Basketball at the 1997 SEA Games was held from 12 to 18 October 1997 in Senayan, Central Jakarta, Indonesia.

Meanwhile, last edition's silver medallists Thailand was relegated to third place after besting the hosts Indonesia, 68–57.

In the women's event, Malaysia reclaimed the championship by defeating the defending champions Thailand, 67–58 for their ninth overall title.

Indonesia, meanwhile, salvaged the solitary podium finish by pulling a miraculous come-from-behind 68–65 win against the Philippines for the bronze.

[1] The competition format for both men's and women's event calls for the top two teams after the single round robin to face in the championship match, whereas third and fourth-place finishers per division will playoff for the bronze medal.