The 1996–97 NBA season was the Hawks' 48th season in the NBA and 29th season in Atlanta. In an effort to improve their team, the Hawks strengthened their defense by picking up free agent center Dikembe Mutombo, while re-signing Tyrone Corbin during the offseason. The Hawks struggled with a 5–6 start to the season, but later on posted a 14–2 record in January including a ten-game winning streak. Along the way, they won 20 consecutive home games from November 12th to February 12th. The Hawks finished second in the Central Division with a 56–26 record, while posting the third best home record in the league at 36–5.