High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The 1996-97 season was the Hawks 50th season. In an effort to improve their team, the Hawks strengthened their defense by picking up free agent center Dikembe Mutombo. He would capture the Defensive Player of the Year honors by finishing 2nd in the NBA in rebounding and blocked shots. Mutombo was not the only member of the club to excel on defense. Guard Mookie Blaylock led the NBA in steals as the Hawks finished in 2nd place with a 56-26 record. In the playoffs the Hawks would be put to the test as they needed 5 games to get past the Detroit Pistons. However, the Hawks would provide little challenge to the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference semis as they fell in 5 games to the eventual Champions.