for Shawn Bradley, Robert Pack, Khalid Reeves, and Ed O'Bannon. Activated Samaki Walker. Walker had missed 40 days (17 games) with a sprained left ankle. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 W @Vancouver 100-95 +5 MF/AG 21 Green 15 Reeves 27 Vancouver had 24 rebounds, setting the opponent record low for fewest rebounds. Game #48, current record: 17-31, streak: won 1; final record: 24-58 ---- February 18 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @LA Clippers 69-87 -18 Finley 18 Green 11 Sealy 23 Game #49, current record: 17-32, streak: lost 1; final record: 24-58 ---- February 20 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Milwaukee 99-101 -2 Finley 33 Bradley 10 Baker 29 Game #50, current record: 17-33, streak: lost 2; final record: 24-58 ---- February 22 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Toronto 92-99 -7 MF/SD 20 Green 12 Christie 22 Sasha Danilovic suffered an ankle sprain at the end of the game. He would miss the next 19 games due to the injury. Derek Harper did not play due to a stomach virus (the 1st of 2 games he missed due to the illness). Game #51, current record: 17-34, streak: lost 3; final record: 24-58 ---- Februray 23 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 W @Phoenix 88-86 +2 Finley 20 Bradley 10 Ceballos 22 Derek Harper did not play due to a stomach virus (the 2nd of 2 games he missed due to the illness). Game #52, current record: 18-34, streak: won 1, final record: 24-58 ---- February 25 Signed Erick Strickland for the rest of the season and placed Sasha Danilovic on IR with a sprained left ankle. Danilovic was activated 35 days (19 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 W Charlotte 86-84 +2 Finley 18 Green 15 Rice 29 Anthony Mason (Cha) had a triple-double with 15 points, 22 rebounds, and 10 assists. It was the 34th time a Mavs opponent had a triple-double. It was also the 39th time a Mavs opponent had 20+ rebounds. Game #53, current record: 19-34, streak: won 2; final record: 24-58 ---- February 27 Signed Jason Sasser to a 10-day contract. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Minnesota(2OT) 105-107 -2 Stricklan 25 Green 17 Garnett 23 Game #54, current record: 19-35, streak: lost 1; final record: 24-58 ==== March 1 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Houston 80-89 -9 Finley 14 Bradley 9 Willis 26 Game #55, current record: 19-36, streak: lost 2; final record: 24-58 ---- March 2 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Phoenix(OT) 108-109 -1 Finley 24 Green 14 Kidd 23 Robert Pack did not play due to bruised ribs (the 1st of 9 games he missed due to the injury). Game #56, current record: 19-37, streak: lost 3; final record: 24-58 ---- March 4 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L LA Lakers 92-102 -10 Finley 23 Green 12 Van_Exel 37 Nick Van Exel (LAL) shot 8-15 3-pointers, tying the opponent record for most 3-pointers made. Derek Harper did not play due to a strained left groin (the 1st of 4 games he missed due to the injury). Robert Pack did not play due to bruised ribs (the 2nd of 9 games he missed due to the injury). Game #57, current record: 19-38, streak: lost 4; final record: 24-58 ---- March 5 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Utah 65-96 -31 MF/SB 13 Bradley 12 Malone 20 Utah out-scored Dallas 49-24 in the 2nd half. 24 points set the team record for fewest points in a half. Derek Harper did not play due to a strained left groin (the 2nd of 4 games he missed due to the injury). Robert Pack did not play due to bruised ribs (the 3rd of 9 games he missed due to the injury). Game #58, current record: 19-39, streak: lost 5; final record: 24-58 ---- March 7 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Portland 69-80 -11 Finley 17 Green 11 CRobinso 15 Shawn Bradley suffered a mild concussion in the 3rd quarter. Derek Harper did not play due to a strained left groin (the 3rd of 4 games he missed due to the injury). Robert Pack did not play due to bruised ribs (the 4th of 9 games he missed due to the injury). Game #59, current record: 19-40, streak: lost 6; final record: 24-58 ---- March 9 Elected not to sign Jason Sasser to a 2nd 10-day contract. Sasser appeared in 2 games with Dallas. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Houston 83-88 -5 Finley 24 AG/SB 11 Willis 19 Derek Harper did not play due to a strained left groin (the 4th of 4 games he missed due to the injury). Robert Pack did not play due to bruised ribs (the 5th of 9 games he missed due to the injury). Game #60, current record: 19-41, streak: lost 7; final record: 24-58 ---- March 11 Signed Jamie Watson to a 10-day contract. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 W New York 91-83 +8 Finley 23 Finley 9 Oakley 16 Robert Pack did not play due to bruised ribs. (the 6th of 9 games he missed due to the injury). The win ended an 11 game losing streak vs New York, with Dallas' last win vs the Knicks occurring on 3/22/91. Game #61, current record: 20-41, streak: won 1; final record: 24-58 ---- March 13 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 W Boston 109-107 +2 Bradley 31 Green 11 Wesley 34 Robert Pack did not play due to bruised ribs (the 7th of 9 games he missed due to the injury). Game #62, current record: 21-41, streak: won 2; final record: 24-58 ---- March 15 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Phoenix 76-101 -25 Finley 26 Green 11 KJohnson 23 Robert Pack did not play due to bruised ribs (the 8th of 9 games he missed due to the injury). Game #63, current record: 21-42, streak: lost 1; final record: 24-58 ---- March 16 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 W @Sacramento 89-88 +1 Stricklan 21 Bradley 11 Richmond 26 Robert Pack did not play due to bruised ribs (the 9th of 9 games he missed due to the injury). Game #64, current record: 22-42, streak: won 1; final record: 24-58 ---- March 18 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Washington 85-86 -1 Finley 18 Green 11 Webber 20 Erick Strickland severely sprained his right thumb. He would miss the next 10 games due to the injury. Game #65, current record: 22-43, streak: lost 1; final record: 24-58 ---- March 20 Placed Erick Strickland on IR with a severely sprained right thumb. Strickland was activated 19 days (10 games) later. ---- March 21 Signed Jamie Watson to a 2nd 10-day contract and signed Stevin Smith to a 10-day contract. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Atlanta 72-93 -21 Bradley 17 Walker 7 Blaylock 20 Game #66, current record: 22-44, streak: lost 2; final record: 24-58 ---- March 22 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Cleveland 72-75 -3 Finley 22 Green 14 THill 24 Game #67, current record: 22-45, streak: lost 3; final record: 24-58 ---- March 25 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Chicago 92-94 -2 Finley 28 Green 13 MJ/SK 20 Dennis Rodman (Chi) had 21 rebounds, the 40th time a Mavs opponent had 20+ rebounds and the 7th of 9 times Rodman had 20+ rebounds against Dallas. Game #68, current record: 22-46, streak: lost 4; final record: 24-58 ---- March 26 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Indiana 80-104 -24 Harper 19 Green 7 Hoiberg 21 Game #69, current record: 22-47, streak: lost 5; final record: 24-58 ---- March 29 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Washington 87-94 -7 Finley 25 Green 11 Strickla 21 Samaki Walker suffered a sprained right foot during the 3rd quarter and would miss the rest of the season due to the injury. Game #70, current record: 22-48, streak: lost 6; final record: 24-58 ---- March 30 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Cleveland 80-84 -4 Pack 23 Green 9 Brandon 19 Game #71, current record: 22-49, streak: lost 7; final record: 24-58 ---- March 31 Signed Stevin Smith to a 2nd 10-day contract. Jamie Watson elected not to sign with Dallas for the rest of the season [and, thus, was no longer a Mav]. Watson appeared in 10 games with Dallas. ==== April 1 Activated Sasha Danilovic. Danilovic had missed 35 days (19 games) with a sprained left ankle. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Detroit 82-100 -18 MF/RP 15 Green 10 Hill 35 Game #72, current record: 22-50, streak: lost 8; final record: 24-58 ---- April 3 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Golden State 90-106 -16 Harper 19 Green 8 Sprewell 25 Game #73, current record: 22-51, streak: lost 9; final record: 24-58 ---- April 5 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Seattle 84-103 -19 Danilovic 18 Bradley 10 Payton 23 Game #74, current record: 22-52, streak: lost 10; final record: 24-58 ---- April 6 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @LA Lakers 80-87 -7 Harper 18 Green 14 Fisher 21 The Lakers scored 26 straight points from 0:20 in the 2nd quarter to 3:09 in the 3rd quarter, the most consecutive points scored by an opponent. The Lakers out-scored Dallas 27-2 in the 3rd quarter, setting the team and NBA record for fewest points in a quarter. Dallas shot 0-15 FG in the quarter with the only points coming off of 2 Derek Harper free throws late in the quarter. Game #75, current record: 22-53, streak: lost 11; final record: 24-58 ---- April 8 Activated Erick Strickland and placed Samaki Walker on IR with a sprained right foot. Strickland had missed 19 days (10 games) with a sprained right thumb. Walker would miss the rest of the season (7 games) due to the injury. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 W Portland 87-82 +5 Danilovic 22 Green 14 CRobinso 15 Game #76, current record: 23-53, streak: won 1; final record: 24-58 ---- April 10 Signed Stacey King to a 10-day contract and released Stevin Smith. Smith appeared in 8 games with Dallas. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Seattle 82-90 -8 Finley 25 Bradley 8 Hawkins 17 Game #77, current record: 23-54, streak: lost 1; final record: 24-58 ---- April 12 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Vancouver 85-96 -11 Pack 22 Bradley 13 A.-Rahim 30 First loss to Vancouver as Dallas had won the first 7 games. Game #78, current record: 23-55, streak: lost 2; final record: 24-58 ---- April 14 Named Terdema as President and CEO. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L LA Clippers 93-99 -6 Bradley 32 Bradley 16 Martin 21 Game #79, current record: 23-56, streak: lost 3; final record: 24-58 ---- April 15 Released Greg Dreiling. Dreiling appeared in 40 games in 96-97 with Dallas [was also with the Mavs during 93-94]. ---- April 16 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 W @Minnesota 92-77 +15 Finley 19 Green 14 Garnett 16 Game #80, current record: 24-56, streak: won 1; final record: 24-58 ---- April 18 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Houston(OT) 102-112 -10 Danilovic 23 Green 13 Drexler 27 Game #81, current record: 24-57, streak: lost 1; final record: 24-58 ---- April 19 Finished the 1996-97 season with a record of 24-58. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Denver 95-100 -5 Bradley 25 Bradley 16 Hammonds 24 Ervin Johnson (Den) had a 20-20 with 21 points and 26 rebounds. It was the 22nd time a Mavs opponent had a 20-20. It was the 6th time a Mavs opponent had 25+ rebounds. Game #82, current record: 24-58, streak: lost 2; final record: 24-58 ---- April 22 Samaki Walker underwent surgery on his right foot to repair a stress fracture. ---- April 23 Fired assistant coach Lanny Van Eman. ==== May 13 Named Keith Grant as director of player personnel. Grant was signed to a 3 year contract. Extended head scout Ron Ekker's contract by 3 years. ---- May 29 Kurt Thomas underwent successful surgery on his re-fractured right ankle to get a bone graft and have new screws inserted. ==== June 1 Sasha Danilovic exercised the early termination option of his contract and became a free agent. He then signed with Buckler Bologna of the Italian League. ---- June 25 The NBA draft occurred. Dallas selected: Round Pick Player 1st 15 Kelvin Cato 2nd 35 Bubba Wells Draft day trade: Traded the rights to 1st round draft pick (#15) Kelvin Cato to Portland for the rights to 1st round draft pick Chris Anstey (#18) and money. ==== July 25 Reached an agreement with Erick Strickland for a new 6 year, $13.5 million contract with a player opt-out clause after the 4th year. The contract was not actually signed until 8/18/97 (due to the moratorium while the new salary cap was being computed). ==== August 18 Re-signed Erick Strickland to a 6 year, $14.4 million contract with a player opt-out clause after the 4th season. Formally renounced their rights to Sasha Danilovic. Danilovic had signed with Buckler Bologna of the Italian League on 6/1/97. ---- August 26 Ted Davis resigned as the Mavs radio announcer. ==== September 4 Signed free agent Hubert Davis to a 6 year contract. ---- September 5 Signed free agent Hubert Davis to a 6 year, $4.5 million contract with a player opt-out clause after the 3rd year. ---- September 19 Named Matt Pinto as radio voice of the Mavs. ---- September 24 Traded Derek Harper and Ed O'Bannon to Orlando for Dennis Scott and $500,000. The $500,000 was donated to the Dallas Mavericks Foundation. ==== October 1 Signed Michael Finley to a 5 year, $42 million extension with a player opt-out clause the 3rd year. ---- October 2 Signed 2nd round draft pick Bubba Wells to a 2 year contract. Signed Malcolm Mackey, Carlos Strong, Ace Custis, Ike Nwankwo, Kevin Whitted, and Derrick Chandler to non-guaranteed 1 year contracts. Only Custis (who tore his ACL during preseason) made the opening day roster. Named Sonny Allen as an assistant coach. ---- October 3 The city of Dallas, the Mavs, and the Stars reached an agreement on a new arena. The city council voted on the agreement 5 days later. ---- October 7 Signed Kevin Ollie to a 1 year, non-guaranteed contract. ---- October 8 The city council approved the new arena bill. There were still 2 more council votes needed by the city council before they gave their final approval 12/10/97. Released Derrick Chandler. ---- October 11 Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Houston 103-104 -1 Scott 22 Bradley 17 Rhodes 18 ---- October 12 Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Utah 88-94 -6 Bradley 16 AC,AG,SW 8 SA,JV 16 at El Paso, Texas ---- October 15 Erick Strickland suffered a 2nd degree sprained right ankle early in the 2nd quarter of the Vancouver game. He missed the rest of the preseason due to the injury. Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Vancouver 79-83 -4 Pack 19 Bradley 17 A.-Rahim 21 at Rapid City, South Dakota ---- October 17 Robert Pack broke the ring finger on his right hand late in the 4th quarter of the preseason Phoenix game. He was out for the next 2 months due to the injury. Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 W Phoenix 99-86 +13 Finley 21 Green 17 Kidd 19 ---- October 18 Ace Custis suffered a torn ACL in the right knee in the 2nd quarter of the Phoenix preseason game. He spent the entire season on IR due to the injury. ---- October 21 Signed Adrian Caldwell to a 1 year, non-guaranteed contract. Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Houston 97-106 -9 Bradley 27 Green 11 Maloney 14 at Albuquerque, New Mexico ---- October 22 Released Malcolm Mackey. Signed Reggie Freeman and Jerome Allen to 1 year, non-guaranteed contracts. Both would be released before the season started. Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @San Antonio 69-112 -43 MF/HD 12 AG/SB 6 Robinson 22 ---- October 24 Robert Pack underwent successful surgery on his fractured right ring finger. He was out for the next 54 days due to the injury. ---- October 25 Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Phoenix 75-89 -14 Finley 18 Green 13 KJohnson 19 ---- October 27 Finished the 1997 preseason with a record of 1-7. Preseason Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @New York 74-93 -19 Finley 16 Bradley 13 LJohnson 25 ---- October 28 Released Jerome Allen, Ike Nwankwo, Carlos Strong, and Kevin Whitted. ---- October 30 Released Reggie Freeman. Placed Ace Custis (torn right ACL), Martin Muursepp (sprained right ankle), and Robert Pack (fractured right ring finger) on IR. Custis missed the entire season due to his injury. Muursepp was activated 25 days (12 games) later. Pack was activated 48 days (22 games) later. ---- October 31 Start of the 1997-98 season. Dallas would finish the season with a record of 20-62. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 W @Vancouver 90-88 +2 HDavis 18 Green 14 A.-Rahim 31 Game #1, current record: 1-0, streak: won 1; final record: 20-62 ==== November 1 Missed all 10 3-pointers attempted, the most 3-pointers missed without a make. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 W @Seattle 89-81 +8 Finley 20 Bradley 14 DEllis 15 Missed all 10 3-pointers attempted, the most 3-pointers missed without a make. Game #2, current record: 2-0, streak: won 2; final record: 20-62 ---- November 3 Signed 1st round draft pick Chris Anstey to a 3 year, $2,956,000 contract. Released Adrian Caldwell. Caldwell appeared in 1 game with Dallas. ---- November 4 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 W Vancouver 92-87 +5 Finley 29 Green 13 A.-Rahim 28 Game #3, current record: 3-0, streak: won 3; final record: 20-62 ---- November 5 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Charlotte 103-110 -7 Reeves 24 Green 12 Rice 28 Game #4, current record: 3-1, streak: lost 1; final record: 20-62 ---- November 6 Ace Custis underwent successful surgery on his torn ACL. He missed the entire season due to the injury. ---- November 8 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Portland 94-101 -7 Bradley 26 Bradley 12 Anderson 28 Game #5, current record: 3-2, streak: lost 2; final record: 20-62 ---- November 11 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L LA Lakers 96-118 -22 Scott 27 Green 16 O'Neal 37 Game #6, current record: 3-3, streak: lost 3; final record: 20-62 ---- November 13 Kurt Thomas fractured his right ankle during the Philadelphia game (though he didn't know exactly when he fractured it). He missed the rest of the season due to the injury. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Philadelphia 98-99 -1 Bradley 20 Bradley 13 Iverson 31 Game #7, current record: 3-4, streak: lost 4; final record: 20-62 ---- November 14 The Dallas city council approved the arena issue to put it to a public vote in January (still another city council vote was needed (and passed)). The proposed site for the new arena was announced as the site of the old TU Electric plant off of I-35 just north of Woodall Rogers. ---- November 15 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Utah 77-85 -8 Finley 21 Bradley 14 Malone 26 Game #8, current record: 3-5, streak: lost 5; final record: 20-62 ---- November 17 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Portland 75-120 -45 Scott 12 DS/AW 7 Sabonis 24 Game #9, current record: 3-6, streak: lost 6; final record: 20-62 ---- November 18 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Sacramento 95-102 -7 DS/AG 20 Green 13 CWilliam 20 Game #10, current record: 3-7, streak: lost 7; final record: 20-62 ---- November 20 A.C. Green set the NBA consecutive games played record at 907 during the game vs Golden State. Green broke Randy Smith's record of 906. The game was paused 2 minutes in and the Mavs held a ceremony where they raised a banner with GREEN 907 on it to the rafters (and hung in the rafters for the rest of the season). Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Golden State(OT) 97-101 -4 Scott 33 Bradley 17 Sprewell 28 Game #11, current record: 3-8, streak: lost 8; final record: 20-62 ---- November 22 Lost to Milwaukee 62-83. 62 points set the team record for fewest points in a game. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Milwaukee 62-83 -21 Finley 12 Bradley 14 Brandon 18 62 points set the team record for fewest points in a game. Game #12, current record: 3-9, streak: lost 9; final record: 20-62 ---- November 24 Activated Martin Muursepp and placed Kurt Thomas on IR with a re-fractured right ankle. Muursepp had missed 25 days (12 games) with a sprained right ankle. Thomas missed the rest of the season due to his injury. ---- November 25 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L San Antonio 91-102 -11 Finley 20 Bradley 10 Robinson 22 Game #13, current record: 3-10, streak: lost 10; final record: 20-62 ---- November 28 Shawn Bradley suffered a moderate tear of the calf muscle in his left leg during the Toronto games. He missed the next 32 days (14 games) due to the injury. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 W Toronto 93-91 +2 Scott 21 Green 14 Christie 27 Game #14, current record: 4-10, streak: won 1; final record: 20-62 ---- November 29 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @San Antonio 87-96 -9 Finley 35 Finley 9 Robinson 18 Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 1st of 14 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #15, current record: 4-11, streak: lost 1; final record: 20-62 ==== December 2 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Atlanta 79-112 -33 Finley 18 Walker 15 Smith 28 Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 2nd of 14 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #16, current record: 4-12, streak: lost 2; final record: 20-62 ---- December 4 Fired head coach Jim Cleamons and assistants Butch Beard and Sonny Allen. Assistants Charlie Parker and Bob Salmi retained their jobs. Cleamons was named as coach 5/31/96. Cleamons finished with a regular season record of 28-70 (.286) (no playoffs) with Dallas. Named GM Don Nelson as head coach. Nelson would resign 3/19/05 as coach. Nelson would finished with a regular season record of 339-251 (.575) and a playoff record of 19-24 (.442) with Dallas. Named director of scouting Ron Ekker and injured player Kurt Thomas as assistant coaches. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 W New York 105-91 +14 Finley 27 Green 11 Ewing 20 Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 3rd of 14 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #17, current record: 5-12, streak: won 1; final record: 20-62 ---- December 6 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Houston 106-108 -2 Finley 35 Finley 7 Barkley 19 played in Mexico City Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 4th of 14 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #18, current record: 5-13, streak: lost 1; final record: 20-62 ---- December 8 Named Scott Roth as Director of Scouting. ---- December 9 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L LA Clippers 92-99 -7 Reeves 28 Green 7 Martin 18 Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 5th of 14 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #19, current record: 5-14, streak: lost 2; final record: 20-62 ---- December 10 The Dallas city council gave their final vote of approval for the new arena. All the council hurdles were then passed. The last step for approval to build a new arena was for the citizens of Dallas to vote on raising the hotel and car rental taxes. The vote took place 1/17/97. ---- December 11 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Orlando 90-100 -10 Finley 20 Walker 9 Price 18 Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 6th of 14 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #20, current record: 5-15, streak: lost 3; final record: 20-62 ---- December 12 Utah shot 23-53 FG, setting the opponent low for fewest field goals made and setting the NBA record low for fewest field goals attempted. 134 combined points is the lowest 2-team point total in team history. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Utah 66-68 -2 MF/DS 21 Green 7 Malone 23 Utah shot 23-53 FG, setting the opponent low for fewest field goals made and setting the NBA record low for fewest field goals attempted. 134 combined points is the lowest 2-team point total in team history. Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 7th of 14 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #21, current record: 5-16, streak: lost 4; final record: 20-62 ---- December 14 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @LA Lakers 89-119 -30 MF/DS 18 Walker 8 Bryant 30 Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 8th of 14 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #22, current record: 5-17, streak: lost 5; final record: 20-62 ---- December 16 Activated Robert Pack and placed Erick Strickland on IR with an sprained right ankle. Pack had missed 48 days (22 games) with a fractured right ring finger. Strickland was activated 17 days (8 games) later. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Golden State 92-103 -11 Finley 26 AG/MF 10 Smith 28 Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 9th of 14 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #23, current record: 5-18, streak: lost 6; final record: 20-62 ---- December 17 Released Kevin Ollie. Ollie appeared in 16 games with Dallas. Signed Eric Riley to a 1 year contract. ---- December 18 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Phoenix 75-89 -14 Pack 23 Walker 16 Robinson 17 Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 10th of 14 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #24, current record: 5-19, streak: lost 7; final record: 20-62 ---- December 20 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Sacramento 88-89 -1 Scott 21 Green 10 CWilliam 27 Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 11th of 14 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #25, current record: 5-20, streak: lost 8; final record: 20-62 ---- December 22 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @New York 67-79 -12 Scott 18 Green 9 Houston 19 Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 12th of 14 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #26, current record: 5-21, streak: lost 9; final record: 20-62 ---- December 23 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Cleveland 85-99 -14 Finley 29 Scott 10 Anderson 24 Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 13th of 14 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #27, current record: 5-22, streak: lost 10; final record: 20-62 ---- December 26 Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L Washington 95-97 -2 Finley 23 Finley 10 Cheaney 21 Shawn Bradley did not play due to a torn left calf muscle (the 14th of 14 games he would miss due to the injury). Game #28, current record: 5-23, streak: lost 11; final record: 20-62 ---- December 29 Playing Hack-a-Rodman, Bubba Wells fouled out in a NBA record 3 minutes. Michael Jordan (Chi) had 41 points, the 45th time a Mavs opponent had 40+ points and the 3rd of 3 times Jordan had 40+ points against Dallas. Dennis Rodman (Chi) had 27 rebounds, the 7th time a Mavs opponent had 25+ rebounds and the 8th of 9 times Rodman had 20+ rebounds against Dallas. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Chicago 105-111 -6 Finley 23 Bradley 10 Jordan 41 Playing Hack-a-Rodman, Bubba Wells fouled out in a NBA record 3 minutes. Michael Jordan had 41 points, the 45th time a Mavs opponent had 40+ points and the 3rd of 3 times Jordan had 40+ points against Dallas. Dennis Rodman had 27 rebounds, the 7th time a Mavs opponent had 25+ rebounds and the 8th of 9 times Rodman had 20+ rebounds against Dallas. Game #29, current record: 5-24, streak: lost 12; final record: 20-62 ---- December 30 Dallas and Don Nelson have reached an agreement on a 2 year coaching contract, under which Nelson would coach through the 1999-2000 season. Nelson was coaching under his 5 year, $7.2 million GM contract. The 2 year coaching contract was worth about $6 million, which Nelson would receive in addition to his GM salary. Score Dallas Dallas High Opponent Year WL Opponent Dal-Opp Margin High Scorer Rebounder High Scorer 1997 L @Milwaukee(OT) 98-105 -7 Finley 23 Green 13 Robinson 32 Game #30, current record: 5-25, streak: lost 13; final record: 20-62 ====