Tim Hardaway had a career season with the Heat as he led the team with 20.3 points, 8.6 assists and 1.9 steals per game, while Alonzo Mourning averaged 19.8 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game. Hardaway and Mourning were both selected for the 1997 NBA All-Star Game, although Mourning did not play due to a heel injury. Hardaway was named to the All-NBA First Team, and finished fourth in MVP voting behind Karl Malone, Michael Jordan and Grant Hill. On the defensive side, Mourning and Brown, who was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, provided leadership, while on the offensive side, Mashburn gave the team a spark. Second-year guard Voshon Lenard showed improvement stepping into the lineup at shooting guard midway through the season, averaging 12.3 points per game, as Majerle played just 36 games due to a back injury. Austin, who played as backup center, was honored with the NBA Most Improved Player of the Year Award.