1995–96 Toronto Raptors season

The 1995–96 NBA season was the Toronto Raptors' first season in the National Basketball Association.[1] The Raptors, along with the Vancouver Grizzlies, played their first games in 1995, and were the first NBA teams to play in Canada since the 1946–47 Toronto Huskies.[2][3][4][5][6] Retired All-Star point guard and former Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas became the team's General Manager.[7][8][9][10] The Raptors revealed a new primary logo of a dinosaur playing basketball,[11] and got new pinstripe uniforms with the logo on the front of their jerseys, adding purple and red to their color scheme.[12][13]

1995–96 Toronto Raptors season
Head coachBrendan Malone
General managerIsiah Thomas
Owner(s)John Bitove
Arena
Results
Record2161 (.256)
PlaceDivision: 8th (Central)
Conference: 14th (Eastern)
Playoff finishDid not qualify

Stats at Basketball-Reference.com
Local media
Television
RadioCFRB

In the 1995 NBA expansion draft, the Raptors selected veteran players like B.J. Armstrong, Oliver Miller, Willie Anderson, Tony Massenburg, Ed Pinckney, Žan Tabak, Acie Earl and John Salley.[14][15][16][17][18] However, Armstrong refused to play for the Raptors, and was traded to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for second-year forward Carlos Rogers and Victor Alexander.[19][20][21] The team also signed free agents, former All-Star guard Alvin Robertson,[22] and three-point specialist Tracy Murray. The Raptors received the seventh overall pick in the 1995 NBA draft, and selected point guard Damon Stoudamire from the University of Arizona.[23][24][25][26][27] The team also hired Brendan Malone as their first head coach.[28][29]

In their NBA regular season debut on November 3, 1995, the Raptors defeated the New Jersey Nets at the SkyDome, 94–79,[30][31][32] but went on a 7-game losing streak afterwards, and held a 13–34 record at the All-Star break.[33] At midseason, the team traded Anderson and Alexander to the New York Knicks in exchange for Doug Christie,[34][35][36][37] and then traded Massenburg and Pinckney to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for second-year forward Sharone Wright,[38][39][40][41] while Salley was released to free agency and signed with the Chicago Bulls.[42][43] The Raptors finished their inaugural season last place in the Central Division with a 21–61 record.[44]

Stoudamire averaged 19.0 points, 9.3 assists and 1.4 steals per game, and was named Rookie of the Year,[45][46][47][48] and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. He also won the MVP award in the Rookie Game during the All-Star Weekend in San Antonio, Texas.[49][50][51] In addition, Murray finished second on the team in scoring, averaging 16.2 points per game, led them with 151 three-point field goals, and finished tied in fifth place in Most Improved Player voting,[52] while Miller provided the team with 12.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.9 blocks per game, and Robertson contributed 9.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game. Off the bench, Tabak provided with 7.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, while Rogers also contributed 7.7 points per game, and Earl contributed 7.5 points per game.[53]

Following the season, Malone was fired as head coach after only just one season with the Raptors,[54][55][56] while Murray signed as a free agent with the Washington Bullets,[57][58][59] Miller signed with the Dallas Mavericks,[60][61] and Robertson retired after ten seasons in the NBA. The Raptors' new logo would remain in use until 2008, where they changed the background of the logo from purple to red, while the original logo with the dinosaur lasted until 2015. The new pinstripe uniforms lasted until 1999.

Offseason

Expansion draft

The team's roster was then filled as a result of an expansion draft in 1995. Following a coin flip, Toronto was given first choice and selected Chicago Bulls point guard and three-point specialist B. J. Armstrong. Armstrong refused to report for training, and Thomas promptly traded him to the Golden State Warriors for power forwards Carlos Rogers and Victor Alexander. Thomas then selected a wide range of players in the expansion draft.

Pick Player Position Nationality Former Team
1 B. J. Armstrong Point guard  United States Chicago Bulls
3 Tony Massenburg Forward  United States Los Angeles Clippers
5 Andrés Guibert Forward-Centre  Cuba Minnesota Timberwolves
7 Keith Jennings Point guard  United States Golden State Warriors
9 Dontonio Wingfield Forward  United States Seattle SuperSonics
11 Doug Smith Forward  United States Dallas Mavericks
13 Jerome Kersey Small forward  United States Portland Trail Blazers
15 Žan Tabak Centre  Croatia Houston Rockets
17 Willie Anderson Guard-Forward  United States San Antonio Spurs
19 Ed Pinckney Forward  United States Milwaukee Bucks
21 Acie Earl Centre  United States Boston Celtics
23 B. J. Tyler Point guard  United States Philadelphia 76ers
25 John Salley Power forward  United States Miami Heat
27 Oliver Miller Centre  United States Detroit Pistons

[18]

NBA draft

Subsequent to the expansion draft, Toronto was given the seventh pick, after the Vancouver Grizzlies, in the 1995 NBA draft. They selected Damon Stoudamire, a point guard out of University of Arizona, around whom Thomas chose to base the franchise. The selection of Stoudamire was met with boos from fans at the 1995 NBA draft at the SkyDome in Toronto, many of whom wanted Ed O'Bannon of UCLA, an NCAA Final Four MVP.[23][25]

Round Pick Player Position Nationality College
1 7 Damon Stoudamire Point Guard  United States Arizona
2 35 Jimmy King Shooting Guard  United States Michigan

Roster

1995–96 Toronto Raptors roster
Players Coaches
Pos.No.NameHeightWeightDOBFrom
F 13 Christie, Doug 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 1970–05–09 Pepperdine
C 55 Earl, Acie 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 240 lb (109 kg) 1970–06–23 Iowa
G 4 Esposito, Vincenzo 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 198 lb (90 kg) 1969–03–01 Italy
G 24 King, Jimmy 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 210 lb (95 kg) 1973–08–09 Michigan
F 44 Lewis, Martin 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 210 lb (95 kg) 1975–04–28 Seward County CC
F 30 Miller, Oliver 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 280 lb (127 kg) 1970–04–06 Arkansas
F 35 Murray, Tracy 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 225 lb (102 kg) 1971–07–25 UCLA
C 52 O'Sullivan, Dan 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 250 lb (113 kg) 1968–03–03 Fordham
G 7 Robertson, Alvin 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1962–07–22 Arkansas
F 34 Rogers, Carlos 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 1971–02–06 Tennessee State
G 20 Stoudamire, Damon Injured 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 171 lb (78 kg) 1973–09–03 Arizona
C 3 Tabak, Žan 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) 245 lb (111 kg) 1970–06–15 Croatia
F 23 Whitfield, Dwayne 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 240 lb (109 kg) 1972–08–21 Jackson State
C 9 Wright, Sharone Injured 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) 260 lb (118 kg) 1973–01–30 Clemson
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)

Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (S) Suspended
  • Injured Injured

Roster
Last transaction: April 18, 1996

Roster notes

  • Point guard Keith Jennings missed the entire season due to a preseason knee injury.[62]
  • Point guard B.J. Tyler missed the entire season due to permanent nerve damage after accidentally falling asleep with an ice pack on his ankle, and never played for the Raptors.[63][64][65][66]

The first game

The Raptors’ first ever regular season game was played on November 3, 1995, against the New Jersey Nets at the SkyDome in front of 33,306 fans. Alvin Robertson scored the first points in Raptors history, as he hit a three pointer to give Toronto an early 3-0 lead. The Raptors were led by Robertson, who scored a team high 30 points, as well as Damon Stoudamire, who had a double double in his first career game, scoring 10 points and adding 10 assists, as the Raptors defeated the Nets 94-79.[67]

Regular season

The team played its first season in the Central Division,[68] and before the inaugural season began, sales of Raptors merchandise ranked seventh in the league, marking a successful return of basketball to Canada. As GM, Isiah Thomas quickly staffed the management positions with his own personnel, naming long-time Detroit Pistons assistant Brendan Malone as the Raptors' head coach.

The Skydome — now the Rogers Centre — was the original arena for the Raptors between 1995–1999.

The Raptors concluded their inaugural season with a 21–61 win–loss record,[68] although they were one of the nine teams to defeat the 1995–96 Chicago Bulls,[69] who set an NBA best 72–10 win–loss regular season record. With averages of 19.0 points and 9.3 assists per game, Stoudamire also won the 1995–96 Rookie of the Year Award.[70]

Highs

  • December 10, 1995, The Raptors play the Vancouver Grizzlies for the first time. The game is held at General Motors Place in Vancouver. The Raptors win the game by a score of 93-81.
  • March 24, 1996 – The Raptors beat the eventual NBA Champion Chicago Bulls by a score of 109-108, one of only ten losses the Bulls would suffer that season. Michael Jordan attempted to win the game on the final shot. Though the ball went in, it did not count because the ball left his hand after the final buzzer.
  • March 31, 1996 – The legendary Magic Johnson played his only game against the Toronto Raptors in Toronto. The Los Angeles Lakers won the game by a score of 111-106.

Stoudamire's breakout year

Stoudamire had a noteworthy rookie season with the Toronto Raptors averaging 9.3 assists and 19 points. He earned the nickname "Mighty Mouse" due to the fact he stands only 5'10" (1.77 m), and that he had a Mighty Mouse tattoo on his right arm going into his rookie season. Damon currently holds the record of having the third-highest assist average ever by a rookie, and rookie record setter for 3-pointers with 133, breaking the 3-point record previously held by Dennis Scott. Stoudamire was ranked second in scoring among all rookies in his rookie season, and led all rookies in minutes played and assists. He received the Shick Rookie of the Month Award twice and unanimously made the Shick All Rookie First Team. That same year Stoudamire was also awarded the Rookie of the Year Award for the 1995–1996 season, receiving 76 of the 113 possible votes and the Most Valuable Player of the All-Star Rookie Game. Stoudamire holds the record for being the second-lowest draft pick (seventh overall) to ever win the Rookie of the Year Award, the lowest being Mark Jackson (eighteenth overall). Damon is also known as the shortest player at 5'10" to ever win this award. He did not play the last 10 games of his rookie season due to an injury, Tendinitis in his left knee. The Raptors went 2–8 without him and finished 21–61 in his and the Raptors' rookie season.[45]

Lows

  • November 15, 1995 – The Raptors lose to the Houston Rockets by a score of 96 – 93. The loss culminates in a seven-game losing streak for the Raptors, the longest losing streak of the season.
  • February 29, 1996 – The seven-game losing streak was duplicated. In a loss to the San Antonio Spurs, the final score was 120 – 95.
  • March 29, 1996 – The Raptors suffer their worst loss of the season. The score was 126-86 in favour of the Orlando Magic. Prior to the game, Isiah Thomas and Brendan Malone got into an argument regarding playing time for rookies.

Season standings

Central DivisionWLPCTGBHomeRoadDivGP
zChicago Bulls7210.87839–233–824–482
xIndiana Pacers5230.63420.032–920–2119–982
xCleveland Cavaliers4735.57325.026–1521–2013–1582
xAtlanta Hawks4636.56126.026–1520–2115–1382
xDetroit Pistons4636.56126.030–1116–2515–1382
Charlotte Hornets4141.50031.025–1616–2513–1582
Milwaukee Bucks2557.30547.014–2711–308–2082
Toronto Raptors2161.25651.015–266–355–2382
Eastern Conference
#TeamWLPCTGBGP
1zChicago Bulls7210.87882
2yOrlando Magic6022.73212.082
3xIndiana Pacers5230.63420.082
4xCleveland Cavaliers4735.57325.082
5xNew York Knicks4735.57325.082
6xAtlanta Hawks4636.56126.082
7xDetroit Pistons4636.56126.082
8xMiami Heat4240.51230.082
9Charlotte Hornets4141.50031.082
10Washington Bullets3943.47633.082
11Boston Celtics3349.40239.082
12New Jersey Nets3052.36642.082
13Milwaukee Bucks2557.30547.082
14Toronto Raptors2161.25651.082
15Philadelphia 76ers1864.22054.082

Record vs. opponents

1995-96 NBA Records
Team ATL BOS CHA CHI CLE DAL DEN DET GSW HOU IND LAC LAL MIA MIL MIN NJN NYK ORL PHI PHO POR SAC SAS SEA TOR UTA VAN WAS
Atlanta 4–03–10–43–11–11–12–21–11–11–32–00–22–22–21–14–02–12–22–10–22–02–00–20–24–01–12–01–3
Boston 0–42–20–31–30–21–12–10–21–10–42–00–23–13–12–02–20–41–34–01–10–22–00–20–23–10–21–12–2
Charlotte 1–32–21–33–12–02–01–30–20–21–31–12–02–23–11–10–33–00–43–12–01–11–10–20–23–11–12–03–1
Chicago 4–03–03–14–02–01–14–02–02–02–22–02–03–14–02–03–03–13–14–01–12–02–02–01–13–12–02–04–0
Cleveland 1–33–11–30–42–01–12–22–01–12–22–02–01–34–02–01–23–11–24–02–01–11–10–20–23–10–22–03–1
Dallas 1–12–00–20–20–22–20–22–21–30–22–20–40–21–10–41–10–21–10–21–30–42–22–22–21–11–34–00–2
Denver 1–11–10–21–11–12–21–12–21–30–21–32–20–21–14–00–21–11–12–03–10–40–40–41–32–03–13–11–1
Detroit 2–21–23–10–42–22–01–12–01–12–22–00–21–32–21–14–00–41–34–02–02–01–12–01–14–00–22–01–2
Golden State 1–12–02–00–20–22–22–20–22–21–13–11–31–11–13–12–00–20–22–01–31–31–31–30–41–11–34–01–1
Houston 1–11–12–00–21–13–13–11–12–22–04–03–10–22–02–22–00–20–22–03–12–22–21–30–42–02–24–01–1
Indiana 3–14–03–12–22–22–02–02–21–10–22–01–13–03–11–11–31–32–23–11–11–10–21–12–04–00–22–03–0
L.A. Clippers 0–20–21–10–20–22–23–10–21–30–40–20–41–11–13–11–11–10–22–03–12–22–21–30–40–21–33–11–1
L.A. Lakers 2–02–00–20–20–24–02–22–03–11–31–14–02–02–03–12–01–11–11–13–12–23–11–32–22–02–24–01–1
Miami 2–21–32–21–33–12–02–03–11–12–00–31–10–23–01–15–01–31–33–11–10–21–11–10–22–10–21–12–2
Milwaukee 2–21–31–30–40–41–11–12–21–10–21–31–10–20–31–11–32–21–32–10–22–00–21–10–22–20–21–11–3
Minnesota 1–10–21–10–20–24–00–41–11–32–21–11–31–31–11–11–10–20–21–11–30–43–11–30–41–11–32–20–2
New Jersey 0–42–23–00–32–11–12–00–40–20–23–11–10–20–53–11–12–20–42–20–21–11–10–20–22–20–22–02–2
New York 1–24–00–31–31–32–01–14–02–02–03–11–11–13–12–22–02–21–33–10–20–20–21–11–14–01–11–13–1
Orlando 2–23–14–01–32–11–11–13–12–02–02–22–01–13–13–12–04–03–14–02–01–11–11–11–12–11–12–04–0
Philadelphia 1–20–41–30–40–42–00–20–40–20–21–30–21–11–31–21–12–21–30–40–20–20–20–20–23–11–11–11–3
Phoenix 2–01–10–21–10–23–11–30–23–11–31–11–31–31–12–03–12–02–00–22–02–22–21–30–42–01–34–02–0
Portland 0–22–01–10–21–14–04–00–23–12–21–12–22–22–00–24–01–12–01–12–02–21–31–31–32–01–32–20–2
Sacramento 0–20–21–10–21–12–24–01–13–12–22–02–21–31–12–01–31–12–01–12–02–23–11–30–42–00–42–20–2
San Antonio 2–02–02–00–22–02–24–00–23–13–11–13–13–11–11–13–12–01–11–12–03–13–13–12–22–03–14–01–1
Seattle 2–02–02–01–12–02–23–11–14–04–00–24–02–22–02–04–02–01–11–12–04–03–14–02–21–13–13–11–1
Toronto 0–41–31–31–31–31–10–20–41–10–20–42–00–21–22–21–12–20–41–21–30–20–20–20–21–10–21–13–1
Utah 1–12–01–10–22–03–11–32–03–12–22–03–12–22–02–03–12–01–11–11–13–13–14–01–31–32–04–01–1
Vancouver 0–21–10–20–20–20–41–30–20–40–40–21–30–41–11–12–20–21–10–21–10–42–22–20–41–31–10–40–2
Washington 3–12–21–30–41–32–01–12–11–11–10–31–11–12–23–12–02–21–30–43–10–22–02–01–11–11–31–12–0

Game log

1995–96 game log
November: 5–10 (home: 4–4; road: 1–6)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance
Record
1 November 3 New Jersey W 94–79 Alvin Robertson (30) Alvin Robertson (7) Damon Stoudamire (10) SkyDome
33,306
1-0
2 November 4 @ Indiana L 89–97 Damon Stoudamire (26) John Salley (9) Damon Stoudamire (11) Market Square Arena
16,640
1-1
3 November 7 @ Chicago L 108–117 Willie Anderson (23) Oliver Miller (9) Damon Stoudamire (10) United Center
23,102
1-2
4 November 8 Sacramento L 90–109 Tracy Murray (22) Oliver Miller (11) Willie Anderson (4) SkyDome
16,793
1-3
5 November 10 Phoenix L 108–112 Tracy Murray (23) John Salley (11) Damon Stoudamire (7) SkyDome
25,207
1-4
6 November 11 @ Charlotte L 117–123 (OT) Willie Anderson (24) Willie Anderson (9) Alvin Robertson (7) Charlotte Coliseum
24,042
1-5
7 November 13 Utah L 100–103 Willie Anderson, Alvin Robertson (22) Ed Pinckney (10) Damon Stoudamire (9) SkyDome
18,351
1-6
8 November 15 Houston L 93–96 Damon Stoudamire, Žan Tabak (20) Žan Tabak (15) Alvin Robertson (10) SkyDome
20,831
1-7
9 November 17 Minnesota W 114–96 Damon Stoudamire (20) Oliver Miller, Damon Stoudamire (7) Damon Stoudamire (13) SkyDome
18,401
2-7
10 November 18 @ Washington W 103–102 Damon Stoudamire (23) Willie Anderson (9) Damon Stoudamire (10) USAir Arena
18,756
3-7
11 November 21 Seattle W 102–97 Oliver Miller (23) Damon Stoudamire (12) Damon Stoudamire (11) SkyDome
21,836
4-7
12 November 22 @ Milwaukee L 86–96 Alvin Robertson (18) Ed Pinckney (8) Damon Stoudamire (9) Bradley Center
14,959
4-8
13 November 25 @ Atlanta L 102–114 Tracy Murray (22) Ed Pinckney (13) Damon Stoudamire (9) Omni Coliseum
10,253
4-9
14 November 27 Golden State W 101–98 Willie Anderson (26) John Salley (9) Damon Stoudamire (10) SkyDome
19,563
5-9
15 November 28 @ Cleveland L 89–93 Damon Stoudamire (18) Žan Tabak (8) Willie Anderson (5) Gund Arena
15,188
5-10
December: 4–11 (home: 3–4; road: 1–7)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance
Record
16 December 1 Philadelphia W 105–102 Willie Anderson (23) Ed Pinckney (16) Damon Stoudamire (10) SkyDome
19,789
6-10
17 December 3 Miami L 94–112 Oliver Miller (29) Ed Pinckney (12) Damon Stoudamire (15) SkyDome
21,238
6-11
18 December 5 @ Seattle L 89–119 Tracy Murray (23) Oliver Miller, Alvin Robertson, Žan Tabak (5) Alvin Robertson, Damon Stoudamire (5) KeyArena
17,072
6-12
19 December 7 @ Portland L 88–96 Tracy Murray (28) Ed Pinckney (15) Damon Stoudamire (10) Rose Garden
20,039
6-13
20 December 8 @ L.A. Lakers L 103–120 Damon Stoudamire (20) Ed Pinckney (8) Damon Stoudamire (10) Great Western Forum
12,982
6-14
21 December 10 @ Vancouver W 93–81 Damon Stoudamire (24) Ed Pinckney (16) Damon Stoudamire (8) General Motors Place
17,438
7-14
22 December 12 Boston L 96–116 Damon Stoudamire (18) Ed Pinckney (8) Damon Stoudamire (9) SkyDome
21,875
7-15
23 December 14 Indiana L 100–102 Oliver Miller (22) Oliver Miller (12) Damon Stoudamire (13) SkyDome
19,763
7-16
24 December 15 @ Boston L 103–122 Žan Tabak (18) Žan Tabak (8) Alvin Robertson, Damon Stoudamire (7) FleetCenter
17,580
7-17
25 December 17 Orlando W 110–93 Damon Stoudamire (21) Ed Pinckney (11) Damon Stoudamire (10) SkyDome
25,820
8-17
26 December 19 Detroit L 82–94 Damon Stoudamire (19) Oliver Miller (11) Damon Stoudamire (8) SkyDome
21,128
8-18
27 December 22 @ Chicago L 104–113 Žan Tabak (24) Damon Stoudamire, Žan Tabak (8) Damon Stoudamire (13) United Center
22,987
8-19
28 December 23 @ New York L 91–103 Damon Stoudamire (25) Ed Pinckney (10) Damon Stoudamire (8) Madison Square Garden
19,763
8-20
29 December 26 Milwaukee W 93–87 Damon Stoudamire (21) Ed Pinckney (9) Damon Stoudamire (11) Copps Coliseum
17,242
9-20
30 December 28 @ Detroit L 91–113 Damon Stoudamire (27) Oliver Miller (7) Damon Stoudamire (7) The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454
9-21
January: 3–10 (home: 3–5; road: 0–5)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance
Record
31 January 3 @ Orlando L 110–121 Alvin Robertson (27) Oliver Miller (12) Damon Stoudamire (13) Orlando Arena
17,248
9-22
32 January 4 @ Atlanta L 101–104 (OT) Alvin Robertson (21) Willie Anderson, Ed Pinckney (7) Damon Stoudamire (10) Omni Coliseum
7,194
9-23
33 January 9 Charlotte L 91–92 Tracy Murray (25) Tony Massenburg (8) Alvin Robertson, Damon Stoudamire (8) SkyDome
20,326
9-24
34 January 11 Atlanta L 79–87 Damon Stoudamire (18) Tony Massenburg, Carlos Rogers, Žan Tabak (7) Damon Stoudamire (9) SkyDome
19,868
9-25
35 January 13 Washington W 106–100 Damon Stoudamire (29) Tony Massenburg (11) Damon Stoudamire (11) SkyDome
25,432
10-25
36 January 15 @ New Jersey L 83–108 Damon Stoudamire (18) Oliver Miller (9) Damon Stoudamire (11) Continental Airlines Arena
10,034
10-26
37 January 16 Indiana L 102–110 Damon Stoudamire (29) Tony Massenburg (14) Damon Stoudamire (10) SkyDome
19,868
10-27
38 January 18 Chicago L 89–92 Damon Stoudamire (26) Tony Massenburg (8) Damon Stoudamire (12) SkyDome
36,118
10-28
39 January 21 Boston W 97–95 Damon Stoudamire (23) Tony Massenburg (14) Damon Stoudamire (9) SkyDome
24,334
11-28
40 January 23 New Jersey W 86–79 Tracy Murray (16) Tony Massenburg (8) Damon Stoudamire (11) SkyDome
20,915
12-28
41 January 25 Vancouver L 101–106 (OT) Damon Stoudamire (22) Oliver Miller (13) Damon Stoudamire (12) SkyDome
21,378
12-29
42 January 27 @ Denver L 82–93 Damon Stoudamire (23) Tony Massenburg (11) Damon Stoudamire (5) McNichols Sports Arena
16,635
12-30
43 January 30 @ Sacramento L 75–102 Oliver Miller (18) Tony Massenburg (5) Damon Stoudamire (6) ARCO Arena
17,317
12-31
February: 2–10 (home: 0–3; road: 2–7)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance
Record
44 February 2 @ Golden State L 111–114 Damon Stoudamire (25) Oliver Miller (7) Damon Stoudamire (11) Oakland Coliseum
15,025
12-32
45 February 3 @ L.A. Clippers W 119–113 (OT) Damon Stoudamire (25) Oliver Miller (11) Damon Stoudamire (6) Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
5,846
13-32
46 February 5 Portland L 87–90 Tracy Murray, Damon Stoudamire (16) Tony Massenburg (10) Damon Stoudamire (7) SkyDome
20,832
13-33
47 February 7 Milwaukee L 88–93 Oliver Miller (21) Oliver Miller (12) Damon Stoudamire (6) SkyDome
21,335
13-34
48 February 13 @ Miami W 98–87 Damon Stoudamire (29) Alvin Robertson (12) Damon Stoudamire (7) Miami Arena
14,286
14-34
49 February 15 Cleveland L 76–95 Willie Anderson (17) Oliver Miller (8) Damon Stoudamire (7) Copps Coliseum
17,242
14-35
50 February 17 @ Detroit L 95–108 Oliver Miller (25) Tracy Murray (7) Damon Stoudamire (9) The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454
14-36
51 February 22 @ Utah L 86–102 Damon Stoudamire (23) Herb Williams (8) Damon Stoudamire (6) Delta Center
19,911
14-37
52 February 23 @ Phoenix L 105–110 Damon Stoudamire (29) Oliver Miller (8) Damon Stoudamire (10) America West Arena
19,023
14-38
53 February 25 @ Dallas L 98–105 Damon Stoudamire (23) Žan Tabak (16) Damon Stoudamire (10) Reunion Arena
16,618
14-39
54 February 27 @ Houston L 100–105 Tracy Murray (22) Žan Tabak (10) Damon Stoudamire (19) The Summit
16,200
14-40
55 February 29 @ San Antonio L 95–120 Oliver Miller, Oliver Miller (13) Oliver Miller (8) Damon Stoudamire (5) Alamodome
18,083
14-41
March: 4–12 (home: 3–7; road: 1–5)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance
Record
56 March 3 @ Cleveland W 100–89 Tracy Murray (29) Doug Christie, Oliver Miller (5) Doug Christie (6) Gund Arena
18,409
15-41
57 March 5 Detroit L 84–105 Sharone Wright (25) Oliver Miller (8) Damon Stoudamire (6) SkyDome
22,968
15-42
58 March 6 New York L 82–89 Sharone Wright (18) Oliver Miller, Sharone Wright (8) Damon Stoudamire (15) SkyDome
21,998
15-43
59 March 8 @ Miami L 79–109 Vincenzo Esposito (12) Oliver Miller (10) Damon Stoudamire (5) Miami Arena
14,319
15-44
60 March 10 Dallas W 128–112 Damon Stoudamire (25) Žan Tabak (14) Damon Stoudamire (9) SkyDome
21,873
16-44
61 March 12 @ Philadelphia L 110–118 Tracy Murray (31) Oliver Miller (11) Doug Christie, Alvin Robertson (8) CoreStates Spectrum
8,806
16-45
62 March 15 @ Charlotte L 101–113 Oliver Miller, Damon Stoudamire, Sharone Wright (20) Oliver Miller (10) Damon Stoudamire (11) Charlotte Coliseum
24,042
16-46
63 March 17 @ Indiana L 96–105 Damon Stoudamire (23) Tracy Murray (9) Damon Stoudamire (12) Market Square Arena
16,579
16-47
64 March 18 Denver L 114–122 Tracy Murray (40) Oliver Miller (9) Damon Stoudamire (16) SkyDome
20,324
16-48
65 March 20 Charlotte W 107–89 Carlos Rogers, Damon Stoudamire (24) Oliver Miller (15) Damon Stoudamire (10) SkyDome
22,033
17-48
66 March 22 San Antonio L 108–120 Tracy Murray (29) Oliver Miller (12) Damon Stoudamire (13) SkyDome
25,964
17-49
67 March 24 Chicago W 109–108 Damon Stoudamire (30) Oliver Miller, Tracy Murray (12) Damon Stoudamire (11) SkyDome
36,131
18-49
68 March 26 Atlanta L 111–114 Tracy Murray, Damon Stoudamire (30) Oliver Miller, Tracy Murray (9) Damon Stoudamire (12) SkyDome
21,473
18-50
69 March 27 @ Philadelphia L 94–103 Žan Tabak (26) Žan Tabak (11) Alvin Robertson (6) CoreStates Spectrum
7,411
18-51
70 March 29 Orlando L 86–126 Damon Stoudamire (15) Carlos Rogers (9) Damon Stoudamire (5) SkyDome
35,681
18-52
71 March 31 L.A. Lakers L 106–111 Tracy Murray (32) Tracy Murray (10) Damon Stoudamire (15) SkyDome
36,046
18-53
April: 3–8 (home: 2–3; road: 1–5)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance
Record
72 April 2 L.A. Clippers W 104–103 (OT) Tracy Murray (30) Oliver Miller (15) Damon Stoudamire (12) SkyDome
21,135
19-53
73 April 4 Cleveland L 77–98 Dwayne Whitfield (16) Dwayne Whitfield (12) Jimmy King (6) SkyDome
21,173
19-54
74 April 6 New York L 106–139 Tracy Murray (23) Tracy Murray (8) Doug Christie, Oliver Miller (5) SkyDome
23,168
19-55
75 April 8 @ Minnesota L 101–115 Doug Christie, Tracy Murray (21) Oliver Miller, Alvin Robertson (10) Alvin Robertson (7) Target Center
13,011
19-56
76 April 9 @ Milwaukee W 102–96 Alvin Robertson (25) Alvin Robertson (10) Doug Christie, Alvin Robertson (6) Bradley Center
15,935
20-56
77 April 12 @ Boston L 108–136 Acie Earl (40) Acie Earl (12) Jimmy King (6) FleetCenter
17,930
20-57
78 April 14 @ Washington L 97–110 Acie Earl (26) Oliver Miller (17) Oliver Miller (5) USAir Arena
18,756
20-58
79 April 15 @ New York L 79–125 Acie Earl (25) Acie Earl (11) Jimmy King (8) Madison Square Garden
19,763
20-59
80 April 17 @ New Jersey L 95–107 Acie Earl (28) Alvin Robertson (13) Alvin Robertson (8) Continental Airlines Arena
14,688
20-60
81 April 19 Washington W 107–103 Doug Christie (30) Oliver Miller (13) Oliver Miller (9) SkyDome
24,454
21-60
82 April 21 Philadelphia L 105–109 (OT) Oliver Miller (35) Oliver Miller (12) Oliver Miller, Alvin Robertson (9) SkyDome
27,118
21-61
1995–96 season schedule

Player statistics

Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field-goal percentage  3P%  3-point field-goal percentage  FT%  Free-throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game

Regular season

Player GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
Willie Anderson 494231.9.440.305.8563.83.01.181.0412.4
Doug Christie 321725.6.436.414.7893.82.91.81.5010.1
Acie Earl 42715.6.424.000.7193.1.6.43.887.5
Vincenzo Esposito 3009.4.360.232.795.5.8.23.003.9
Jimmy King 62114.0.431.147.7011.81.4.34.214.5
Martin Lewis 16011.8.483.286.6001.8.2.50.194.7
Tony Massenburg 242027.5.510.000.6626.9.8.54.3810.1
Oliver Miller 767233.1.526.000.6617.42.91.421.8812.9
Tracy Murray 823730.0.454.422.8314.31.61.06.4916.2
Dan O'Sullivan 5227.8.371.000.8756.4.4.40.806.6
Ed Pinckney 472421.9.502.000.7586.01.1.66.367.0
Alvin Robertson 776932.2.470.272.6774.44.22.16.479.3
Carlos Rogers 561818.6.517.143.5463.0.6.45.867.7
John Salley 25619.3.486.000.7233.91.6.44.486.0
Damon Stoudamire 707040.9.426.395.7974.09.31.40.2719.0
Žan Tabak 671819.9.543.000.5614.8.9.36.467.7
Dwayne Whitfield 8115.2.433.000.6363.1.2.38.255.0
Herb Williams 1031.0.375.000.0008.0.01.002.006.0
Sharone Wright 11627.1.508.333.6855.21.0.55.9116.5

Franchise firsts

Point: Alvin Robertson

Award winners

Transactions

Trades

September 18, 1995 To Toronto Raptors
Victor Alexander
Martin Lewis
Michael McDonald
Carlos Rogers
Dwayne Whitfield
To Golden State Warriors
B. J. Armstrong
February 18, 1996 To Toronto Raptors
Doug Christie
Herb Williams
Cash
To New York Knicks
Victor Alexander
Willie Anderson
February 22, 1996 To Toronto Raptors
Sharone Wright
To Philadelphia 76ers
Tony Massenburg
Ed Pinckney
1996 second-round pick
1997 second-round pick

Free agents

Additions
Player Date signed Former team
Alvin Robertson October 5 Detroit Pistons
Thomas Hamilton October 6 none
Tracy Murray November 1 Houston Rockets
Dwayne Whitfield February 23 Golden State Warriors
Dan O'Sullivan (10-day) April 9 Shreveport Storm (CBA)
Subtractions
Player Date signed New Team
Doug Smith October 4 Boston Celtics
Jerome Kersey Golden State Warriors
Thomas Hamilton October 18 Boston Celtics
Dwayne Whitfield November 2 Toronto Raptors
John Salley February 2 Chicago Bulls
Herb Williams February 23 New York Knicks
Dan O'Sullivan April 18 Scavolini Pesaro (Italy)

Player Transactions Citation:[71]

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