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{{short description|NBA professional basketball team season}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{NBA season
{{NBA season
| team = Washington Bullets
| team = Washington Bullets
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| television = [[WDCA]]
| television = [[WDCA]]
| radio = [[WFED|WTOP]]
| radio = [[WFED|WTOP]]
| playoffs = [[1979 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]]<br><small>(Lost to [[1978-79 Seattle SuperSonics season|SuperSonics]] 1–4)</small>
| playoffs = [[1979 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]]<br><small>(lost to [[1978-79 Seattle SuperSonics season|SuperSonics]] 1–4)</small>
| bbr_team = WSB
| bbr_team = WSB
}}
}}
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The '''1978–79 Washington Bullets''' won their second consecutive Eastern Conference Championship, making it to the NBA Finals before losing to the Seattle SuperSonics. They finished the regular season with the best record in the NBA, at 54-28.
The '''1978–79 Washington Bullets''' won their second consecutive Eastern Conference Championship, making it to the NBA Finals before losing to the Seattle SuperSonics. They finished the regular season with the best record in the NBA, at 54-28.


Coming off of their NBA Championship the previous season, the Bullets were transferred to the Atlantic Division.<ref name="Washington Wizards 1963-Present">[http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/dc/wizards.html Washington Wizards (1963–Present)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The Bullets would continue to remain one of the top teams in the league, as they captured the Atlantic Division championship with a league best record of 54–28. The Bullets ended the regular season losing 8 of their last 11 games, but rebounded in the playoffs with victories in both the Eastern Conference Semifinals and Eastern Conference Finals over the [[1978–79 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta Hawks]] and the [[1978–79 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio Spurs]], respectively. The Bullets would proceed to have a 38-year drought without a division title until [[2016–17 Washington Wizards season|2017]]; by then they had been renamed the Washington Wizards.
Coming off of their NBA Championship the previous season, the Bullets were transferred to the Atlantic Division.<ref name="Washington Wizards 1963-Present">[http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/dc/wizards.html Washington Wizards (1963–Present)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The Bullets would continue to remain one of the top teams in the league, as they captured the Atlantic Division championship with a league best record of 54–28. The Bullets ended the regular season losing 8 of their last 11 games, but rebounded in the playoffs with victories in both the Eastern Conference semifinals and Eastern Conference finals over the [[1978–79 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta Hawks]] and the [[1978–79 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio Spurs]], respectively. The Bullets would proceed to have a 38-year drought without a division title until [[2016–17 Washington Wizards season|2017]]; by then they had been renamed the Washington Wizards. This is the most recent appearance in the conference finals or NBA Finals for the franchise.


==Offseason==
==Offseason==
===NBA Draft ===
===NBA draft===
* Round 1: [[Roger Phegley]], [[Dave Corzine]]
* Round 1: [[Roger Phegley]], [[Dave Corzine]]
* Round 2: Terry Sykes (Never played in the NBA)
* Round 2: Terry Sykes (Never played in the NBA)
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{{player2 | num = 40 | first = Dave | last = Corzine | pos = c | ft = 6 | in = 11 | lbs = 250 | college = DePaul}}
{{player2 | num = 40 | first = Dave | last = Corzine | pos = c | ft = 6 | in = 11 | lbs = 250 | college = DePaul}}
{{player2 | num = 45 | first = Phil | last = Chenier | pos = G | ft = 6 | in = 3 | lbs = 180 | college = California}}
{{player2 | num = 45 | first = Phil | last = Chenier | pos = G | ft = 6 | in = 3 | lbs = 180 | college = California}}
{{player2 | num = 10 | first = Bob | last = Dandridge | pos = SF | ft = 6 | in = 6 | lbs = 195 | college = [[Norfolk State]]}}
{{player2 | num = 10 | first = Bob | last = Dandridge | pos = SF | ft = 6 | in = 6 | lbs = 195 | college = Norfolk State}}
{{player2 | num = 35 | first = Kevin | last = Grevey | pos = F | ft = 6 | in = 5 | lbs = 210 | college = Kentucky}}
{{player2 | num = 35 | first = Kevin | last = Grevey | pos = F | ft = 6 | in = 5 | lbs = 210 | college = Kentucky}}
{{player2 | num = 14 | first = Tom | last = Henderson | dab = basketball | pos = G | ft = 6 | in = 3 | lbs = 190 | college = Hawaii}}
{{player2 | num = 14 | first = Tom | last = Henderson | dab = basketball | pos = G | ft = 6 | in = 3 | lbs = 190 | college = Hawaii}}
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{{player2 | num = 22 | first = Roger | last = Phegley | pos = G | ft = 6 | in = 6 | lbs = 205 | college = Bradley}}
{{player2 | num = 22 | first = Roger | last = Phegley | pos = G | ft = 6 | in = 6 | lbs = 205 | college = Bradley}}
{{player2 | num = 41 | first = Wes | last = Unseld | pos = F | ft = 6 | in = 7 | lbs = 245 | college = Louisville}}
{{player2 | num = 41 | first = Wes | last = Unseld | pos = F | ft = 6 | in = 7 | lbs = 245 | college = Louisville}}
{{player2 | num = 32 | first = Larry | last = Wright | dab = basketball | pos = G | ft = 6 | in = 1 | lbs = 160 | college = [[Grambling State University|Grambling State]]}}
{{player2 | num = 32 | first = Larry | last = Wright | dab = basketball | pos = G | ft = 6 | in = 1 | lbs = 160 | college = Grambling State}}
<!-- end player list -->
<!-- end player list -->
{{NBA roster footer
{{NBA roster footer
| head_coach =
| head_coach =
*[[Dick Motta]]
* [[Dick Motta]]
| asst_coach =
| asst_coach =
* [[Bernie Bickerstaff]]
}}
}}


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!style="background:#DC143C;color:#0000CD;width=35"|WAS
!style="background:#DC143C;color:#0000CD;width=35"|WAS
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta]]
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta]]
|| — || 2–2 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 3–0 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–1 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 2–2
|| — || 2–2 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 3–0 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–1 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 2–2
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
|| 2–2 || — || 1–2 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–1 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 0–4 || 1–3 || 0–4 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 0–4
|| 2–2 || — || 1–2 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–1 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 0–4 || 1–3 || 0–4 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 0–4
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Chicago Bulls season|Chicago]]
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Chicago Bulls season|Chicago]]
|| 1–3 || 2–1 || — || 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 0–4 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 4–0 || 0–3 || 0–4 || 0–4 || 1–3
|| 1–3 || 2–1 || — || 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 0–4 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 4–0 || 0–3 || 0–4 || 0–4 || 1–3
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Cleveland Cavaliers season|Cleveland]]
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Cleveland Cavaliers season|Cleveland]]
|| 1–3 || 2–2 || 3–1 || — || 1–2 || 1–3 || 2–1 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 0–4 || 0–4 || 0–4 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 0–4
|| 1–3 || 2–2 || 3–1 || — || 1–2 || 1–3 || 2–1 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 0–4 || 0–4 || 0–4 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 0–4
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Denver Nuggets season|Denver]]
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Denver Nuggets season|Denver]]
|| 1–3 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–1 || — || 2–2 || 4–0 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 4–0 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 0–3 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 1–3
|| 1–3 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–1 || — || 2–2 || 4–0 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 4–0 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 0–3 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 1–3
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit]]
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit]]
|| 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 2–2 || — || 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–1 || 0–4 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 0–4 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 0–3 || 1–3
|| 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 2–2 || — || 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–1 || 0–4 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 0–4 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 0–3 || 1–3
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Golden State Warriors season|Golden State]]
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Golden State Warriors season|Golden State]]
|| 3–1 || 1–2 || 1–3 || 1–2 || 0–4 || 3–1 || — || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 2–2
|| 3–1 || 1–2 || 1–3 || 1–2 || 0–4 || 3–1 || — || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 2–2
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Houston Rockets season|Houston]]
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Houston Rockets season|Houston]]
|| 1–3 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || — || 0–4 || 3–1 || 2–1 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 4–0 || 4–0 || 0–4 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 2–1 || 2–2 || 2–2
|| 1–3 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || — || 0–4 || 3–1 || 2–1 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 4–0 || 4–0 || 0–4 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 2–1 || 2–2 || 2–2
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Indiana Pacers season|Indiana]]
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Indiana Pacers season|Indiana]]
|| 3–1 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 4–0 || — || 1–3 || 0–4 || 2–2 || 1–2 || 2–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 0–4 || 1–3
|| 3–1 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 4–0 || — || 1–3 || 0–4 || 2–2 || 1–2 || 2–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 0–4 || 1–3
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Kansas City Kings season|Kansas City]]
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Kansas City Kings season|Kansas City]]
|| 2–2 || 3–1 || 4–0 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 3–1 || — || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 2–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–0
|| 2–2 || 3–1 || 4–0 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 3–1 || — || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 2–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–0
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Los Angeles Lakers season|Los Angeles]]
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Los Angeles Lakers season|Los Angeles]]
|| 3–1 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 1–2 || 4–0 || 2–2 || — || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–0 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2
|| 3–1 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 1–2 || 4–0 || 2–2 || — || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–0 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Milwaukee Bucks season|Milwaukee]]
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Milwaukee Bucks season|Milwaukee]]
|| 0–3 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 1–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 1–3 || — || 2–2 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 1–3
|| 0–3 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 1–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 1–3 || — || 2–2 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 1–3
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 New Jersey Nets season|New Jersey]]
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 New Jersey Nets season|New Jersey]]
|| 2–2 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 0–4 || 4–0 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 2–1 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–2 || — || 3–1 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 3–0 || 2–2 || 0–4 || 2–2 || 0–4 || 1–3
|| 2–2 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 0–4 || 4–0 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 2–1 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–2 || — || 3–1 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 3–0 || 2–2 || 0–4 || 2–2 || 0–4 || 1–3
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 New Orleans Jazz season|New Orleans]]
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 New Orleans Jazz season|New Orleans]]
|| 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 0–4 || 1–2 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 1–3 || — || 2–2 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 0–4 || 0–3 || 0–4
|| 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 0–4 || 1–2 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 1–3 || — || 2–2 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 0–4 || 0–3 || 0–4
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 New York Knicks season|New York]]
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 New York Knicks season|New York]]
|| 2–2 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 0–4 || 2–2 || 1–2 || 0–3 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 2–2 || — || 2–2 || 0–4 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 1–3
|| 2–2 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 0–4 || 2–2 || 1–2 || 0–3 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 2–2 || — || 2–2 || 0–4 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 1–3
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]]
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]]
|| 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 3–0 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 4–0 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || — || 1–3 || 1–2 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 3–1
|| 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 3–0 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 4–0 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || — || 1–3 || 1–2 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 3–1
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
|| 1–2 || 4–0 || 3–1 || 4–0 || 1–3 || 4–0 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 0–3 || 3–1 || 4–0 || 3–1 || — || 3–1 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 1–3
|| 1–2 || 4–0 || 3–1 || 4–0 || 1–3 || 4–0 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 0–3 || 3–1 || 4–0 || 3–1 || — || 3–1 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 1–3
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Portland Trail Blazers season|Portland]]
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Portland Trail Blazers season|Portland]]
|| 2–2 || 3–1 || 0–4 || 4–0 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 2–1 || 1–3 || — || 2–1 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 3–1
|| 2–2 || 3–1 || 0–4 || 4–0 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 2–1 || 1–3 || — || 2–1 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 3–1
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
|| 1–3 || 4–0 || 3–0 || 4–0 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 4–0 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 1–2 || — || 4–0 || 2–2 || 1–3
|| 1–3 || 4–0 || 3–0 || 4–0 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 4–0 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 1–3 || 1–2 || — || 4–0 || 2–2 || 1–3
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 San Diego Clippers season|San Diego]]
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 San Diego Clippers season|San Diego]]
|| 1–3 || 3–1 || 4–0 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 1–2 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 4–0 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 0–4 || — || 2–2 || 0–3
|| 1–3 || 3–1 || 4–0 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 1–2 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 4–0 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 0–4 || — || 2–2 || 0–3
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Seattle SuperSonics season|Seattle]]
| style="text-align:left;" | [[1978–79 Seattle SuperSonics season|Seattle]]
|| 3–1 || 2–2 || 4–0 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 3–0 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 4–0 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 4–0 || 3–0 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || — || 2–2
|| 3–1 || 2–2 || 4–0 || 2–2 || 1–3 || 3–0 || 1–3 || 2–2 || 4–0 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 4–0 || 3–0 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || — || 2–2
|-
|-
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|| 2–2 || 4–0 || 3–1 || 4–0 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 0–3 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 4–0 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 3–0 || 2–2 || —
|| 2–2 || 4–0 || 3–1 || 4–0 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 2–2 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 0–3 || 2–2 || 3–1 || 3–1 || 4–0 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 1–3 || 3–1 || 3–0 || 2–2 || —
|}
|}

==Game log==
===Regular season===
{{NBA game log start|Washington Bullets|end_year=1979|bgcolor=#DC143C|color=#0000CD|record=Total: 54–28 (home: 31–10; road: 23–18)}}
{{NBA game log section|Washington Bullets|October|first=yes|bgcolor=#0000CD|color=#DC143C
| home_wins = 3
| home_losses = 1
| road_wins = 1
| road_losses = 4
}}
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 3
| {{dow tooltip|October 18, 1978}}
| @ [[1978–79 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197810180PHI.html W 121–111]
| [[Charles Johnson (basketball, born 1949}|Johnson]] (19)
| [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (11)
| [[Tom Henderson (basketball)|Henderson]],<br>[[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (6)
| [[Spectrum (arena)|The Spectrum]]<br>12,065
| 3–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 6
| {{dow tooltip|October 25, 1978}}
| @ [[1978–79 Seattle SuperSonics season|Seattle]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197810250SEA.html L 92–121]
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (16)
| [[Greg Ballard (basketball)|Ballard]] (9)
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (6)
| [[Kingdome]]<br>15,089
| 4–2
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 9
| {{dow tooltip|October 31, 1978}}
| [[1978–79 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197810310WSB.html L 108–110]
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (26)
| [[Mitch Kupchak|Kupchak]] (10)
| [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (10)
| [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]]<br>5,487
| 4–5
{{NBA game log section|Washington Bullets|November|bgcolor=#0000CD|color=#DC143C
| home_wins = 6
| home_losses = 1
| road_wins = 5
| road_losses = 1
}}
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 11
| {{dow tooltip|November 4, 1978}}
| [[1978–79 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197811040WSB.html W 124–119]
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (28)
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (14)
| [[Tom Henderson (basketball)|Henderson]] (11)
| [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]]<br>12,619
| 6–5
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 13
| {{dow tooltip|November 10, 1978}}
| [[1978–79 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197811100WSB.html L 122–123]
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (36)
| [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (17)
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]],<br>[[Kevin Grevey|Grevey]],<br>[[Tom Henderson (basketball)|Henderson]] (5)
| [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]]<br>14,697
| 7–6
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 14
| {{dow tooltip|November 11, 1978}}
| @ [[1978–79 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197811110SAS.html L 124–143]
| [[Mitch Kupchak|Kupchak]] (27)
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (11)
| [[Tom Henderson (basketball)|Henderson]] (8)
| [[HemisFair Arena]]<br>12,363
| 7–7
{{NBA game log section|Washington Bullets|December|bgcolor=#0000CD|color=#DC143C
| home_wins = 5
| home_losses = 2
| road_wins = 4
| road_losses = 3
}}
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 24
| {{dow tooltip|December 2, 1978}}
| [[1978–79 Kansas City Kings season|Kansas City]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197812020WSB.html L 109–110]
|
|
|
| [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]]<br>14,297
| 16–8
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 28
| {{dow tooltip|December 9, 1978}}
| [[1978–79 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197812090WSB.html W 101–98]
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (23)
| [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (20)
| [[Tom Henderson (basketball)|Henderson]] (9)
| [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]]<br>17,438
| 19–9
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 32
| {{dow tooltip|December 20, 1978}}
| @ [[1978–79 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197812200PHO.html W 137–129]
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (36)
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (11)
| [[Tom Henderson (basketball)|Henderson]] (13)
| [[Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum]]<br>9,789
| 23–9
{{NBA game log section|Washington Bullets|January|bgcolor=#0000CD|color=#DC143C
| home_wins = 7
| home_losses = 1
| road_wins = 3
| road_losses = 2
}}
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 38
| {{dow tooltip|January 5, 1979}}
| [[1978–79 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197901050WSB.html W 104–94]
| [[Mitch Kupchak|Kupchak]] (25)
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (26)
| [[Tom Henderson (basketball)|Henderson]] (10)
| [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]]<br>14,929
| 26–12
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 39
| {{dow tooltip|January 6, 1979}}
| @ [[1978–79 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197901060ATL.html W 106–102]
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (26)
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (13)
| [[Larry Wright (basketball)|Wright]] (6)
| [[Omni Coliseum|The Omni]]<br>9,105
| 27–12
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 45
| {{dow tooltip|January 23, 1979}}
| [[1978–79 Seattle SuperSonics season|Seattle]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197901230WSB.html L 100–103]
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (23)
| [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (13)
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (7)
| [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]]<br>15,232
| 31–14
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 47
| {{dow tooltip|January 26, 1979}}
| @ [[1978–79 Kansas City Kings season|Kansas City]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197901260KCK.html L 128–142]
|
|
|
| [[Kemper Arena]]<br>10,301
| 32–15
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 49
| {{dow tooltip|January 30, 1979}}
| [[1978–79 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197901300WSB.html W 109–105]
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (23)
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (18)
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (6)
| [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]]<br>14,398
| 34–15
{{NBA game log section|Washington Bullets|February|bgcolor=#0000CD|color=#DC143C
| home_wins = 3
| home_losses = 1
| road_wins = 5
| road_losses = 3
}}
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 50
| {{dow tooltip|February 1, 1979}}
| @ [[1978–79 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197902010SAS.html W 123–122]
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (36)
| [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (19)
| [[Tom Henderson (basketball)|Henderson]] (10)
| [[HemisFair Arena]]<br>12,516
| 35–15
|- align="center"
|colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff"|'''[[1979 NBA All-Star Game|All-Star Break]]'''
|- style="background:#cfc;"
|- bgcolor="#bbffbb"
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 53
| {{dow tooltip|February 11, 1979}}
| @ [[1978–79 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197902110PHI.html L 99–107]
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (29)
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (17)
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (6)
| [[Spectrum (arena)|The Spectrum]]<br>15,151
| 37–16
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 55
| {{dow tooltip|February 15, 1979}}
| @ [[1978–79 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197902150PHO.html L 108–119]
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (30)
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (13)
| [[Tom Henderson (basketball)|Henderson]] (6)
| [[Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum]]<br>12,660
| 38–17
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 57
| {{dow tooltip|February 18, 1979}}
| @ [[1978–79 Seattle SuperSonics season|Seattle]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197902180SEA.html W 105–94]
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (33)
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (16)
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (7)
| [[Kingdome]]<br>21,935
| 39–18
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 59
| {{dow tooltip|February 23, 1979}}
| [[1978–79 Seattle SuperSonics season|Seattle]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197902230WSB.html W 132–110]
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (32)
| [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (13)
| [[Tom Henderson (basketball)|Henderson]],<br>[[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (7)
| [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]]<br>19,035
| 40–19
{{NBA game log section|Washington Bullets|March|bgcolor=#0000CD|color=#DC143C
| home_wins = 5
| home_losses = 3
| road_wins = 4
| road_losses = 3
}}
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 62
| {{dow tooltip|March 4, 1979}}
| [[1978–79 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197903040WSB.html W 129–128]
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (32)
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (20)
| [[Tom Henderson (basketball)|Henderson]] (10)
| [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]]<br>17,181
| 43–19
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 64
| {{dow tooltip|March 9, 1979}}
| @ [[1978–79 Kansas City Kings season|Kansas City]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197903090KCK.html L 116–121]
|
|
|
| [[Kemper Arena]]<br>13,681
| 43–21
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 74
| {{dow tooltip|March 27, 1979}}
| [[1978–79 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197903270WSB.html L 97–100]
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (23)
| [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (16)
| [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (7)
| [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]]<br>18,741
| 50–24
{{NBA game log section|Washington Bullets|April|bgcolor=#0000CD|color=#DC143C
| home_wins = 2
| home_losses = 1
| road_wins = 1
| road_losses = 2
}}
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 81
| {{dow tooltip|April 7, 1979}}
| @ [[1978–79 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197904070ATL.html L 102–103]
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (29)
| [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (15)
| [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (7)
| [[Omni Coliseum|The Omni]]<br>15,641
| 54–27
{{NBA game log end|bbr_team=WSB|end_year=1979}}


==Playoffs==
==Playoffs==
===East First Round===
The Bullets had a first round bye.


{{NBA game log start|Washington Bullets|end_year=1979|playoffs=yes|bgcolor=#DC143C|color=#0000CD}}
===East Conference Semifinals===
{{NBA game log section|Washington Bullets|Eastern Conference Semifinals|playoffs=yes|first=yes|show=no|bgcolor=#0000CD|color=#DC143C
In the conference semifinal round of the playoffs, the Bullets needed 7 games to beat the Atlanta Hawks. The Bullets nearly lost the series as they had a 3–1 series lead.<ref name="Washington Wizards 1963-Present"/>
| home_wins = 2

| home_losses = 2
(1) '''Washington Bullets''' vs. (5) [[1978–79 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta Hawks]]: ''Bullets win series 4–3''
| road_wins = 2
*'''Game 1''' @ Washington: '''Washington 103''', Atlanta 89
| road_losses = 1
*'''Game 2''' @ Washington: '''Atlanta 107''', Washington 99
}}
*'''Game 3''' @ Atlanta: '''Washington 89''', Atlanta 77
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
*'''Game 4''' @ Atlanta: '''Washington 120''', Atlanta 118 (OT)
| 1
*'''Game 5''' @ Washington: '''Atlanta 107''', Washington 103
| {{dow tooltip|April 15, 1979}}
*'''Game 6''' @ Atlanta: '''Atlanta 104''', Washington 86
| [[1978–79 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta]]
*'''Game 7''' @ Washington: '''Washington 100''', Atlanta 94
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197904150WSB.html W 103–89]

| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (31)
===East Conference Finals===
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (15)
In the Eastern Finals, the Bullets would find themselves down 3 games to 1 facing the [[1978–79 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio Spurs]]. The Bullets would rally to win the next 2 games and force a 7th game at home. In Game 7 the Bullets would rally again. They overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Spurs 107–105.<ref name="Washington Wizards 1963-Present"/>
| [[Larry Wright (basketball)|Wright]] (6)

| [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]]<br>15,721
(1) '''[[Washington Bullets]]''' vs. (2) [[San Antonio Spurs]]: ''Bullets win series 4–3''
| 1–0
*'''Game 1''' @ Washington: '''San Antonio 118''', Washington 97
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
*'''Game 2''' @ Washington: '''Washington 115''', San Antonio 95
| 2
*'''Game 3''' @ San Antonio: '''San Antonio 116''', Washington 114
| {{dow tooltip|April 17, 1979}}
*'''Game 4''' @ San Antonio: '''San Antonio 118''', Washington 102
| [[1978–79 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta]]
*'''Game 5''' @ Washington: '''Washington 107''', San Antonio 103
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197904170WSB.html L 99–107]
*'''Game 6''' @ San Antonio: '''Washington 108''', San Antonio 100
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (36)
*'''Game 7''' @ Washington: ''' Washington 107''', San Antonio 105
| [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (10)

| [[Tom Henderson (basketball)|Henderson]] (8)
===NBA Finals===
| [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]]<br>19,035
The triumph would set up a rematch with the [[1978–79 Seattle SuperSonics season|Seattle SuperSonics]] in the NBA Finals. In the Finals, the Bullets would squeak out a close victory in Game 1 by a score of 99–97. However, the Sonics would rally to win the next 4 and take the series in 5 games.<ref name="Washington Wizards 1963-Present"/>
| 1–1
{| class="wikitable"
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 3
| {{dow tooltip|April 20, 1979}}
| @ [[1978–79 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197904200ATL.html W 89–77]
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (19)
| [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (16)
| [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (8)
| [[Omni Coliseum|The Omni]]<br>15,798
| 2–1
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 4
| {{dow tooltip|April 22, 1979}}
| @ [[1978–79 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197904220ATL.html W 120–115 (OT)]
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (29)
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (17)
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (5)
| [[Omni Coliseum|The Omni]]<br>15,798
| 3–1
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 5
| {{dow tooltip|April 24, 1979}}
| [[1978–79 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197904240WSB.html L 103–107]
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (26)
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (14)
| [[Tom Henderson (basketball)|Henderson]] (11)
| [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]]<br>19,035
| 3–2
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 6
| {{dow tooltip|April 26, 1979}}
| @ [[1978–79 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197904260ATL.html L 86–104]
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (24)
| [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (12)
| [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (6)
| [[Omni Coliseum|The Omni]]<br>15,978
| 3–3
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 7
| {{dow tooltip|April 29, 1979}}
| [[1978–79 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197904290WSB.html W 100–94]
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (39)
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (15)
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (8)
| [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]]<br>19,035
| 4–3
|-
|-
{{NBA game log section|Washington Bullets|Eastern Conference Finals|playoffs=yes|show=no|bgcolor=#0000CD|color=#DC143C
! Game !! Date !! Home Team!! Result!! Road Team
| home_wins = 3
| home_losses = 1
| road_wins = 1
| road_losses = 2
}}
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 1
| {{dow tooltip|May 4, 1979}}
| [[1978–79 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197905040WSB.html L 97–118]
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (25)
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (20)
| [[Tom Henderson (basketball)|Henderson]] (5)
| [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]]<br>19,035
| 0–1
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 2
| {{dow tooltip|May 6, 1979}}
| [[1978–79 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197905060WSB.html W 115–95]
| [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (26)
| [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (22)
| [[Tom Henderson (basketball)|Henderson]] (9)
| [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]]<br>19,035
| 1–1
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 3
| {{dow tooltip|May 9, 1979}}
| @ [[1978–79 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197905090SAS.html L 114–116]
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (28)
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (23)
| [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (8)
| [[HemisFair Arena]]<br>15,318
| 1–2
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 4
| {{dow tooltip|May 11, 1979}}
| @ [[1978–79 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197905110SAS.html L 102–118]
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (23)
| [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (21)
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (9)
| [[HemisFair Arena]]<br>16,055
| 1–3
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 5
| {{dow tooltip|May 13, 1979}}
| [[1978–79 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197905130WSB.html W 107–103]
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (24)
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (22)
| [[Tom Henderson (basketball)|Henderson]] (9)
| [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]]<br>19,035
| 2–3
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 6
| {{dow tooltip|May 16, 1979}}
| @ [[1978–79 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197905160SAS.html W 108–100]
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (25)
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (14)
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]],<br>[[Tom Henderson (basketball)|Henderson]] (8)
| [[HemisFair Arena]]<br>16,055
| 3–3
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 7
| {{dow tooltip|May 18, 1979}}
| [[1978–79 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197905180WSB.html W 107–105]
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (37)
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (15)
| [[Larry Wright (basketball)|Wright]] (7)
| [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]]<br>19,035
| 4–3
|-
|-
{{NBA game log section|Washington Bullets|NBA Finals|playoffs=yes|show=no|bgcolor=#0000CD|color=#DC143C
| Game 1 || May 20 || '''Washington''' || 99–97 || Seattle
| home_wins = 1
| home_losses = 2
| road_wins = 0
| road_losses = 2
}}
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| 1
| {{dow tooltip|May 20, 1979}}
| [[1978–79 Seattle SuperSonics season|Seattle]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197905200WSB.html W 99–97]
| [[Larry Wright (basketball)|Wright]] (26)
| [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (12)
| [[Tom Henderson (basketball)|Henderson]] (6)
| [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]]<br>19,035
| 1–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 2
| {{dow tooltip|May 24, 1979}}
| [[1978–79 Seattle SuperSonics season|Seattle]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197905240WSB.html L 82–92]
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (21)
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (14)
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (5)
| [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]]<br>19,035
| 1–1
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 3
| {{dow tooltip|May 27, 1979}}
| @ [[1978–79 Seattle SuperSonics season|Seattle]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197905270SEA.html L 95–105]
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (28)
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]],<br>[[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (14)
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (5)
| [[Kingdome]]<br>35,928
| 1–2
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 4
| {{dow tooltip|May 29, 1979}}
| @ [[1978–79 Seattle SuperSonics season|Seattle]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197905290SEA.html L 112–114 (OT)]
| [[Kevin Grevey|Grevey]],<br>[[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]],<br>[[Charles Johnson (basketball, born 1949)|Johnson]] (18)
| [[Wes Unseld|Unseld]] (16)
| [[Tom Henderson (basketball)|Henderson]] (8)
| [[Seattle Center Coliseum]]<br>14,098
| 1–3
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| 5
| {{dow tooltip|June 1, 1979}}
| [[1978–79 Seattle SuperSonics season|Seattle]]
| [https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197906010WSB.html L 93–97]
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (29)
| [[Elvin Hayes|Hayes]] (14)
| [[Bob Dandridge|Dandridge]] (7)
| [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]]<br>19,035
| 1–4
|-
|-
{{NBA game log end|bbr_team=WSB|end_year=1979|playoffs=yes}}
| Game 2 || May 24 || Washington || 82–92 || '''Seattle'''
|-
| Game 3 || May 27 || '''Seattle''' || 105–95 || Washington
|-
| Game 4 || May 29 || '''Seattle''' || 114–112 || Washington
|-
| Game 5 || June 1 || Washington || 93–97 || '''Seattle'''
|-
|}
''SuperSonics win series 4–1''

===Victory Parade===
On June 9, 1978, the Bullets were feted with a Victory Parade in downtown Washington, DC. The event led to a single-day ridership record on Metrorail of 198,339 trips, but the record only lasted a week.<ref>{{cite news |title=Higher Metro Fares? |work=The Washington Evening Star |date=15 June 1978}}</ref>


==Awards and honors==
==Awards and honors==
*[[Bob Ferry]], [[NBA Executive of the Year Award]]
* [[Bob Ferry]], [[NBA Executive of the Year Award]]
*[[Elvin Hayes]], [[All-NBA First Team]]
* [[Elvin Hayes]], [[All-NBA First Team]]
*[[Bob Dandridge]], [[All-NBA Second Team]]
* [[Bob Dandridge]], [[All-NBA Second Team]]
*Bob Dandridge, [[NBA All-Defensive First Team]]
* Bob Dandridge, [[NBA All-Defensive First Team]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
*[https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WSB/1979.html Bullets on Basketball Reference]
* [https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WSB/1979.html Bullets on Basketball Reference]


{{1978–79 NBA season by team}}
{{1978–79 NBA season by team}}

Latest revision as of 19:33, 15 May 2024

1978–79 Washington Bullets season
Conference champions
Division champions
Head coachDick Motta
ArenaCapital Centre
Results
Record54–28 (.659)
PlaceDivision: 1st (Atlantic)
Conference: 1st (Eastern)
Playoff finishNBA Finals
(lost to SuperSonics 1–4)
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com
Local media
TelevisionWDCA
RadioWTOP
< 1977–78 1979–80 >

The 1978–79 Washington Bullets won their second consecutive Eastern Conference Championship, making it to the NBA Finals before losing to the Seattle SuperSonics. They finished the regular season with the best record in the NBA, at 54-28.

Coming off of their NBA Championship the previous season, the Bullets were transferred to the Atlantic Division.[1] The Bullets would continue to remain one of the top teams in the league, as they captured the Atlantic Division championship with a league best record of 54–28. The Bullets ended the regular season losing 8 of their last 11 games, but rebounded in the playoffs with victories in both the Eastern Conference semifinals and Eastern Conference finals over the Atlanta Hawks and the San Antonio Spurs, respectively. The Bullets would proceed to have a 38-year drought without a division title until 2017; by then they had been renamed the Washington Wizards. This is the most recent appearance in the conference finals or NBA Finals for the franchise.

Offseason

[edit]

NBA draft

[edit]

Roster

[edit]
Washington Bullets roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Name Height Weight DOB From
F 42 Ballard, Greg 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 215 lb (98 kg) Oregon
C 40 Corzine, Dave 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) 250 lb (113 kg) DePaul
G 45 Chenier, Phil 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 180 lb (82 kg) California
SF 10 Dandridge, Bob 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 195 lb (88 kg) Norfolk State
F 35 Grevey, Kevin 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 210 lb (95 kg) Kentucky
G 14 Henderson, Tom 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 190 lb (86 kg) Hawaiʻi
C 11 Hayes, Elvin 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 235 lb (107 kg) Houston
PF 25 Kupchak, Mitch 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 230 lb (104 kg) North Carolina
G 15 Johnson, Charles 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 170 lb (77 kg) California
G 22 Phegley, Roger 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 205 lb (93 kg) Bradley
F 41 Unseld, Wes 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 245 lb (111 kg) Louisville
G 32 Wright, Larry 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 160 lb (73 kg) Grambling State
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
Legend
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (S) Suspended
  • Injured Injured

Regular season

[edit]

Season standings

[edit]
Atlantic Division
 W L PCT GB Home Road Div
y-Washington Bullets 54 28 .659 – 31–10 23–18 11–5
x-Philadelphia 76ers 47 35 .573 7 31–10 16–25 9–7
x-New Jersey Nets 37 45 .451 17 25–16 12–29 7–9
New York Knicks 31 51 .378 23 23–18 8–33 7–9
Boston Celtics 29 53 .354 25 21–20 8–33 6–10
#
Eastern Conference
Team W L PCT GB
1 z-Washington Bullets 54 28 .659 –
2 y-San Antonio Spurs 48 34 .585 6
3 x-Philadelphia 76ers 47 35 .573 7
4 x-Houston Rockets 47 35 .573 7
5 x-Atlanta Hawks 46 36 .561 8
6 x-New Jersey Nets 37 45 .451 17
7 New York Knicks 31 51 .378 23
8 Cleveland Cavaliers 30 52 .366 24
8 Detroit Pistons 30 52 .366 24
10 Boston Celtics 29 53 .354 25
11 New Orleans Jazz 26 56 .317 28

Record vs. opponents

[edit]
1978-79 NBA Records
Team ATL BOS CHI CLE DEN DET GSW HOU IND KCK LAL MIL NJN NOJ NYK PHI PHO POR SAS SDC SEA WAS
Atlanta — 2–2 3–1 3–1 3–1 3–1 1–3 3–1 1–3 2–2 1–3 3–0 2–2 2–2 2–2 2–2 2–1 2–2 3–1 3–1 1–3 2–2
Boston 2–2 — 1–2 2–2 1–3 2–2 2–1 1–3 3–1 1–3 1–3 1–3 1–3 2–2 3–1 2–2 0–4 1–3 0–4 1–3 2–2 0–4
Chicago 1–3 2–1 — 1–3 2–2 2–2 3–1 2–2 2–2 0–4 1–3 1–3 2–2 2–2 3–1 1–3 1–3 4–0 0–3 0–4 0–4 1–3
Cleveland 1–3 2–2 3–1 — 1–2 1–3 2–1 2–2 1–3 1–3 2–2 1–3 3–1 2–2 2–2 2–2 0–4 0–4 0–4 2–2 2–2 0–4
Denver 1–3 3–1 2–2 2–1 — 2–2 4–0 1–3 3–1 1–3 3–1 2–2 4–0 3–1 3–1 0–3 3–1 1–3 3–1 2–2 3–1 1–3
Detroit 1–3 2–2 2–2 3–1 2–2 — 1–3 2–2 2–2 2–2 2–2 2–1 0–4 2–2 1–3 1–3 0–4 1–3 1–3 2–2 0–3 1–3
Golden State 3–1 1–2 1–3 1–2 0–4 3–1 — 2–2 2–2 2–2 1–3 2–2 1–3 3–1 3–1 3–1 1–3 2–2 1–3 1–3 3–1 2–2
Houston 1–3 3–1 2–2 2–2 3–1 2–2 2–2 — 0–4 3–1 2–1 2–2 3–1 4–0 4–0 0–4 2–2 3–1 3–1 2–1 2–2 2–2
Indiana 3–1 1–3 2–2 3–1 1–3 2–2 2–2 4–0 — 1–3 0–4 2–2 1–2 2–1 2–2 2–2 2–2 3–1 3–1 1–3 0–4 1–3
Kansas City 2–2 3–1 4–0 3–1 3–1 2–2 2–2 1–3 3–1 — 2–2 2–2 3–1 3–1 2–1 2–2 2–2 1–3 1–3 2–2 2–2 3–0
Los Angeles 3–1 3–1 3–1 2–2 1–3 2–2 3–1 1–2 4–0 2–2 — 3–1 2–2 2–2 3–0 1–3 2–2 2–2 2–2 2–2 2–2 2–2
Milwaukee 0–3 3–1 3–1 3–1 2–2 1–2 2–2 2–2 2–2 2–2 1–3 — 2–2 3–1 1–3 2–2 2–2 2–2 1–3 1–3 2–2 1–3
New Jersey 2–2 3–1 2–2 1–3 0–4 4–0 3–1 1–3 2–1 1–3 2–2 2–2 — 3–1 1–3 2–2 3–0 2–2 0–4 2–2 0–4 1–3
New Orleans 2–2 2–2 2–2 2–2 1–3 2–2 1–3 0–4 1–2 1–3 2–2 1–3 1–3 — 2–2 2–2 1–3 1–3 2–2 0–4 0–3 0–4
New York 2–2 1–3 1–3 2–2 1–3 3–1 1–3 0–4 2–2 1–2 0–3 3–1 3–1 2–2 — 2–2 0–4 1–3 1–3 2–2 2–2 1–3
Philadelphia 2–2 2–2 3–1 2–2 3–0 3–1 1–3 4–0 2–2 2–2 3–1 2–2 2–2 2–2 2–2 — 1–3 1–2 3–1 3–1 1–3 3–1
Phoenix 1–2 4–0 3–1 4–0 1–3 4–0 3–1 2–2 2–2 2–2 2–2 2–2 0–3 3–1 4–0 3–1 — 3–1 3–1 2–2 1–3 1–3
Portland 2–2 3–1 0–4 4–0 3–1 3–1 2–2 1–3 1–3 3–1 2–2 2–2 2–2 3–1 3–1 2–1 1–3 — 2–1 2–2 1–3 3–1
San Antonio 1–3 4–0 3–0 4–0 1–3 3–1 3–1 1–3 1–3 3–1 2–2 3–1 4–0 2–2 3–1 1–3 1–3 1–2 — 4–0 2–2 1–3
San Diego 1–3 3–1 4–0 2–2 2–2 2–2 3–1 1–2 3–1 2–2 2–2 3–1 2–2 4–0 2–2 1–3 2–2 2–2 0–4 — 2–2 0–3
Seattle 3–1 2–2 4–0 2–2 1–3 3–0 1–3 2–2 4–0 2–2 2–2 2–2 4–0 3–0 2–2 3–1 3–1 3–1 2–2 2–2 — 2–2
Washington 2–2 4–0 3–1 4–0 3–1 3–1 2–2 2–2 3–1 0–3 2–2 3–1 3–1 4–0 3–1 1–3 3–1 1–3 3–1 3–0 2–2 —

Game log

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]
1978–79 game log
Total: 54–28 (home: 31–10; road: 23–18)
October: 4–5 (home: 3–1; road: 1–4)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
3 October 18 @ Philadelphia W 121–111 [[Charles Johnson (basketball, born 1949}|Johnson]] (19) Unseld (11) Henderson,
Unseld (6) 		The Spectrum
12,065 		3–0
6 October 25 @ Seattle L 92–121 Dandridge (16) Ballard (9) Dandridge (6) Kingdome
15,089 		4–2
9 October 31 Atlanta L 108–110 Dandridge (26) Kupchak (10) Unseld (10) Capital Centre
5,487 		4–5
November: 11–2 (home: 6–1; road: 5–1)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
11 November 4 San Antonio W 124–119 Hayes (28) Hayes (14) Henderson (11) Capital Centre
12,619 		6–5
13 November 10 Philadelphia L 122–123 Hayes (36) Unseld (17) Dandridge,
Grevey,
Henderson (5) 		Capital Centre
14,697 		7–6
14 November 11 @ San Antonio L 124–143 Kupchak (27) Hayes (11) Henderson (8) HemisFair Arena
12,363 		7–7
December: 9–5 (home: 5–2; road: 4–3)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
24 December 2 Kansas City L 109–110 Capital Centre
14,297 		16–8
28 December 9 Phoenix W 101–98 Dandridge (23) Unseld (20) Henderson (9) Capital Centre
17,438 		19–9
32 December 20 @ Phoenix W 137–129 Dandridge (36) Hayes (11) Henderson (13) Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum
9,789 		23–9
January: 10–3 (home: 7–1; road: 3–2)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
38 January 5 Phoenix W 104–94 Kupchak (25) Hayes (26) Henderson (10) Capital Centre
14,929 		26–12
39 January 6 @ Atlanta W 106–102 Hayes (26) Hayes (13) Wright (6) The Omni
9,105 		27–12
45 January 23 Seattle L 100–103 Dandridge (23) Unseld (13) Dandridge (7) Capital Centre
15,232 		31–14
47 January 26 @ Kansas City L 128–142 Kemper Arena
10,301 		32–15
49 January 30 Atlanta W 109–105 Hayes (23) Hayes (18) Dandridge (6) Capital Centre
14,398 		34–15
February: 8–4 (home: 3–1; road: 5–3)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
50 February 1 @ San Antonio W 123–122 Dandridge (36) Unseld (19) Henderson (10) HemisFair Arena
12,516 		35–15
All-Star Break
53 February 11 @ Philadelphia L 99–107 Dandridge (29) Dandridge (17) Dandridge (6) The Spectrum
15,151 		37–16
55 February 15 @ Phoenix L 108–119 Dandridge (30) Hayes (13) Henderson (6) Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum
12,660 		38–17
57 February 18 @ Seattle W 105–94 Hayes (33) Hayes (16) Dandridge (7) Kingdome
21,935 		39–18
59 February 23 Seattle W 132–110 Hayes (32) Unseld (13) Henderson,
Unseld (7) 		Capital Centre
19,035 		40–19
March: 9–6 (home: 5–3; road: 4–3)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
62 March 4 San Antonio W 129–128 Hayes (32) Hayes (20) Henderson (10) Capital Centre
17,181 		43–19
64 March 9 @ Kansas City L 116–121 Kemper Arena
13,681 		43–21
74 March 27 Philadelphia L 97–100 Hayes (23) Unseld (16) Unseld (7) Capital Centre
18,741 		50–24
April: 3–3 (home: 2–1; road: 1–2)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
81 April 7 @ Atlanta L 102–103 Hayes (29) Unseld (15) Unseld (7) The Omni
15,641 		54–27
1978–79 schedule

Playoffs

[edit]
1979 playoff game log
Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4–3 (home: 2–2; road: 2–1)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Series
1 April 15 Atlanta W 103–89 Hayes (31) Hayes (15) Wright (6) Capital Centre
15,721 		1–0
2 April 17 Atlanta L 99–107 Dandridge (36) Unseld (10) Henderson (8) Capital Centre
19,035 		1–1
3 April 20 @ Atlanta W 89–77 Hayes (19) Unseld (16) Unseld (8) The Omni
15,798 		2–1
4 April 22 @ Atlanta W 120–115 (OT) Hayes (29) Hayes (17) Dandridge (5) The Omni
15,798 		3–1
5 April 24 Atlanta L 103–107 Hayes (26) Hayes (14) Henderson (11) Capital Centre
19,035 		3–2
6 April 26 @ Atlanta L 86–104 Hayes (24) Unseld (12) Unseld (6) The Omni
15,978 		3–3
7 April 29 Atlanta W 100–94 Hayes (39) Hayes (15) Dandridge (8) Capital Centre
19,035 		4–3
Eastern Conference Finals: 4–3 (home: 3–1; road: 1–2)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Series
1 May 4 San Antonio L 97–118 Dandridge (25) Hayes (20) Henderson (5) Capital Centre
19,035 		0–1
2 May 6 San Antonio W 115–95 Unseld (26) Unseld (22) Henderson (9) Capital Centre
19,035 		1–1
3 May 9 @ San Antonio L 114–116 Dandridge (28) Hayes (23) Unseld (8) HemisFair Arena
15,318 		1–2
4 May 11 @ San Antonio L 102–118 Hayes (23) Unseld (21) Dandridge (9) HemisFair Arena
16,055 		1–3
5 May 13 San Antonio W 107–103 Hayes (24) Hayes (22) Henderson (9) Capital Centre
19,035 		2–3
6 May 16 @ San Antonio W 108–100 Hayes (25) Hayes (14) Dandridge,
Henderson (8) 		HemisFair Arena
16,055 		3–3
7 May 18 San Antonio W 107–105 Dandridge (37) Hayes (15) Wright (7) Capital Centre
19,035 		4–3
NBA Finals: 1–4 (home: 1–2; road: 0–2)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Series
1 May 20 Seattle W 99–97 Wright (26) Unseld (12) Henderson (6) Capital Centre
19,035 		1–0
2 May 24 Seattle L 82–92 Dandridge (21) Hayes (14) Dandridge (5) Capital Centre
19,035 		1–1
3 May 27 @ Seattle L 95–105 Dandridge (28) Hayes,
Unseld (14) 		Dandridge (5) Kingdome
35,928 		1–2
4 May 29 @ Seattle L 112–114 (OT) Grevey,
Hayes,
Johnson (18) 		Unseld (16) Henderson (8) Seattle Center Coliseum
14,098 		1–3
5 June 1 Seattle L 93–97 Hayes (29) Hayes (14) Dandridge (7) Capital Centre
19,035 		1–4
1979 schedule

Awards and honors

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Washington Wizards (1963–Present)
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