Seattle SuperSonics History
1966-2000
December 20, 1966
January 11, 1967
February, 1967
March, 1967
May 1, 1967
May 3, 1967
June 26, 1967
September 1, 1967
September 15, 1967
September 19, 1967
September 23, 1967
October 8, 1967
October 11, 1967
October 13, 1967
October 20, 1967
October 21, 1967
December 5, 1967
January 23, 1968
March 20, 1968
April 9, 1968
May 5, 1968
May 8, 1968
May 9, 1968
September 11, 1968
September 17, 1968
October 12, 1968
November 8, 1968
January 14, 1969
March 22, 1969
Seattle is awarded the newest franchise city in the National Basketball Association.
Eugene Klein is awarded the Seattle franchise by NBA Commissioner J. Walter Kennedy. Klein’s
principal owner is Sam Schulman. Don Richman is selected as the team’s first General Manager
and Dick Vertlieb is named the Business Manager of the new franchise.
A name is selected for the Seattle franchise as a result of a local contest. The winning entry,
“SuperSonics,” is submitted by Seattle teacher Howard E. Schmidt and his son Brent.
Al Bianchi, an assistant coach with the Chicago Bulls, is named the SuperSonics’ first head coach.
Tom Meschery from the San Francisco Warriors is the first player chosen in the expansion draft.
The Sonics also select Dave Duetsch and Henry Akin from the New York Knicks, Walt Hazzard
from the Los Angeles Lakers, Bud Olsen from the San Francisco Warriors, Dorie Murrey and Ron
Reed from the Detroit Pistons, Rod Thorn, Richie Guerin and Tom Kron from the St. Louis Hawks,
Bob Weiss and Nate Bowman from the Philadelphia 76ers, Ben Warley from the Baltimore Bullets,
Ronn Watts from the Boston Celtics and George Wilson from the Chicago Bulls.
The Sonics select Al Tucker of Oklahoma Baptist as their first-ever college pick in the 1967 NBA
Draft. The team also picks Bob Rule from Colorado State and Plummer Lott of Seattle University.
The Sonics first rookie camp opens at Seattle Pacific University. Twenty-seven free-agents and
draftees attend the week-long session.
The Sonics begin their first training camp at Seattle Pacific University with nine veterans and six
rookies.
The Sonics’ inaugural roster is set: Bob Rule, Bud Olsen, Walt Hazzard, Bob Weiss, Rod Thorn, Al
Tucker, Tom Meschery, Tommy Kron, Henry Akin, Dorie Murrey, George Wilson and Plummer
Lott.
The Sonics play their inaugural game, a preseason game vs. the San Diego Rockets in San Diego.
San Diego wins 126-115.
The Sonics celebrate their first-ever NBA victory, a 116-110 preseason triumph over the Cincinnati
Royals.
The Sonics lose their first home preseason game, falling to the St. Louis Hawks 148-129.
The Sonics conclude their first preseason with a 3-9 record.
The Sonics lose their inaugural regular season game to the San Francisco 144-116. In attendance
are the Sonics’ principal owners, Eugene Klein and Sam Schulman, along with Pierre Salinger,
former presidential press secretary and a minority stockholder.
The Sonics lose their regular season home debut to the San Diego Rockets 121-114.
The Sonics record their first regular season NBA victory, defeating San Diego in overtime 117-110.
Walt Hazzard scored 15 consecutive points in a game against the San Francisco Warriors, tying the
NBA record held by Wilt Chamberlain.
Walt Hazzard represents the Sonics at the NBA All-Star Game in New York. He is joined on the
West squad by future Sonic Lenny Wilkens. The East wins 144-124.
The Sonics complete their first NBA season by defeating the Chicago Bulls 122-104 before a home
crowd of 10,429. Seattle’s final attendance is 202,263, an average of 6,524 for 31 dates. The Sonics
finish in fifth place in the Western Division with a 23-59 record. Walt Hazzard finishes seventh in
the league in scoring (23.9 ppg) and fifth in assists (6.2 apg). Bob Rule finishes ninth in the league
in scoring (18.1 ppg).
Bob Rule and Al Tucker are near-unanimous choices on the NBA All-Rookie Team. The rookies
receive 11 of 12 votes from NBA head coaches. The other three rookies on the squad are Earl
Monroe, Walt Frazier and Phil Jackson.
The Sonics lose George Wilson, Bob Weiss and Bud Olsen in the 1968 expansion draft. Wilson
goes to the Phoenix Suns, while Weiss and Olsen are selected by the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Sonics select Art Harris and Al Hairston in the 1968 NBA Draft.
Don Richman resigns as General Manages; Dick Vertlieb is promoted to General Manager.
Rookie camp begins at Seattle Pacific University.
Training camp for rookies and veterans begins at Seattle Pacific University.
Lenny Wilkens is obtained from the Atlanta Hawks for Walt Hazzard.
Lenny Wilkens records franchise’s first triple-double with 30 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists to
lead the Sonics to a 128-124 overtime victory over Phoenix.
Lenny Wilkens represents the Sonics in his sixth NBA All-Star Game in nine years. The East
defeats the West 123-112 in Baltimore.
The Sonics finish sixth in the Western Division with a 30-52 record, 25 games behind the L.A.
Lakers. Bob Rule finishes fourth in the NBA in scoring (24.0 ppg). Wilkens finished second in the
league in assists (8.2 apg) and ninth in scoring (22.5 ppg).
April 8, 1969
April 11, 1969
July 11, 1969
August 5, 1969
September 16, 1969
October 1, 1969
October 7, 1969
November 15, 1969
November 25, 1969
November 29, 1969
January 20, 1970
March 23, 1970
December 30, 1970
January 12, 1971
March 1, 1971
March 26, 1971
March 29, 1971
October 12, 1971
November 25, 1971
January 18, 1972
March 26, 1972
April 2, 1972
April 10, 1972
April 20, 1972
May 2, 1972
August 23, 1972
November 13, 1972
January 3, 1973
January 10, 1973
January 23, 1973
March 28, 1973
April 24, 1973
May 5, 1973
May 11, 1973
May 15, 1973
July 3, 1973
July 25. 1973
The Sonics select 6-2 guard Lucius Allen of UCLA as their first round choice in the 1969 NBA
Draft.
The Sonics’ Art Harris is named to the NBA All-Rookie Team along with Wes Unseld, Bill Hewitt,
Elvin Hayes and Gary Gregor.
Al Bianchi resigns as head coach after two seasons.
Lenny Wilkens is named as the Sonics’ new head coach.
Training camp opens at Peninsula Junior College in Port Angeles, Washington. Tom Meschery is
named as the Sonics’ first assistant coach. Both he and Lenny Wilkens will be “player-coaches.”
General Manager Dick Vertlieb resigns; public relations director Hal Childa assumes the duties of
General Manager and Business Manager until a replacement is named.
Zollie Volchok is named the Sonics’ Supervisor of Operations on an interim basis.
Bob Rule scores a then-team record 49 points and grabs 19 rebounds to lead the Sonics to a 146136 win over Philadelphia.
Bob Houbreg is named the General Manager of the Sonics. Zollie Volchok remains as Vice
President and part-time consultant to the team.
Lenny Wilkens hands out a then-team record 18 assists while leading the Sonics to a 130-129 win
over Phoenix.
Lenny Wilkens represents the Sonics at the NBA All-Star Game. The East defeats the West 142135.
The Sonics finish the season with a 36-46 record and rank sixth in the league in home attendance,
attracting 278,444 fans to 36 home games for an average of 7,734.
Spencer Haywood is signed to a multi-year contract after a federal judge in Los Angeles ruled that
his contract with the Denver Rockets of the ABA was invalid.
Lenny Wilkens is named the NBA All-Star Game MVP after scoring 21 points to lead the West to a
108-107 win over the East at San Diego.
In an order signed by Justice William O. Douglas, Spencer Haywood wins permission from the
Supreme Court to play for the Sonics pending further litigation.
Spencer Haywood will return for the 1971-72 season as the undisputed property of the
SuperSonics. A breach of contract suit brought by Haywood’s former club, the Denver Rockets of
the ABA, is settled out of court. U.S. District Court Judge Warren J. Ferguson dismisses a federal
jury that was hearing the case.
The Sonics select Iowa’s Fred Brown as their first-round pick in the 1971 NBA Draft.
For the first time in the history of the franchise, the Sonics win their season opener, 123-90 over
Buffalo.
Bob Rule, the last original Sonic, is traded to the Philadelphia 76ers for two second-round draft
choices and cash.
Spencer Haywood represents the Sonics as the starting forward at the NBA All-Star Game. The
West defeats the East 112-110 in Los Angeles.
The Sonics finish the season with a 47-35 record, the best mark in the franchise’s young history.
Lenny Willkens resigns as the Sonics’ player-coach to remain with the team as a player.
The Sonics pick Bud Stallworth in the first round of the 1972 NBA Draft.
Tom Nissalke, ABA Coach of the Year with the Dallas Chaparrals, signs a contract to coach the
Sonics.
Morris (Bucky) Buckwalter, former head coach at Seattle University, is hired as an assistant coach.
Lenny Wilkens is traded to Cleveland along with Barry Clemens for Butch Beard.
The Sonics lose their seventh game in a row, 113-107 to Cleveland. The game is marked by the
first appearance of Lenny Wilkens in Seattle in a Cavalier uniform. Lenny scores 22 points against
his former team.
Spencer Haywood sets a team record of 51 points in a 107-100 win over the Kansas City Kings.
The previous record was 49 points by Bob Rule vs. Philadelphia on November 15, 1969.
Head coach Tom Nissalke is fired prior to a game against the Baltimore Bullets. Assistant Coach
Bucky Buckwalter is named as the interim head coach.
Spencer Haywood starts at forward for the West at the NBA All-Star Game, which is won by the
East 104-84 in Chicago.
The Sonics end the 1972-73 season with a 26-56 record, the franchise’s worst since their first year
in the league.
The Sonics draft Mike Green, a 6-10 center from Louisiana Tech, as their first-round pick.
Bob Houbregs resigns as general manager. Bucky Buckwalter takes over as interim general
manager in addition to already serving as the interim head coach.
Bill Russell signs a five-year contract as the Sonics’ head coach and general manager.
Spencer Haywood is named to the All-NBA First Team.
Emmett Bryant, an assistant coach at Columbia University and former teammates of Bill Russell at
Boston, is named an assistant coach.
The Sonics trade Butch Beard to Golden State for Mahdi Abdul-Rahman, better known to Seattle
fans as Walt Hazzard.
August 7, 1973
September 12, 1973
January 3, 1974
January 15, 1974
March 23, 1974
August 2, 1974
January 14, 1975
March 20, 1975
April 4, 1975
April 6, 1975
April 12, 1975
April 24, 1975
May 28, 1975
October 23, 1975
January 8, 1976
February 3, 1976
February 26, 1976
March 21, 1976
April 3, 1976
April 11, 1976
April 27, 1976
May 4, 1976
June 8, 1976
December 3, 1976
December 10, 1976
January 10, 1977
April 5, 1977
May 4, 1977
May 13, 1977
June 10, 1977
July 29, 1977
October 17, 1977
November 11, 1977
November 30, 1977
December 2, 1977
January 4, 1978
February 22, 1978
Mike Green, the Sonics first-round pick in 1973, signs with the Denver Rockets of the ABA.
New Head Coach and General Manager Bill Russell greets 18 Sonics, including four rookies, as
training camp commences at Peninsula Community College in Port Angeles, Washington.
Spencer Haywood shares the Seattle Post-Intelligencer’s “Man of the Year in Sports” award with
former University of Washington football star Calvin Jones and softball manager Bill Fenton.
Spencer Haywood scores 23 points and grabs 11 rebounds to lead the West to a 134-123 victory in
the NBA All-Star Game at the Seattle Coliseum.
Fred Brown sets a team record with 58 points vs. Golden State in a 139-137 victory. His scoring
total is the highest in the NBA in seven seasons.
Frank Furtado, Seattle Pacific College wrestling coach and physical education instructor, is named
the Sonics’ new athletic trainer, replacing Jack Curran, the club’s original trainer.
Spencer Haywood participates in his fourth consecutive NBA All-Star Game as the West loses to
the East 108-102 at Phoenix.
The Sonics earn their first-ever playoff berth by defeating Portland 98-88.
The Sonics clinch the home court advantage in their projected playoff series by defeating the L.A.
Lakers 111-102.
Seattle beats Phoenix 114-111 to end the 1974-75 regular season with club-record-tying seventh
win in a row and a 43-39 record, the second-best in franchise history. The team hosted 15 sellouts
at the Coliseum, finishing the season with a total attendance of 524,692.
The Sonics defeat Detroit 100-92 and win the first round of he playoffs 2-1.
Golden State eliminates the Sonics from the playoffs 4-2 with a 105-96 win at the Coliseum.
In the 1975 NBA Draft, the Sonics select Seattle University’s Frank Oleynick.
Spencer Haywood is traded to New York for the Knicks’ first-round draft pick in 1979 and cash.
The Sonics defeat New York 91-89 in a game that marked the first appearance of Spencer
Haywood in Seattle since being traded.
Fred Brown represents the Sonics in the NBA All-Star Game. The East defeats the West 123-109.
The Sonics defeat Buffalo 126-94 for their eighth consecutive victory, a team record.
Slick Watts ties the NBA’s single-season record of 228 steals set by Rick Barry during the 1974-75
season.
Slick Watts is named the winner of the 1976 Citizenship Award as voted by the Professional
Basketball Writers Association of America.
The Sonics end the 1975-76 season with a 43-39 record, good for second place in the Pacific
Division.
The Phoenix Suns eliminate the Sonics from the playoffs with a 123-113 victory in Phoenix.
Slick Watts is named to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team. Watts, who averaged 8.1 assists and
3.18 steals per game, became the first player ever to lead the league in both categories in the same
season.
The Sonics select guard Bobby Wilkerson of Indiana in the first round of the 1976 NBA Draft.
The Sonics snap a 14-game road losing streak that extended back to the previous season with a
121-112 win at Philadelphia.
Seattle extends its home winning streak to a club-record 29 games over two seasons with a99-93
win over Golden State.
Slick Watts is named the Seattle Post-Intelligencer’s “Man of the Year in Sports” for 1976.
The New York Nets end the Sonics’ chances of qualifying for the playoffs by defeating them 8886.
Bill Russell resigns as coach and general manager of the Sonics after completing four years of a
five-year contract.
Bob Hopkins, an assistant coach under Bill Russell, is named the Sonics’ new head coach. Zollie
Volchok is named the general manager, Les Habegger is chosen as the new assistant coach and
Lenny Wilkens rejoins the Sonics as director of player personnel.
The Sonics select Jack Sikma in the first round of the 1977 NBA Draft.
The Sonics announce their intention to move to the Kingdome beginning with 1978-79 season.
Gus Williams signs a three-year contract with the Sonics as a free agent. The Sonics and Golden
State agree on a cash sum as compensation.
Wally Walker is acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers for Detroit’s first-round pick in 1978
(acquired in the Spencer Haywood deal with New York) and a 1979 second-round draft pick.
Bob Hopkins is relieved of his coaching duties prior to a game in Kansas City after the Sonics start
the season with a 5-17 record. Lenny Wilkens is named the new head coach and leads the Sonics to
an 86-84 win over the Kings.
Lenny Wilkens for the first time starts John Johnson, Jack Sikma, Marvin Webster, Dennis Johnson
and Gus Williams. This will become Wilkens’ “permanent” lineup.
Slick Watts is traded to New Orleans for a first-round draft choice in 1981.
Gus Williams record 10 steals against New Jersey, tying the Sonics’ record set by Fred Brown at
Philadelphia on December 3, 1976.
February 26, 1978
March 11, 1978
April 7, 1978
April 17, 1978
May 1, 1978
May 17, 1978
June 7, 1978
June 9, 1978
October 27, 1978
November 24, 1978
December 27, 1978
January 9, 1979
January 17, 1979
February 4, 1979
March 15, 1979
March 28, 1979
April 6, 1979
April 8, 1979
April 25, 1979
May 17, 1979
June 1, 1979
June 4, 1979
June 25, 1979
June 28, 1979
September 19, 1979
October 12, 1979
October 19, 1979
November 23, 1979
December 21, 1979
January 5, 1980
January 16, 1980
January 21, 1980
Fred Brown scores 32 points against Philadelphia to pass Spencer Haywood as the Sonics’ all-time
leading scorer.
Fred Brown scores 25 points against Houston to reach the 1,000-point plateau for the sixth
consecutive season.
The Sonics clinch home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs by defeating Phoenix 9583.
The Sonics eliminate the L.A. Lakers from playoffs by winning their first round series 2-1 with a
111-102 win at the Coliseum.
The Sonics defeat Portland four games to two in the Western Conference Semifinals by defeating
the Blazers 105-94.
The Sonics defeat the Denver Nuggets 123-108 to win the Western Conference Finals 4-2.
Seattle falls to the Washington Bullets in Game 7 of the NBA Finals after leading the series 3-2.
The Sonics trade their first-round draft pick to the Denver Nuggets to obtain Tom LaGarde.
The Sonics defeat the Milwaukee Bucks 80-79 for a 7-0 start to the season, their best start ever and
the second-longest winning streak in the club’s history.
A crowd of 25,127 packs the Kingdome to watch the Sonics and the Denver Nuggets, the largest
crowd ever to watch a regular season Sonics game up to that time.
Paul Silas plays in his 1,123 career NBA game, passing Hal Greer for second place on the NBA’s
all-time list for most games played.
Lenny Wilkens is named Seattle’s Sports Star of the Year at the annual Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
The Sonics trade their 1979 first-round pick to Boston for Dennis Awtrey plus cash.
Lenny Wilkens, Les Habegger, Dennis Johnson and Jack Sikma are all members of the winning
Western Conference All-Star team. It is Wilkens’ first appearance as a coach after playing in the
game nine times. It is the first All-Star appearance for the other three Sonics. Dennis Johnson is
third in the balloting for MVP behind winner David Thompson and runner-up Julius Erving.
Lonnie Shelton hits all 13 of his field goal attempts against Cleveland to set a Sonics record for
consecutive field goals made.
The Sonics defeat the New York Knicks 111-105 at the Kingdome, tying the second-longest
winning streak in the team’s history at seven. The win is the team’s 48th of the season, guaranteeing
the franchise’s best-ever record to date.
The Sonics clinch their first-ever Pacific Division Title and the best record in the Western
Conference by beating Los Angeles 113-93 at the Forum.
In the season finale, the Sonics lose to Golden State 89-86 but still finish the season at 52-30, the
best record in the franchise’s 13-year history.
The Sonics eliminate the L.A. Lakers from the Western Conference Semifinals 4-1 after defeating
them 106-100 at the Coliseum.
Seattle prevails over Phoenix 114-110 at the Kingdome to win the Western Conference Finals 4-3
after trailing 3-2 in the series.
The Sonics win the NBA World Championship by defeating the Washington Bullets four games to
one. After losing Game 1, Seattle won four straight to capture the title with a 97-93 win in
Washington in Game 5. Gus Williams led the team in scoring in the series, averaging 28.6 points,
while Jack Sikma averaged 14.8 rebounds per game. Dennis Johnson is named the NBA Finals
MVP.
An estimated crowd of 500,000 fans turn out in downtown Seattle to see the NBA Champion
Seattle SuperSonics parade through the streets.
The Sonics draft James Bailey of Rutgers (sixth pick overall) and Vinnie Johnson of Baylor
(seventh pick overall) in the first round of the 1979 NBA Draft.
The Sonics sign Lonnie Shelton to a five-year extension of his contract. The new agreement,
spanning seven years, is the longest in the club’s 12-year history.
A Federal Judge in New York voids the compensation settlement made by Commissionmer
O’Brien in the Marvin Webster case. O’Brien promises that Lonnie Shelton and Vinnie Johnson,
both included in the compensation, will not have to leave Seattle as a result of the decision.
Dennis Johnson signs a five-year extension of his contract, through the 1984-85 season.
Lenny Wilkens’ #19 jersey is retired in a pregame ceremony vs. San Diego, the first such honor
bestowed by the team in its 13-year history.
A crowd of 33,335 watches the Sonics beat Portland at the Kingdome, setting a club record for
largest regular season attendance.
Lonnie Shelton accidentally bends a rim when his dunk attempt misfires at the Kingdome. The
game is delayed 25 minutes while the rim is replaced.
Fred Brown scores his 10,000th career point at Golden State.
The Sonics’ 120-100 victory over Washington assures that Lenny Wilkens will serve as the head
coach of the West team in the NBA All-Star Game.
Dennis Johnson is named the NBA’s Player of the Week after averaging 28.0 points, 6.0 rebounds
and 5.0 assists in three games that week.
January 23, 1980
February 3, 1980
February 17, 1980
February 19, 1980
March 23, 1980
March 30, 1980
April 6, 1980
April 15, 1980
April 20, 1980
April 22, 1980
April 30, 1980
June 3, 1980
July 25, 1980
August 8, 1980
October 10, 1980
October 28, 1980
November 4, 1980
December 9,1980
December 18, 1980
December 31, 1980
January 3, 1981
January 6, 1981
February 1, 1981
February 18, 1981
March 29, 1981
June 9, 1981
June 11, 1981
June 19, 1981
July 29, 1981
August 25, 1981
September 3, 1981
October 31, 1981
November 11, 1981
November 13, 1981
November 22, 1981
December 8, 1981
For the second year in a row, Jack Sikma and Dennis Johnson are selected by the Western
Conference head coaches to play in the NBA All-Star Game. The Sonics 93-90 win over Atlanta
ties the club’s longest winning streak at eight games.
The Sonics have five participants in the NBA All-Star Game – Jack Sikma, Dennis Johnson, head
coach Lenny Wilkens, assistant coach Les Habegger and trainer Frank Furtado. The East defeats
the West in overtime in Landover, Maryland.
The Sonics defeat Boston to tie the team record again with an eight-game winning streak.
John Johnson becomes the second Sonic of the season to score his 10,000th career point at Chicago.
The Sonics set an NBA regular season attendance record, surpassing the New York Knicks’ mark
of 790,029 set during the 1971-72 season.
The Sonics finished the season with a 56-26 record, the best mark in the franchise’s 13-year
history. The team also posts new highs for most wins on the road (23-18) and most wins at home
(33-8). The Sonics set NBA attendance records for the largest regular season attendance (890,713)
and largest regular season attendance average (21,725).
The Sonics eliminate Portland from the playoffs with a 103-86 victory in Game 3 of the first round
at the Kingdome.
The Sonics set a then-NBA record for largest attendance as 40,172 fans pack the Kingdome to see
the team fall to Milwaukee in Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals and trail in the series
3-2.
After winning Game 6 in Milwaukee, the Sonics eliminate the Bucks from the playoffs in a
decisive Game 7 with a 98-94 victory at the Seattle Coliseum.
Seattle defeats Los Angeles at the Forum 108-107 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
The Sonics are eliminated from the playoffs by Los Angeles after losing their fourth straight game,
111-105.
In a trade of All-Star guards, the Sonics send Dennis Johnson to the Phoenix Suns for Paul
Westphal.
In a reversal of the Marvin Webster compensation case, NBA Commissioner Larry O’Brien awards
Seattle’s 1981 first-round draft pick to the New York Knicks.
The Sonics sign their first-round draft pick Bill Hanzlik to a two-year contract.
A crowd of 35,233, the largest of the 1980-81 season, watches the Sonics lose to the Los Angeles
in the nationally televised season opener.
Paul Westphal is placed on the injured list with a stress fracture in his right foot.
Lonnie Shelton is suspended for two games by Head Coach Lenny Wilkens.
Negotiations with Gus Williams break off after the Sonics nearly sign him in Portland prior to a
contest with the Trail Blazers.
Paul Westphal is reactivated after missing 25 games on the injured list with a stress fracture in his
right foot.
Special Master Telford Taylor rules that the Sonics have lost the right of compensation for Gus
Williams after the 1980-81 season. The Sonics plan to appeal the decision.
The Sonics miss a flight to Phoenix for game with the Suns due to fog. The game is rescheduled for
January 13.
Jack Sikma is named the Seattle Post-Intelligencer’s Sports Start of the Year at an awards banquet
at the Kingdome.
Jack Sikma and Paul Westphal participate on the West team at the NBA All-Star Game in
Richfield, Ohio. The East wins 123-120.
Paul Westphal is lost for the season with a recurrence of the stress fracture in his right foot.
The Sonics finish the season with a 96-92 victory over Golden State, snapping a seven-game losing
streak, the longest for the team since the 1972-73 season. The 34-48 record guarantees a last-place
finish, first in the team’s history.
The Sonics select Utah forward Danny Vranes (fifth pick overall) in the first round of the 1981
NBA Draft.
Head Scout/Assistant Coach Bob Kloppenburg signs with the Cleveland Cavaliers to become an
assistant coach under Don Delaney.
Free agent Gus Williams signs a five-year contract after sitting out the entire 1980-81 season.
Vinnie Johnson signs a three-year contract.
Free agent Paul Westphal breaks his right foot in a pick-up game at San Diego State College.
Paul Westphal undergoes surgery to insert a screw in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot to correct
the break he suffered on August 25.
A crowd of 33,014 watches the Sonics defeat Phoenix in the season opener at the Kingdome.
The Sonics defeat Dallas before the smallest Kingdome crowd in the team’s history – 10,148.
Jack Sikma signs a three-year extension to his contract.
The Sonics trade Vinnie Johnson to Detroit for third-year forward Gregory Kelser.
Gus Williams records his first career triple-double with 29 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
January 3, 1982
January 11, 1982
January 14, 1982
January 17, 1982
January 19, 1982
January 31, 1982
February 14, 1982
February 19, 1982
February 23, 1982
March 6, 1982
March 11, 1982
April 5, 1982
April 18, 1982
April 25, 1982
May 5, 1982
June 9, 1982
June 14, 1982
June 16, 1982
June 17, 1982
June 21, 1982
June 29, 1982
July 16, 1982
July 20, 1982
October 5, 1982
October 6, 1982
November 19, 1982
November 21, 1982
December 16, 1982
December 29, 1982
January 14, 1983
January 31, 1983
Lenny Wilkens records his 400th NBA coaching victory with a 107-100 win over Dallas. A
proposed merger between the Sonics’ parent company, FNI, Inc., and Harwyn Industries, a
worldwide supplier of electronic gambling machines, is announced.
Gus Williams is named the NBA Player of the Week after averaging 28.0 points, 9.3 assists and 3.0
steals while leading the Sonics to three victories.
Sally Behnke announces her resignation from the Board of Directors of FNI, Inc., the parent
company of the Seattle SuperSonics.
Lonnie Shelton and Gus Williams are awarded their first starting assignments at the NBA All-Star
Game.
Seattle ties its all-time winning streak of eight with a 99-97 win over Cleveland.
Gus Williams scores 22 points and hands out nine assists, while Jack Sikma and Lonnie Shelton
combine for 18 rebounds in the All-Star Game at the Meadowlands in New Jersey.
Jack Sikma sinks his first four free throws at San Antonio to set a team record with 50 consecutive
free throws made.
Atlanta’s 127-122 four-overtime win over the Sonics matches the third-longest game in NBA
history and also ties the longest game since the institution of the 24-second clock. Four Sonics
fouled out of the marathon game to tie a franchise record.
The New York Knicks tender free agent Paul Westphal an offer sheet. The Sonics have 15 days to
either match the offer or release him.
Arbitrator Arthur Stark rules that arbitration hearings will not be allowed on behalf of the Sonics to
reduce playoff bonuses listed on New York’s offer sheet to Paul Westphal, should Seattle decided
to match the Knicks’ offer under the right of first refusal.
Fifteen days after Paul Westphal signs an offer sheet with New York worth $150,000 with up to
$430,000 in playoff bonuses, the Sonics Board of Directors elects not to exercise its right of first
refusal over Westphal, making him a Knick.
Jack Sikma is named the NBA Player of the Week after averaging 24.5 points and 14.3 rebounds
and playing in his 400th consecutive game over the course of the week.
The Sonics finish the regular season with a loss at Portland, ending the year with a 52-30 record,
tying the second-best record in franchise history, established in the 1978-79 NBA Championship
season. Jack Sikma sets a team record for most rebounds in a season with 1,038, surpassing Marvin
Webster’s mark of 1,035 in 1977-78.
The Sonics eliminate the Houston Rockets from the playoffs, taking the first round series 2-1 with a
104-83 victory at the Coliseum.
San Antonio eliminates the Sonics from the playoffs with a 109-103 victory at the Kingdome,
winning the Western Conference Semifinal series 4-1.
The proposed transaction to merge FNI, Inc., the Sonics parent organization, and Harwyn
Industries Corporation, is terminated by mutual agreement.
Jack Sikma and Lonnie Shelton are named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, the first
selection for both players.
Gus Williams is named the NBA Comeback Player of the Year for the 1981-82 season.
The Sonics acquire David Thompson from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Wally Walker and
a 1982 first-round draft choice.
Gus Williams is named to the All-NBA First Team for the first time in his career.
For the first time in the 15-year history of the franchise, the Sonics are without a first or secondround draft choice.
Special Master Kingman Brewster rules that an NBA club cannot trade a free agent’s right of first
refusal, thereby nullifying the inclusion of Wally Walker in the David Thompson trade on June 17,
1982.
The Denver Nuggets select guard Bill Hanzlik to complete the David Thompson trade on June 17,
1982.
Wally Walker signs a one-year contract with the Sonics.
The Sonics trade Wally Walker to the Houston Rockets for the Rockets’ second-round draft pick in
1984.
The Sonics defeat Cleveland 102-99 at the Kingdome to improve to 12-0, the franchise’s best start
ever and the third-best start in NBA history.
The New Jersey Nets hand the Sonics their first defeat of the season, 111-91.
Jack Sikma grabs a career-high 25 rebounds to go with 26 points in the Sonics’ 93-90 win over
Kansas City in the Kingdome. The 25 rebounds are a NBA-high for the season.
Jack Sikma misses the first game of his six-year career, snapping a streak of 439 consecutive games
played, 417 of which he started.
The Sonics fall to Portland 102-99 for their eighth straight defeat, the team’s longest string of
losses since the 1972-73 season.
David Thompson is voted to the starting guard position on the West team for the 1983 NBA AllStar Game.
February 3, 1983
February 10, 1983
February 13, 1983
April 12, 1983
April 13, 1983
April 22, 1983
May 11, 1983
May 31, 1983
June 14, 1983
June 28, 1983
October 14, 1983
October 28, 1983
November 9, 1983
November 16, 1983
December 6, 1983
December 9, 1983
January 13, 1984
January 18, 1984
January 29, 1984
March 10, 1984
March 31, 1984
April 8, 1984
April 17, 1984
April 26, 1984
June 14, 1984
June 19, 1984
July 26, 1984
August 20, 1984
September 7, 1984
October 16, 1984
November 23, 1984
December 3, 1984
December 23, 1984
December 29, 1984
January 10, 1985
January 28, 1985
March 17, 1985
March 20, 1985
Jack Sikma and Gus Williams are added as reserves to the All-Star squad in a voted by the Western
Conference coaches.
Jack Sikma matches his career-high and NBA season-high 25 rebounds in a 105-99 win over Utah.
David Thompson scores 10 points, Jack Sikma scored eight points and Gus Williams adds six
points at the NBA All-Star Game in the Forum in L.A, but the West falls to the East 132-123.
The Sonics defeat Golden State 110-105 in the Kingdome.
Phoenix snaps the Sonics’ eight-game win streak with 109-106 win, assuring the Suns of second
place in the Pacific Division while sending the Sonics to third place.
The Sonics are eliminated from the playoffs in the first round, losing their second game to Portland
105-96. It marks the first time that the Sonics have lost in the first round.
Les Habegger is named to succeed Zollie Volchok as general manager of the Sonics, effective
August 1, 1983. Dave Harshman returns to the organization as the team’s assistant coach under
Lenny Wilkens.
The Sonics announce plans to move their homecourt back to the Seattle Center Coliseum beginning
with the 1985-86 season.
At the annual NBA meetings in New York, Zollie Volchok is named the NBA Executive of the
Year.
The Sonics select 6-2 Missouri guard Jon Sundvold in the first round, 16th pick overall, of the NBA
Draft.
Sonics owner Sam Schulman announces the sale of the club to Ackerley Communications, Inc., a
Seattle-based communications firm owned and operated by Barry Ackerley.
Bob Blackburn -the “Voice of the Sonics”- is hospitalized pending a triple bypass heart operation.
He misses his first Sonics regular season radio broadcast after 1,375 consecutive games.
Gus Williams scores his 10,000th career point in a 113-101 win over Cleveland at the Kingdome.
The NBA Board of Governors approves the sale of the SuperSonics club, eliminating the final
hurdle in the acquisition for Ackerley Communications.
The Sonics defeat Golden State in Lenny Wilkens 900th career NBA coaching game.
Gus Williams hands out a then-team-record 20 assists in a 132-124 win over Dallas in the
Kingdome, surpassing the old mark of 19 set twice by Lenny Wilkens.
The Sonics sign veteran free agent David Thompson to a contract extending through the 1984-85
season.
Head Coach Lenny Wilkens records his 500th career coaching victory in a 114-107 win over Dallas
in the Tacoma Dome, the first regular season game to be played at that venue.
Jack Sikma scores 15 points and grabs 12 rebounds for the West as the Sonics’ lone representative
at the NBA All-Star Game. The East prevails 154-145 in overtime.
In the midst of a 0-6 road trip, David Thompson is lost for the season with torn ligaments in his left
knee that he suffered in a fall at New York’s Studio 54 disco.
The Sonics snap a 10-game road losing streak with a 124-106 win at San Antonio.
Seattle clinches a playoff berth with a 120-107 victory over Houston at the Tacoma Dome.
Gus Williams scores NBA playoff record 23 first-quarter points en route to a 38-point performance,
but the Sonics lose the playoff opener 88-86 at Dallas.
The Sonics are eliminated from the playoffs as Dallas wins 105-104 to capture the series 3-2.
All-Star center Jack Sikma signs a five-year contract.
On Draft Day, the Sonics trade Gus Williams to the Washington Bullets for veteran guard Ricky
Sobers and rookie center Tim McCormick.
Assistant Coach Dave Harshman resigns. The Sonics continue with Dick Helm as assistant coach
and Lorin Miller and Gary Wortman as scouts.
The Sonics leave on a 16-day, six-game tour of Europe.
The Sonics return from their tour after posting a 6-0 record over European professional teams.
The Sonics place David Thompson on waivers.
A crowd of 12,283 fans turn out to watch the Chicago Bulls’ rookie sensation Michael Jordan in his
only Kingdome appearance of the season. The Sonics lose 113-94.
Jack Sikma named NBA Player of the Week.
The Sonics defeat the L.A. Clippers 107-97 in the Kingdome in a game rescheduled due to the NFL
and Seattle Seahawks playoff scheduling conflict.
Jack Sikma scored his 10,000th career point vs. Denver.
Lenny Wilkens coaches his 1,000th career NBA game in a 89-86 win at Golden State.
Jack Sikma is selected to his seventh consecutive All-Star Game appearance by Western
Conference coaches.
The Sonics defeat Detroit 106-98 at the Kingdome in a game originally scheduled for March 18.
The game takes place on St. Patrick’s Day to accommodate the Piston’s revamped schedule due to
the collapse of Detroit’s Pontiac Silverdome.
Jack Sikma’s streak of 195 consecutive games played is snapped as he sits out with a torn central
slip of the extensor tendon and torn radial collateral ligament of his left ring finger. He had not
missed a game since January 13, 1983.
April 24, 1985
April 25, 1985
June 18, 1985
June 20, 1985
July 2, 1985
August 5, 1985
September 13, 1985
October 5, 1985
October 15, 1985
October 10, 1985
October 26, 1985
January 5, 1986
January 6, 1986
January 29, 1986
April 15, 1986
April 16, 1986
April 22, 1986
May 28, 1986
June 17, 1986
July 2, 1986
July 9, 1986
July 27, 1986
November 6, 1986
December 8, 1986
December 30, 1986
January 19, 1987
February 6, 1987
February 8, 1987
February 23, 1987
April 12, 1987
April 30, 1987
May 14, 1987
Sonics owner Barry Ackerley announces a shifting of front office duties. Lenny Wilkens
relinquishes his position as head coach and takes over as Vice President/General Manager. Les
Habegger, general manager for the past two season, shifts to director of player personnel and
scouting.
Danny Vranes is named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.
The Sonics select Wichita State’s 6-7 forward Xavier McDaniel in the first round of the NBA
Draft.
The Sonics name Bernie Bickerstaff as the new head coach.
The Sonics announce the hiring of assistant coaches Bob Kloppenburg and Lorin Miller. They
replace former assistant coach Dick Helm.
The Sonics announce that they will not exercise the option to renew the contract of David
Thompson. The veteran guard is declared a free agent.
The Sonics announce the signing of first-round draft choice Xavier McDaniel to a four-year
contract.
The Sonics host a “Dribble-On,” as the team collaborates with the March of Dimes to celebrate the
return of the Sonics to the Seattle Center Coliseum. An estimated crowd of 1,500 walks and
dribbles basketballs from the Kingdome to the Coliseum, led by head coach Bernie Bickerstaff and
Seattle Mayor Charles Royer.
Veteran guard David Thompson is given his unconditional release.
NBA Commissioner David J. Stern announces at a Seattle press conference that the 37th annual
NBA All-Star Game will be played at the Kingdome on February 8, 1987.
The Sonics open the season with a 101-95 loss in Dallas. New Sonics Head Coach Bernie
Bickerstaff first starting lineup includes Tom Chambers, Danny Vranes, Jack Sikma, Gerald
Henderson and Al Wood. Xavier McDaniel comes off the bench and scores 16 points and grabs
seven rebounds in his NBA debut.
Seattle receives the dubious distinction of being the first team in NBA history to have a game
postponed due to rains as their game against Phoenix is halted with 10:48 left in the second quarter
due to a leak in the roof of the Coliseum. After consulting with NBA administrators, referees Mike
Mathis and Mike Lauerman declare that the game will be resumed at the point of stoppage in play
the following night.
Phoenix defeats the Sonics 114-97 in the completion of the “rain game.”
Jack Sikma’s streak of consecutive All-Star Game appearances is snapped at seven as the Western
Conference coaches selestions are announced devoid of the Sonic captain. Sikma had appeared in
every All-Star Game since his rookie season.
Xavier McDaniel is named Co-Rookie of the Year along with Utah’s Karl Malone by Basketball
Weekly magazine.
Xavier McDaniel is named the recipient of the Seagram Sports Award 1986 NBA Rookie of the
Year.
Xavier McDaniel is the only unanimous selection on the All-NBA Rookie Team.
Bob Whitsitt, vice president and assistant general manager of the Sacramento Kings, is named the
president of the Sonics.
The Sonics select Nate McMillan, a 6-5 guard from North Carolina State, in the second round, 30th
pick overall, in the NBA Draft.
The Sonics trade Jack Sikma and their 1987 and 1989 second-round picks to Milwaukee for 7-0
center Alton Lister and the Bucks’ first-round draft picks in 1987 and 1989.
Lenny Wilkens resigns as Sonics general manager to accept the head coaching position in
Cleveland.
Seattle acquires 6-7 guard/forward Dale Ellis from Dallas for 6-6 guard/forward Al Wood.
Fred Brown’s #32 jersey is retired by the Sonics in a pregame ceremony against Dallas.
Tom Chambers named the NBA’s Player of the Week.
Nate McMillan gets his first starting assignment at point guard against Boston and hands out 12
assists.
The Sonics announce the beginning of a feasibility study to explore the building of a multi-purpose
arena in partnership with Spectacor Management of Philadelphia.
Tom Chambers is named as a starting forward to the Western Conference team for the NBA AllStar Game, replacing injured Ralph Sampson.
Tom Chambers is named the Most Valuable Player at the NBA All-Star Game played in the
Kingdome. Chambers scores 34 points, then the third-highest in All-Star Game history.
Nate McMillan hands out career-high 25 assists, tying the NBA record for most assists by a rookie
set by Ernie DeGregorio.
The Sonics clinch first playoff berth in three years after Phoenix loses to the L.A. Lakers.
Dale Ellis receives the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award in a pregame ceremony; the Sonics
defeat Dallas to win their first round playoff series 3-1.
Seattle defeats Houston 128-125 in double-overtime win Western Conference Semifinals series 4-2
and advance to the Western Conference Finals against the L.A. Lakers.
May 23, 1987
May 27, 1987
June 22, 1987
November 6, 1987
November 7, 1987
November 18, 1987
November 23, 1987
December 30, 1987
January 22, 1988
January 24, 1988
January 26, 1988
February 26, 1988
April 2, 1988
April 6, 1988
April 11, 1988
June 23, 1988
June 28, 1988
July 6, 1988
September 28, 1988
October 11, 1988
November 2, 1988
December 2, 1988
March 10, 1989
March 11, 1989
May 17, 1989
June 15, 1989
June 27, 1989
August 15, 1989
September 28, 1989
November 3, 1989
November 9, 1989
November 21, 1989
January 12, 1990
Xavier McDaniel scores career-high 42 points
Bernie Bickerstaff named the Sporting News NBA Coach of the Year.
The Sonics trade their first-round pick Scottie Pippen to Chicago for Olden Polynice, the Bulls’
first-round draft pick, a second-round pick and the option to switch first-round picks in 1989. Th e
Sonics also select 6-9 Alabama forward Derrick McKey as the ninth pick overall.
The Sonics open the season with a 113-109 loss to the defending NBA Champion L.A. Lakers.
Seattle defeats Phoenix 112-96 in the home opener before a sellout crowd of 14,252.
The Sonics commence what will become a franchise-record 17-game home winning streak with a
120-114 win over Portland in the Coliseum.
Xavier McDaniel named the NBA’s Player of the Week.
The Sonics beat the Boston Celtics 111-105 before the largest basketball crowd in Coliseum history
(14,850 standing room-only fans).
Dale Ellis ties his then-career-high of 47 points to lead the Sonics to a 109-106 win over Detroit in
the Coliseum. It marks the 17th straight home victory, setting the franchise record.
The Sonics’ 17-game home winning streak is snapped after a 116-109 loss to the L.A. Lakers
before a nationally televised audience.
Xavier McDaniel named to the Western Conference NBA All-Star Team, his first selection; Dale
Ellis elected to participate in the three-point shootout on All-Star Saturday. That night Ellis scores
42 points and makes NBA history by converting two four-point plays as the Sonics defeat
Sacramento at ARCO Arena for the first time.
Seattle’s “Big Three” of Tom Chambers, Dale Ellis and Xavier McDaniel all score at least 30
points in a 133-130 victory over Sacramento, marking the first time in franchise history that the feat
has been accomplished.
The Sonics score a then-franchise record 151 points in 151-107 defeat of Phoenix, as the team
clinches a playoff berth.
Rookie Derrick McKey becomes the first Sonics other than Tom Chambers, Dale Ellis and Xavier
McDaniel to lead the team in scoring in the past two seasons as he notches 18 points in a 114-112
win over Golden State.
Sonics president Bob Whitsitt signs a new five-year contract.
The Sonics lose Kevin Williams to the Miami Heat in the NBA expansion draft.
The Sonics acquire 1987-88 NBA rebounding champion Michael Cage from the L.A. Clippers in a
three-team draft-day swap that involves the Sonics, Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers.
Tom Chambers signs contract with the Phoenix Suns, becoming the first unrestricted free agent in
NBA history to sign with another team.
Sonics President Bob Whitsitt announces the proposed “Seafirst Arena” project is being tabled due
to the revelation that King County would not support the project unless the arena remained closed
approximately 125 days each year.
Dale Ellis signs a six-year contract with the Sonics.
Nate McMillan signs a three-year contract extension.
The Sonics set franchise record for most points in a game, as they defeat the L.A. Clippers 154104. The 54-point margin of victory is the largest ever at home.
Assistant Coach Tom Newell takes over head coaching role for the game at Milwaukee as Head
Coach Bernie Bickerstaff is hospitalized with an ulcer and senior Assistant Coach Bob
Kloppenburg is felled by severe arthritis. Newell is joined on the sidelines by President Bob
Whitsitt.
Assistant Coach Bob Kloppenburg assumes head coaching duties while Bernie Bickerstaff
continues to recuperate from ulcer. Kloppenburg is joined by Assistant Coach Tom Newell and
Assistant Coach/Head Scout Gary Wortman.
Sonics sign Xavier McDaniel to a five-year contract.
The Sonics lose 6-9 swingman Jerry Reynolds to Orlando Magic in NBA expansion draft.
The Sonics select 5-10 Boston College guard Dana Barros with the 16th pick and 6-10 Trinity
Junior College forward Shawn Kemp with the 17th pick in the NBA Draft.
The Sonics sign K.C. Jones as Assistant Coach/Basketball Consultant.
The Sonics announce that training camp has been relocated from Kirkland, Washington to San
Diego, California because the City of Kirkland notified the Sonics nine days before the start of
training camp that the Northwest College area was “not zoned for professional basketball.”
The Sonics defeat Minnesota 106-94 at the Coliseum in the expansion Timberwolves’ NBA debut.
Seattle loses 155-154 to Milwaukee in historic five-overtime game, tying the second-longest game
in NBA history. Dale Ellis scores career-high 53 points, second-highest total in franchise history.
Ellis also plays NBA all-time single-game record 69 minutes, while Xavier McDaniel plays
second-highest total in NBA history of 68 minutes.
The Sonics hold New Jersey to all-time opponent low for points in a quarter with seven points in
third quarter of 114-84 win at the Coliseum.
Dale Ellis suffers three broken ribs and a collapsed lung in automobile accident.
February 10, 1990
March 9, 1990
March 24, 1990
April 20, 1990
April 22, 1990
May 15, 1990
May 20, 1990
June 27, 1990
July 5, 1990
July 10, 1990
October 10, 1990
November 18, 1990
December 7, 1990
December 18, 1990
January 18, 1991
February 9, 1991
February 15, 1991
February 20, 1991
February 23, 1991
March 5, 1991
March 22, 1991
April 30, 1991
May 4, 1991
June 26, 1991
August 20, 1991
October 19, 1991
November 7, 1991
December 11, 1991
December 13, 1991
January 15, 1992
January 23, 1992
January 28, 1992
February 22, 1992
March 3, 1992
March 7, 1992
Sonics rookie Shawn Kemp, the youngest player in the NBA, leads all competitors after first two
rounds of the Slam Dunk Contest during NBA All-Star Weekend in Miami. Kemp eventually
finishes in fourth place.
Dale Ellis returns from 27-game injury absence and plays 22 minutes off the bench in the Sonics’
107-97 loss to Atlanta.
Former Sonic Tom Chambers scores 60 points in Phoenix’s 121-95 win over Seattle, setting an alltime franchise record for points by an individual opponent.
Dale Ellis set a then-NBA record by hitting nine three-point field goals in the Sonics’ 121-99 win
over the L.A. Clippers.
The Sonics lose 124-122 at Golden State, which prevents the team from qualifying for the playoffs.
K.C. Jones is named the Sonics’ new head coach, while former Head Coach Bernie Bickerstaff is
named the Vice President of Basketball Operations.
The Sonics defy 55-1 odds and receive the second pick overall in the NBA Draft lottery in New
York. Minutes earlier, Seattle won another lottery with Atlanta that broke a tie and determine
which team would receive two lottery chances and which team would receive one.
The Sonics select Oregon State point guard Gary Payton with the second pick in the NBA Draft.
The Sonics name Kip Motta as an assistant coach.
Bernie Bickerstaff resigns as Sonics Vice President of Basketball Operations to become the general
manager of the Denver Nuggets.
First-round pick Gary Payton signs a six-year contract with the Sonics.
Sonics score franchise-record-low 65 points in 78-65 loss at the L.A. Clippers.
The Sonics trade Xavier McDaniel to Phoenix for Eddie Johnson and two first-round draft picks.
Shawn Kemp makes second start of career at Orlando after the McDaniel trade was consummated
minutes prior to the game.
The Sonics defeat Orlando 122-105 in the Coliseum as a snow storm rages outside. The game was
delayed by one hour; Head Coach K.C. Jones arrives at the game midway through the second
quarter; Dale Ellis arrives midway through the second quarter; Michael Cage and Dave Corzine
walk to the game from their Queen Anne homes because their cars cannot navigate the snow.
Although 10,375 tickets are sold for the game, only 1,568 fans are able to attend.
Shawn Kemp blocks a franchise-record 10 shots in the Sonics’ 105-96 loss at the L.A. Lakers.
Shawn Kemp finished second to Boston’s Dee Brown in Slam Dunk Contest at the NBA All-Star
Game.
The Sonics trade Dale Ellis to Milwaukee for Ricky Pierce.
The Sonics trade Olden Polynice and two first-round draft picks to the L.A. Clippers for Benoit
Benjamin.
Rookie Gary Payton records his first career triple-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds and 11
assists.
The Sonics sign Ricky Pierce and Benoit Benjamin to long-term contract extensions.
The Sonics defeat the Suns 111-105 to snap a nine-game losing streak in Phoenix.
Sedale Threatt hits game-winning three-point shot in the final seconds to give the Sonics a 102-99
win over Portland in Game 3 of the first round of the playoffs.
The Sonics are eliminated from the playoffs by Portland 119-107 in the decisive Game 5.
Ackerley Communications, Inc. announces the new Seattle Arena project is off.
The Sonics tip off their 25th anniversary season by welcoming 26 former Sonics back to town for
the legends game. Former players participating include: Fred Brown, Spencer Haywood, Walt
Hazzard, Garfield Heard, Jack Sikma, Dick Snyder, Slick Watts, Wally Walker and Lenny
Wilkens.
The All-Time Sonics Team is announced to commemorate the franchise’s 25th anniversary. The
first team consists of Spencer Haywood, Xavier McDaniel, Jack Sikma, Gus Williams and Fred
Brown. Lenny Wilkens is named the all-time Sonics head coach.
The Sonics defeat Utah 103-95 in the grand opening of the Delta Center.
Ricky Pierce hits 75th consecutive free throw, the NBA’s then-second-best streak in history.
Pierce misses first free throw attempt at Boston Garden, as his streak of 75 straight free throws
made is snapped. He falls just three free throws of tying the then-NBA record of 78 held by
Houston’s Calvin Murphy.
K.C. Jones is relieved of head coaching duties; Bob Kloppenburg takes over on an interim basis.
Kip Motta is relieved of assistant coaching duties.
George Karl is named the Sonics’ new head coach; Kloppenburg and Gary Wortman remain as
assistant coaches.
The Sonics win at Orlando, 102-97, as George Karl records his first victory as Sonics head coach.
The Sonics defeat Portland 113-104 at the Kingdome in front of a crowd of 38,610, Seattle’s
biggest regular season crowd ever.
The Sonics beat Denver 111-92 to record the franchise’s 1,000th all-time regular season victory.
George Karl is presented with the NBA’s Coach of the Month award for February prior to Seattle’s
109-98 win over New Jersey.
March 17, 1992
April 19, 1992
April 23, 1992
May 14, 1992
May 28, 1992
November 6 & 7, 1992
November 18, 1992
February 13, 1993
February 22, 1993
February 26, 1993
March 6, 1993
March 19, 1993
April 9, 1993
April 22, 1993
April 23, 1993
September 1, 1993
November 1, 1993
November 9, 1993
November 26, 1993
November 27, 1993
December 6, 1993
December 23, 1993
March 11, 1994
March 17, 1994
March 20, 1994
March 26, 1994
April 10, 1994
April 16, 1994
April 22, 1994
June 21, 1994
June 29, 1994
July 18, 1994
July 21, 1994
July 25, 1994
November 5, 1994
January 4, 1995
January 24, 1995
February 5, 1995
The Sonics hire Tim Grgurich, a 12-year assistant at UNLV, as an assistant coach. Gary Wortman
resumes head scouting duties.
Dana Barros wins the NBA’s regular season three-point field goal percentage title on the final day
of the season, hitting both of his attempts.
The Sonics beat Golden State 119-116 to eliminate the Warriors three games to one.
The Sonics are eliminated from the playoffs as Utah wins the Western Conference Semifinals 4-1
with a 111-100 victory at home.
The Sonics announce that Nate McMillan signed a five-year contract extension early in the 1991-92
season, with both parties preferring to keep the signing confidential until season’s end.
The Sonics open the season with two victories in Yokohama, Japan over the Houston Rockets.
The Sonics are defeated by the defending NBA Champion Chicago Bulls 108-99 before 37,401 at
the Kingdome, the sixth largest crowd ever to see a Sonics game.
Derrick McKey’s layup with .4 seconds left gives the Sonics a 95-94 victory over the Phoenix Suns
for the first of what would be a season-high 10-game winning streak.
The Sonics acquire Sam Perkins from the L.A. Lakers for Benoit Benjamin and the rights to Doug
Christie.
The Sonics set a team record with 23 steals, two shy of the NBA mark, in a 141-120 victory over
Sacramento.
Seattle defeats Philadelphia 149-93 for their tenth win in a row. The 56-point margin of victory ties
the largest in team history.
The Sonics, playing without starting forwards Shawn Kemp (flu) and Derrick McKey (contusion,
right thigh), defeat Utah 108-97 to clinch a playoff berth.
Seattle beats Sacramento 111-97 for their 50th win of the season, marking the fourth time in
franchise history that the team reached the 50-win plateau.
George Karl records his 200th career NBA victory, becoming the 48th coach in league history to
attain the milestone.
The Sonics defeat the L.A. Lakers, 122-93, for their 55th win of the season.
Kendall Gill is acquired from the Charlotte Hornets for Dana Barros, Eddie Johnson and the rights
to swap first-round draft choices.
Detlef Schrempf is acquired from the Indiana Pacers for Derrick McKey and Gerald Paddio.
Sam Perkins ties a then-NBA record by hitting seven straight three-point field goals without a miss,
scoring a season-high 28 points as the Sonics defeat Denver 118-86.
The Sonics remain unbeaten, winning their 10th straight, 110-92 over Minnesota.
Cleveland hands the Sonics their first loss of the season, 101-90.
The Sonics match a franchise record with 23 steals against the Washington Bullets.
Dan Majerle’s three-pointer with seven seconds left gives Phoenix an 87-86 victory, the Sonics’
first home loss of the season.
Gary Payton’s 20-footer with 1.2 seconds left gives the Sonics a 100-99 victory at San Antonio.
The Sonics are the first team in the NBA to clinch a playoff spot, as they defeat Minnesota 107-92.
Shawn Kemp records his first career triple-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists, as the
Sonics defeat Charlotte 124-115.
The Sonics defeat Minnesota 113-93 for their 50th win of the season.
The Sonics defeat Phoenix 111-108 to clinch the Pacific Division title. The win marks the 57th of
the season and 34th at home, both single-season franchise records.
Seattle defeat the Houston Rockets 100-97 for their 60th victory of the season. The Sonics become
the 36th team and 11th franchise in NBA history to record 60 or more wins.
The Sonics sell out their 41st game of the season against San Antonio, a franchise record.
The Sonics and President Bob Whitsitt agree to mutually release each other from their contractual
obligations effective July 1, 1994.
The Sonics drafted Carlos Rogers with 11th pick in the first round of the NBA Draft.
The Sonics traded the rights to Carlos Rogers, two second-round picks in 1995 and Ricky Pierce to
Golden State in exchange for Sarunas Marciulionis and Byron Houston.
Wally Walker named the Sonics President/General Manager.
Detlef Schrempf signed a five-year contract.
The Sonics open the season with a win for the third straight year and sixth time in seven years as
they defeat Utah 110-103 at the Tacoma Dome, where the team will play the entire 1994-95 season
while KeyArena is built on the grounds of the old Coliseum.
Gary Payton shoots 14-for-14 from the field, setting a franchise record for most shots made without
a miss, and he becomes only the fourth player in NBA history to make 14 or more shots in a game
without a miss.
The Sonics defeat Denver 111-89 for their 17th straight win at the Tacoma Dome and their 10th win
in a row overall. The 17 straight home wins equals a franchise record for a single season.
The Sonics post a 136-109 win over the Heat in Miami, marking their 10th consecutive road
victory, a franchise record.
March 24, 1995
March 31, 1995
April 11, 1995
April 23, 1995
June 24, 1995
November 4, 1995
November 15, 1995
November 28, 1995
December 12, 1995
January 7, 1996
January 30, 1996
February 3, 1996
February 25, 1996
March 2, 1996
March 5, 1996
March 13, 1996
March 14, 1996
March 18, 1996
March 24, 1996
March 27, 1996
April 8, 1996
April 19, 1996
April 21, 1996
April 23, 1996
May 2, 1996
May 12, 1996
June 2, 1996
June 16, 1996
July 20, 1996
July 23, 1996
October 30, 1996
November 2, 1996
December 22, 1996
January 15, 1997
February 15, 1997
February 23, 1997
March 9, 1997
March 18, 1997
March 26, 1997
April 1, 1997
Seattle clinches a playoff berth with a 122-118 win at Portland. Gary Payton shoots 15-for-17 from
the field en route to a 32-point performance.
The Sonics beat Sacramento 120-95 for its 50th win of the season, marking the first time in team
history that they have won 50 or more games three straight seasons.
The Sonics announce that Kendall Gill, on a medical leave of absence, will rejoin the team on April
15.
Seattle closes out the regular season with a 105-100 loss at Phoenix, finishing with a 57-25 record.
In the NBA expansion draft, the Sonics lose Dontonio Wingfield to the Toronto Raptors.
In the inaugural game at KeyArena, the Sonics, sporting new uniforms with a new logo, prevail
over the L.A. Lakers 103-89.
Shawn Kemp records the third 20-20 game of his career, scoring 23 points and grabbing 21
rebounds in a 94-87 loss to Detroit.
Shawn Kemp is named the NBA Player of the Week after averaging 23.3 points, 12.8 rebounds and
2.0 assists as the Sonics went 3-1 during the week.
Shawn Kemp grabs a career-high 22 rebounds, but the Sonics lose to Dallas 112-101 in overtime.
The Sonics game at New York is cancelled due to a severe snow storm and is made up on April 8.
Nate McMillan grabs his 3,000th career rebound in 97-88 win over New Jersey.
Gary Payton hits a three-pointer with 7.6 seconds remaining in overtime to give the Sonics a 104103 win over Houston.
Shawn Kemp is named the NBA Player of the Week after averaging 22.5 points, 13.0 rebounds and
1.25 blocks.
George Karl is named the IBM Coach of the Month for February, in which the Sonics went 11-1.
The Sonics win a franchise-record 14th consecutive game as they defeat Cleveland 107-101 in
double overtime.
The Sonics defeat Orlando 100-99 to clinch a playoff spot for the sixth consecutive season.
The NBA suspended Gary Payton for one game as a result of an incident against Orlando on March
12, 1996.
Gary Payton records his fourth career triple-double with 20 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds in
the Sonics’ 104-101 win over the L.A. Clippers, the Sonics’ 50th victory of the season.
Gary Payton caps off a then-career-high 38-point performance with the game-winning steal and
basket with .5 seconds remaining as the Sonics defeat Sacramento 112-110.
The Sonics beat Charlotte 132-95 for their 55th victory of the season, marking the fourth straight
season that they have topped the 55-win plateau.
Shawn Kemp scores 25 points and grabs 13 rebounds to lead the Sonics to a 108-98 win at New
York, the 60th win of the season.
Seattle gets its franchise-record 64th victory and improves its KeyArena record to an all-time home
best of 38-3 with a 94-86 win over Minnesota, their 21st consecutive win over Minnesota.
The Sonics lead the league in steals for the fourth straight season, becoming the only team in NBA
history to accomplish the feat.
The NBA suspended Shawn Kemp for the first game of the 1996 playoffs.
The Sonics eliminate Sacramento 3-1 in the first round of the playoffs.
The Sonics sweep Houston to advance to the Western Conference Finals.
The Sonics defeat Utah 90-86 at KeyArena in a decisive Game 7 to advance to the NBA Finals for
the third time in franchise history.
The Sonics fall to the Chicago Bulls 87-75 at the United Center, as the Bulls prevail 4-2 in the
NBA Finals after Seattle had won Games 4 and 5 at KeyArena.
The Sonics re-signed Hersey Hawkins to a five-year contract.
The Sonics re-signed Gary Payton to a seven-year contract.
The Sonics signed Head Coach George Karl to a one-year contract extension through the 1997-98
season.
The Sonics win the home-opener over Portland 104-90.
Hersey Hawkins scores the NBA’s 7,000,000th point with a jump shot at 7:58 of the fourth quarter
in a 93-79 win over Dallas.
The Sonics set a team record with 15 three-pointers made in a 122-78 win over Toronto. Sam
Perkins hits eight three-pointers without a miss, tying an NBA record.
The NBA suspended Shawn Kemp for one game (2/16 at L.A. Lakers).
Gary Payton hits a 16-foot jump shot with 0.3 seconds left in the game to lift the Sonics to an 89-87
overtime win over Utah.
Gary Payton records his fourth career triple-double with 16 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in a
103-93 loss at Portland.
Gary Payton records his second triple-double in six games (and sixth of his career) with 14 points,
14 assists and 12 rebounds in 89-87 overtime loss to Chicago.
Sam Perkins plays in his 1,000th career NBA game.
Shawn Kemp scores his 10,000th career NBA point.
April 15, 1997
September 25, 1997
October 31, 1997
November 25, 1997
December 20, 1997
December 30, 1997
December 31, 1997
January 24, 1998
January 27, 1998
February 4, 1998
February 11, 1998
February 27, 1998
March 8, 1998
March 10, 1998
April 2, 1998
April 9, 1998
April 19, 1998
May 20, 1998
May 26, 1998
June 11, 1998
June 17, 1998
July 2, 1998
September 29, 1998
October 30, 1998
November 10, 1998
February 5, 1999
February 10, 1999
February 15, 1999
February 16, 1999
March 1, 1999
The Sonics defeat San Antonio 108-88 for their 55th victory of the season, marking the fifth
consecutive season in which they surpass the 55-win plateau, a feat that no other NBA team has
accomplished in the same time span.
The Sonics acquired Vin Baker from Milwaukee in a three-way trade. Seattle sent Shawn Kemp to
the Cleveland Cavaliers, which sent Tyrone Hill and Terrell Brandon to the Bucks, while Cleveland
acquired Kemp and Sherman Douglas.
The Sonics open the 1997-98 season with a 91-83 win over Portland.
Vin Baker makes a jump shot with 3.0 seconds remaining to lift the Sonics to a 91-90 win over
Chicago.
Dale Ellis becomes the first player in NBA history to reach 1,500 career three-point field goals
made in a 108-89 win over Golden State.
Gary Payton records his seventh career triple-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists
while leading the Sonics to a 101-87 win over Golden State.
George Karl is named the NBA’s IBM Coach of the Month for December after the Sonics posted
an 11-3 record. It is the fourth time in his career that he has received the award.
The Sonics defeat the L.A. Lakers 101-95, sending the Sonics coaching staff and George Karl to
the NBA All-Star Game as the Western Conference coaching staff. It is the third time in the last
five seasons that Karl has earned the honor.
The Western Conference All-Star team is announced, featuring Gary Payton as one of the starting
guards (his fifth consecutive All-Star appearance, second as a starter) and Vin Baker as one of the
reserves (his fourth consecutive All-Star appearance). They join the coaching staff and Dale Ellis,
who is selected to participate in the AT&T Long Distance Shootout.
Vin Baker scores a career-high-tying 41 points and matches a career-high six blocks to lead the
Sonics to a 104-97 win over Indiana.
Vin Baker hits a second game-winning shot with 1.9 seconds left to lift the Sonics to a 106-105 win
at San Antonio.
Vin Baker connects on his third game-winning shot of the season, this time with 3.1 seconds left as
the Sonics edge Atlanta, 90-88.
Gary Payton scores his 10,000th career NBA point.
With a 111-93 win over Toronto, the Sonics become the first team in the NBA to clinch a playoff
spot, marking the eight straight season and 11th in the past 12 years that they have qualified for the
postseason.
The Sonics defeat Dallas 107-86 for their 55th victory of the season, becoming just the third
franchise in NBA history to record 55 or more wins for six consecutive seasons.
George Karl records his 500th career victory with a 110-98 win over Vancouver. The Sonics
become the 47th team in NBA history to reach the 60-win plateau. It is the third time in five seasons
that the Sonics have won at least 60 games.
The Sonics win their third straight Pacific Division title after defeating Portland 90-82. It is
Seattle’s fourth division banner in five years and fifth in the history of the franchise.
Gary Payton and named to the All-NBA First Team and Vin Baker named to the All-NBA Second
Team.
The Sonics announce that they would not renew Head Coach George Karl’s contract.
Sonics athletic trainer Frank Furtado is named the NBA Trainer of the Year for the second time
(1989).
The Sonics name Paul Westphal as the new head coach.
The Sonics name Dwane Casey and Bob Weiss as assistant coaches.
Nate McMillan named assistant coach.
The Sonics extended the contract of President/General Manager Wally Walker through the 2001-02
season.
The Sonics named Billy McKinney Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations and
extended his contract through the 2001-02 season.
The Sonics open the lockout-shortened 50-game season by defeating the Dallas
Mavericks 92-86 as Gary Payton scores 28 points to lead Seattle.
Dale Ellis passes Hall of Famer Julius Erving (18,364) for 38th place on the NBA's alltime scoring list. Gary Payton records the 1,500th steal of his career. Sonics defeat the
Warriors, 89-82.
Gary Payton is named the NBA’s first Player of the Week for the 1998-99 season. In
leading the Sonics to a 5-0 start, Payton averaged 26.4 points, 9.0 assists and 5.8
rebounds per game.
The Sonics hold Utah to a club record low 56 points in defeating the Jazz, 71-56. Dale
Ellis passes Rick Barry (18,395) for 37th place on the NBA's all-time scoring list.
Paul Westphal records his 200th career victory as an NBA head coach. Gary Payton
records the eighth triple-double of his career with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists as
the Sonics defeat the Kings, 105-102.
March 4, 1999
March 9, 1999
March 13, 1999
March 24, 1999
March 28, 1999
March 30, 1999
April 15, 1999
April 16, 1999
April 20, 1999
April 28, 1999
May 2, 1999
May 4, 1999
May 13, 1999
June 8, 1999
June 21, 1999
June 25, 1999
June 30, 1999
July 15, 1999
August 12, 1999
August 18, 1999
November 2, 1999
November 4, 1999
November 9, 1999
November 10, 1999
November 15, 1999
November 21, 1999
November 26, 1999
December 4, 1999
December 11, 1999
Dale Ellis passes Mark Aguirre (18,458) for 36th place on the NBA's all-time scoring list.
Detlef Schrempf plays in his 1,000th career NBA game, becoming the 54th player in
league history to reach the milestone.
Gary Payton, a member of the gold medal-winning 1996 USA Olympic Team, and Vin
Baker are selected for the 1999 USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team, which will
participate in the 1999 Americas qualification tournament for the 2000 Olympic Games.
The Sonics retire the #10 jersey of assistant coach Nate McMillan and raise it to the
rafters of KeyArena. The former guard/forward played his entire 12-year career in a
Sonics uniform and retired as the franchise's all-time leader in assists and steals. During
the game, Gary Payton becomes the Sonics all-time steals leader passing McMillan with
his 1,545th steal.
Gary Payton scores his 11,000th career point, becoming the third Sonic in franchise
history (Fred Brown - 14,018 and Jack Sikma - 12,034) to reach the milestone.
Detlef Schrempf passes Dick Snyder (6,507) for 10th place on the Sonics' all-time
scoring list.
Hersey Hawkins’ three-pointer at the buzzer gives the Sonics a 99-98 overtime victory
over the Kings.
Hersey Hawkins plays in his 500th consecutive game, as he has the second-longest active
streak behind A.C. Green.
Hersey Hawkins selected as the Pacific Division winner for the 1998-99 NBA
Sportsmanship Award.
Detlef Schrempf scores the 15,000th point of his NBA career.
Dale Ellis passes Isiah Thomas (18,822) for 34th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
The Sonics sellout streak at KeyArena reaches 116 (139 including playoffs) as they sell
out every home game for the third consecutive season.
Gary Payton named the 1998-99 NBA All-Defensive First Team for the sixth consecutive
season.
Gary Payton named to the 1998-99 All-NBA Second Team for the fourth time in his
career.
Hersey Hawkins named the winner of the 1998-99 NBA Sportsmanship Award, designed
to honor a player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court.
Vin Baker notifies the Sonics of his decision to exercise the early expiration of his
contract.
The Sonics acquire Horace Grant and second-round draft picks in 2000 and 2001 from
the Orlando Magic in exchange for Dale Ellis, Don MacLean, Billy Owens and the right
to 1999 first-round draft choice Corey Maggette.
The Sonics named former New Jersey Nets Director of Player Personnel David
Pendergraft as a scout.
The Sonics acquired Brent Barry from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Hersey
Hawkins and James Cotton.
The Sonics re-signed Vin Baker to a seven-year contract.
The Sonics open their 33rd NBA season with a 104-92 win over the L.A. Clippers in the
inaugural game at the STAPLES Center.
Vin Baker scored his 8,000th career point in 106-96 win over Dallas in the fifth home
opener at KeyArena; the Sonics 114-game (131 including playoffs) sellout streak at
KeyArena snapped; the Sonics unveiled their red alternate road jerseys for the first time.
Gary Payton selected USA Basketball’s 1999 Male Athlete of the Year by USA
Basketball’s Executive Committee. Payton led Team USA to a gold medal at the PreOlympic Tournament of the Americas in Puerto Rico, averaging a team-high 16.3 points
per game and 4.6 assists per game.
Gary Payton tied his career-high of 17 assists, which he set vs. Charlotte on 3/27/96; the
Sonics recorded their 1,400th all-time franchise victory.
Gary Payton handed out nine assists to pass Nate McMillan (4,893) as the Sonics’ all
time assists leader.
Gary Payton passed Jack Sikma (715) for third place on the Sonics’ all-time list for
career games played.
Horace Grant scored 11,000th career point.
Gary Payton started 250th consecutive game, the longest current streak in the NBA.
Gary Payton handed out 5,000th career assist.
December 16, 1999
December 18, 1999
December 23, 1999
December 26, 1999
January 4, 2000
January 9, 2000
January 17, 2000
January 21, 2000
January 23, 2000
January 24, 2000
January 26, 2000
January 31, 2000
February 1, 2000
February 4, 2000
February 8, 2000
February 9, 2000
February 13, 2000
February 15, 2000
February 22, 2000
February 28, 2000
February 29, 20000
March 5, 2000
March 7, 2000
March 10, 2000
March 12, 2000
March 18, 2000
March 24, 2000
March 29, 2000
March 31, 2000
April 2, 2000
April 8, 2000
April 10, 2000
April 14, 2000
April 16, 2000
Gary Payton scored 12,000th career point.
Gary Payton passed Jack Sikma (12,034) for second place on the Sonics’ all-time scoring
list.
Horace Grant played in 900th career game; Gary Payton set a Sonics franchise record
with 17 three-point field goal attempts.
Chuck Person passed Bill Laimbeer (13,790) for 106th place on the NBA’s all-time
scoring list.
The Sonics opened the New Year and the millennium with a 103-96 victory over the Rockets that
snapped a season-high five-game losing streak.
Vin Baker scored 30-plus points in back-to-back games for the first time as a Sonic (31
on 1/8 and 30 on 1/9); Gary Payton’s 15-game streak of scoring 20 or more points is
snapped after he scored 14 points in overtime win over the Golden State Warriors.
Paul Westphal recorded 50th victory as Sonics head coach.
The Sonics’ 111-86 loss to the Celtics snapped a season-high seven-game winning streak;
Gary Payton’s streak of 40 consecutive games with at least one three-point field goal
made snapped.
Gary Payton recorded 5,000th career field goal.
Gary Payton’s streak of 42 consecutive games with 10 or more points snapped.
Chuck Person hit three-pointer at the buzzer to defeat New Jersey 95-92 at KeyArena.
Gary Payton passed Tom Chambers (2,603) for third place on Sonics’ all-time list for
free throw attempts.
Gary Payton named as a reserve to the Western Conference team for the 2000 NBA All
Star Game, his sixth straight selection; Payton played in his 750th career game at Utah;
Payton and Vin Baker score 35 and 33 points, respectively, marking the first time since
2/13/98 that the Sonics had two players score 30 or more points in a game.
Gary Payton grabbed 3,000th career rebound.
Gary Payton grabbed career-high 16 rebounds; Paul Westphal coached 100th game with
Sonics.
Rashard Lewis scored career-high 30 points and grabbed career-high 12 rebounds.
Gary Payton scored five points, grabbed four rebounds, handed out eight assists and had
two steals as the Western Conference defeated the Eastern Conference 137-126 in the
49th NBA All-Star Game at The Arena in Oakland.
Gary Payton scored then-career-high 41 points to lead the Sonics to a 114-85 win over
the Wizards.
Paul Westphal recorded 250th career victory as an NBA head coach as the Sonics scored a
season-high 127 points in win over the Magic.
Gary Payton passed Paul Westphal (12,809) for 124th place on the NBA’s all-time
scoring list.
Horace Grant grabbed 8,000th career rebound.
Vin Baker played in 500th career game; Baker scored 9,000th career point.
Ruben Patterson scored career-high 32 points.
Gary Payton passed Lenny Wilkens (1,926) for fourth place on the Sonics’ all-time free
throws made list.
The Sonics played their 1,300th home game in franchise history; Gary Payton scored
13,000th career point; Payton recorded ninth career triple-double with 22 points, 10
rebounds and 10 assists.
Gary Payton started 300th consecutive game; Vernon Maxwell played 800th career
game.
Horace Grant recorded 1,000th career steal.
Gary Payton passed Magic Johnson (1,724) for 11th place on the NBA’s all-time steals
list; Paul Westphal coached his 400th career NBA game; Lazaro Borrell, the second Cuban-born
player in NBA history, recorded his first NBA field goal.
The Sonics clinched a playoff berth, their 20th in the team’s 33-year history; the Sonics
snapped a season-high-tying five-game losing streak with a 123-108 win over the Kings.
Brent Barry’s 30-game streak with at least one three-pointer made was snapped.
Gary Payton passed Dale Ellis (699) as the Sonics’ all-time leader in three-point field
goals made; Payton passed Dennis Johnson (5,499) for 25th place on the NBA’s all-time
assists list.
Horace Grant recorded 1,000th career block; Shammond Williams scored career-high 28
points; Ruben Patterson played in 100th career game.
Gary Payton’s streak of 16 consecutive games in which he scored 20 or more points was
snapped; Lazaro Borrell scored career-high 15 points.
Gary Payton scored career-high 43 points in the Sonics’ 121-112 win over the Rockets,
marking the third time this season and in his career that he scored 40 or more points;
Payton passed Nate McMillan (3,222) for fifth place on the Sonics’ all-time rebounding
April 18, 2000
April 19, 2000
April 20, 2000
May 3, 2000
May 4, 2000
May 5, 2000
May 9, 2000
May 31, 2000
June 15, 2000
list; Payton made 2,000th career free throw; Rashard Lewis played in 100th career game.
The Sonics clinched the seventh playoff seed in the Western Conference with a 119-112
overtime win over the Kings; Gary Payton recorded 10th career triple-double with 33
points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists; Payton finished the season in 117th place on the
NBA’s all-time scoring list with 13,485 career points.
The Sonics closed out the 1999-2000 season with a 114-106 loss to the L.A. Clippers at
KeyArena, marking only the second time in 14 seasons that the Sonics finished a season
on their homecourt. Prior to the loss to the Clippers, the last time Seattle ended the year at
home was on 4/12/86 when it defeated Golden State 121-101.
Gary Payton named NBA Player of the Month for April after averaging 25.4 points, 8.0
rebounds and 8.3 assists in 10 games.
Gary Payton recorded franchise’s first-ever playoff triple-double with 35 points, 10
rebounds and 11 assists; Payton passed Paul Silas (360) for fourth place on the Sonics’
all-time playoff rebounding list; Payton scored his 1,500th career playoff point; Payton
had a playoff career-high six steals.
Gary Payton named to the 2000 NBA All-Defensive First Team, his seventh straight
selection. Payton received 52 of a possible 56 points, including 24 First Team votes while
being named on the maximum 28 ballots. He joined a select group of six players in
league history that includes Michael Jordan (nine), Bobby Jones (eight), Scottie Pippen
(eight), Walt Frazier (eight) and Dennis Rodman (seven).
The Sonics were eliminated by Utah 3-2 in the first round of the playoffs after a last
second three-point shot by Chuck Person fell short and the Jazz prevailed 96-93; Gary
Payton extended his playoff streak to 51 games in which he has scored in double-figures.
Gary Payton finished sixth in the NBA Most Valuable Player award voting with 180
points.
Gary Payton named to the 1999-2000 All-NBA First Team for the second time in his
career, as he was previously selected after the 1997-98 season. He received 95 First Team
votes and had a total of 541 points, second only to the L.A. Lakers’ Shaquille O’Neal,
who finished with 121 First Team votes and 605 points.
The Sonics announce the retirement of athletic trainer Frank Furtado. Only the
second trainer in franchise history, Furtado’s 26-year tenure spanned over 175
players and eight head coaches. A member of the 1979 NBA World Champion
Sonics, Furtado joined the Sonics on August 2, 1974, replacing Jack Curran, the team’s
original trainer. The Sonics named Mike Shimensky as the team’s new athletic trainer.