Bullets Journal 1996-97 Headlines April 1997 1996-97 Columns 1996-97 Roster 1996-97 Statistics

Time To Get Down To Business As The End of the Season Nears

The end of the regular season is three games away, and the Bullets hold a one game advantage over the Cleveland Cavaliers for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. But that's not the only distraction hovering around the franchise.

First, the Allen Iverson issue. You see, the Bullets decided to throw a token defense at Iverson when he scored his 40th point of the game on Monday. Last year, the Pistons' head coach Doug Collins was fined when his players pulled a similar act in a similar meaningless chase of a personal record. But in this case, the NBA has decided not to fine anyone on the Bullets (or Sixers). (Thanks to Amy Shipley of the Washington Post for this article.)

Also, the Bullets are going to be lacking at the center position for their stretch run. Lorenzo Williams is still out with a sore knee, and Muresan's back will not be healed for tonight's game against Indiana. That means that CWebb will draw center duties against two talented big men in the next two games, Rik Smits and Rony Seikaly. Not good, but the Bullets don't have much choice, either.

So, where do the Bullets stand in the playoff race? It's complicated.

1. If the Bullets win all three remaining games, they are in.
2. If they win one of their next two games and win in Cleveland on Sunday, they are in with a 3-1 advantage in the head-to-head category.
3. If they win their next two games but lose in Cleveland:
   1. They're out if Cleveland wins their next two games (before Sunday)
   2. They're in if Cleveland wins only one of their next two games.
4. If they lose to Orlando and finish the season tied with Cleveland, they are out because Cleveland will have a better winning percentage against Eastern Conference playoff teams.

That's not all of the possible combinations, but it presents some of the pitfalls the Bullets face. The Bullets just need to take care of business, and they should make the playoffs. Every Cleveland loss helps.

wtf 16 April 1997

Rookie Continues Individual Record-Setting As Bullets Seek Team Accomplishments

Indiana Folds Shop Against Hungry Bullets Team; Two Games Now Left

Member of the Internet Link Exchange