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1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics season

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1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics season
Conference champions
Division champions
Head coachGeorge Karl
General managerWally Walker
ArenaKeyArena at Seattle Center
Results
Record64–18 (.780)
PlaceDivision: 1st (Pacific)
Conference: 1st (Western)
Playoff finishNBA Finals
(lost to Bulls 2–4)
Stats at Basketball Reference
Local media
TelevisionKSTW
Prime Sports Northwest
RadioKJR
< 1994–95 1996–97 >

The 1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics season was the 28th season for the Seattle SuperSonics in the National Basketball Association.[1] During the off-season, the SuperSonics acquired Hersey Hawkins and David Wingate from the Charlotte Hornets,[2][3][4] and re-acquired Frank Brickowski from the Sacramento Kings.[5][6] The team returned to what had now become the KeyArena at Seattle Center, after spending the previous season in the Tacoma Dome, while the KeyArena was being renovated.[7][8]

With the addition of Hawkins, and after two consecutive NBA playoff appearances losing in the first round, the SuperSonics got off to a 9–6 start to the regular season in November, but posted a seven-game winning streak between December and January, and later on held a 34–12 record at the All-Star break.[9] The team posted a 14-game winning streak between February and March, and then posted a nine-game winning streak between March and April. The SuperSonics won 30 of their final 36 games of the season, winning the Pacific Division title with a franchise-best 64–18 record, surpassing the record from the 1993–94 season, and earning the first seed in the Western Conference;[10] The team also posted a 38–3 record at home, which was the second-best in the league, and qualified for the NBA playoffs for the sixth consecutive year.

Shawn Kemp averaged 19.6 points, 11.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game, while Gary Payton averaged 19.3 points, 7.5 assists and 2.9 steals per game, and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, and was also named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first and only point guard ever to win the award;[11][12][13] Kemp and Payton were both named to the All-NBA Second Team. In addition, Detlef Schrempf provided the team with 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game, but only played 63 games due to a knee injury,[14][15][16] while Hawkins contributed 15.6 points and 1.8 steals per game, and led the SuperSonics with 146 three-point field goals, sixth man Sam Perkins provided with 11.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, along with 129 three-point field goals off the bench, and starting center Ervin Johnson contributed 5.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. Off the bench, Vincent Askew averaged 8.4 points per game, while Brickowski contributed 5.4 points per game, and defensive guard Nate McMillan provided with 5.0 points, 3.6 assists and 1.7 steals per game.[17]

During the NBA All-Star weekend at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, Kemp and Payton were both selected for the 1996 NBA All-Star Game, as members of the Western Conference All-Star team, while head coach George Karl was selected to coach the Western Conference;[18][19][20] Payton also finished in sixth place in Most Valuable Player voting, while Kemp finished in eighth place.[21][22] This Sonics team is regarded as one of the best defensive teams in the late 1990s; led by Kemp and Payton, the two formed "Sonic Boom", one of the most electrifying tandems in NBA history.

In the Western Conference First Round of the 1996 NBA playoffs, the SuperSonics faced off against the 8th–seeded Sacramento Kings, a team that featured All-Star guard Mitch Richmond, Brian Grant and Olden Polynice. Despite losing Game 2 to the Kings at home, 90–81 at the KeyArena at Seattle Center,[23][24][25] the SuperSonics won the next two games on the road, which included a Game 4 win over the Kings at the ARCO Arena II, 101–87 to win the series in four games, and advance to the second round for the first time in three years.[26][27][28]

In the Western Conference Semi-finals, the team faced off against the 5th–seeded, and 2-time defending NBA champion Houston Rockets, a team that featured All-Star center Hakeem Olajuwon, All-Star guard Clyde Drexler, and Robert Horry. The SuperSonics won the first two games over the Rockets at the KeyArena at Seattle Center, and then won the next two games on the road, including a Game 4 win over the Rockets at The Summit in overtime, 114–107 to win the series in a four-game sweep, and advance to the Western Conference Finals.[29][30][31]

In the Conference Finals, the SuperSonics then faced off against the 3rd–seeded Utah Jazz, who were led by the trio of All-Star forward Karl Malone, All-Star guard John Stockton, and Jeff Hornacek. The SuperSonics took a 2–0 series lead, but then lost Game 3 to the Jazz on the road, 96–76 at the Delta Center, before winning Game 4 on the road, 88–86 to take a 3–1 series lead. However, the Jazz managed to win the next two games to even the series; the SuperSonics won Game 7 over the Jazz at the KeyArena at Seattle Center, 90–86 to win in a hard-fought seven-game series, and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1979.[32][33][34]

In the 1996 NBA Finals, the SuperSonics faced off against the top–seeded Chicago Bulls, who were led by the trio of All-Star guard, and Most Valuable Player of the Year, Michael Jordan, All-Star forward Scottie Pippen, and rebound-specialist Dennis Rodman, and also finished with a league-best 72–10 record. The SuperSonics lost the first two games to the Bulls on the road at the United Center, and then lost Game 3 at home, 108–86 at the KeyArena at Seattle Center, as the Bulls took a 3–0 series lead.[35][36][37] However, the SuperSonics managed to win their next two home games,[38][39] but then lost Game 6 to the Bulls at the United Center, 87–75, thus losing the series in six games, as the Bulls won their fourth NBA championship.[40][41][42]

The SuperSonics finished 14th in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 697,301 at the KeyArena at Seattle Center during the regular season.[17][43] Following the season, Johnson signed as a free agent with the Denver Nuggets,[44][45][46] while Askew was traded to the New Jersey Nets,[47][48] and Brickowski signed with the Boston Celtics.[49] This Sonics team has been featured in the video game series NBA 2K.

For the season, the SuperSonics featured a new primary logo of a dark green oval with the Space Needle forming the letter "I" in Sonics,[50] plus adding new uniforms, and added dark green and red to their color scheme.[51][52] The team's new primary logo, and new uniforms would both remain in use until 2001.

Draft picks

[edit]
Main article: 1995 NBA draft
Round Pick Player Position Nationality College/team
1 26 Sherell Ford SF  United States Illinois–Chicago
2 54 Eurelijus Žukauskas C  Lithuania Neptūnas Klaipėda

Roster

[edit]
1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Player Height Weight DOB From
F 2 Vincent Askew 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 210 lb (95 kg) 1966–02–28 Memphis
F 34 Frank Brickowski 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 240 lb (109 kg) 1959–08–14 Penn State
F 1 Sherell Ford 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 210 lb (95 kg) 1972–08–26 UIC
G 33 Hersey Hawkins 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1966–09–29 Bradley
C 50 Ervin Johnson 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) 245 lb (111 kg) 1967–12–21 New Orleans
F 40 Shawn Kemp 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 230 lb (104 kg) 1969–11–26 Trinity Valley CC
G 10 Nate McMillan 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 1964–08–03 NC State
G 20 Gary Payton 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 1968–07–23 Oregon State
C 14 Sam Perkins 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 235 lb (107 kg) 1961–06–14 North Carolina
C 55 Steve Scheffler 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 250 lb (113 kg) 1967–09–03 Purdue
F 11 Detlef Schrempf 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 214 lb (97 kg) 1963–01–21 Washington
G 3 Eric Snow 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1973–04–24 Michigan State
G 25 David Wingate 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1963–12–15 Georgetown
Head coach
Assistant(s)
Legend
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (S) Suspended
  • Injured Injured

Roster
Updated: October 31, 1995

Regular season

[edit]

Season standings

[edit]
Pacific Division
 W L PCT GB Home Road Div
c-Seattle SuperSonics 64 18 .780 – 38–3 26–15 21–3
x-Los Angeles Lakers 53 29 .646 11 30–11 23–18 17–7
x-Portland Trail Blazers 44 38 .537 20 26–15 18–23 11–13
x-Phoenix Suns 41 41 .500 23 25–16 16–25 9–15
x-Sacramento Kings 39 43 .476 25 26–15 13–28 11–13
Golden State Warriors 36 46 .439 28 23–18 13–28 7–17
Los Angeles Clippers 29 53 .354 35 19–22 10–31 7–17
Western Conference
# Team W L PCT GB GP
1 c-Seattle SuperSonics * 64 18 .780 – 82
2 y-San Antonio Spurs * 59 23 .720 5 82
3 x-Utah Jazz 55 27 .671 9 82
4 x-Los Angeles Lakers 53 29 .646 11 82
5 x-Houston Rockets 48 34 .585 16 82
6 x-Portland Trail Blazers 44 38 .537 20 82
7 x-Phoenix Suns 41 41 .500 23 82
8 x-Sacramento Kings 39 43 .476 25 82
9 Golden State Warriors 36 46 .439 28 82
10 Denver Nuggets 35 47 .427 29 82
11 Los Angeles Clippers 29 53 .354 35 82
12 Minnesota Timberwolves 26 56 .317 38 82
13 Dallas Mavericks 26 56 .317 38 82
14 Vancouver Grizzlies 15 67 .183 49 82

Game log

[edit]
1995–96 game log
Total: 64–18 (home: 38–3; road: 26–15)
November: 9–6 (home: 5–1; road: 4–5)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
1 November 3 @ Utah L 94–112 Detlef Schrempf (24) Shawn Kemp (8) Gary Payton (7) Delta Center
19,911 		0–1
2 November 4 L.A. Lakers W 103–89 Shawn Kemp (23) Shawn Kemp (13) Gary Payton (7) KeyArena
17,102 		1–1
3 November 7 L.A. Clippers W 127–108 Gary Payton (21) Shawn Kemp (9) Gary Payton (9) KeyArena
17,102 		2–1
4 November 8 @ Denver W 122–117 Detlef Schrempf (35) Detlef Schrempf (8) Gary Payton (10) McNichols Sports Arena
17,171 		3–1
5 November 10 @ L.A. Lakers L 97–100 Schrempf, Kemp (27) Shawn Kemp (14) Gary Payton (10) Great Western Forum
15,542 		3–2
6 November 11 Vancouver W 117–81 Shawn Kemp (24) Ervin Johnson (11) Shawn Kemp (6) KeyArena
17,102 		4–2
7 November 14 @ Phladelphia W 115–107 Shawn Kemp (29) Kemp, Perkins (12) Gary Payton (11) CoreStates Spectrum
10,098 		5–2
8 November 15 @ Detroit L 87–94 Shawn Kemp (23) Shawn Kemp (21) Gary Payton (6) The Palace of Auburn Hills
14,732 		5–3
9 November 17 @ Charlotte W 98–96 Gary Payton (19) Shawn Kemp (16) Gary Payton (5) Charlotte Coliseum
24,042 		6–3
10 November 18 @ Indiana L 104–118 Shawn Kemp (27) Shawn Kemp (12) Shawn Kemp (9) Market Square Arena
16,724 		6–4
11 November 21 @ Toronto L 97–102 Gary Payton (24) Shawn Kemp (8) Gary Payton (11) SkyDome
21,836 		6–5
12 November 22 @ Minnesota W 106–97 Shawn Kemp (26) Shawn Kemp (12) Gary Payton (7) Target Center
12,504 		7–5
13 November 24 San Antonio W 112–100 Hersey Hawkins (27) Shawn Kemp (17) Gary Payton (9) KeyArena
17,072 		8–5
14 November 26 Chicago W 97–92 Gary Payton (26) Shawn Kemp (14) Gary Payton (11) KeyArena
17,072 		9–5
15 November 28 Indiana L 101–102 Gary Payton (24) Schrempf, Kemp (8) Nate McMillan (7) KeyArena
17,072 		9–6
December: 11–2 (home: 8–0; road: 3–2)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
16 December 1 Milwaukee W 110–99 Shawn Kemp (27) Shawn Kemp (12) Schrempf, Payton (5) KeyArena
17,072 		10–6
17 December 5 Toronto W 119–89 Shawn Kemp (21) Kemp, Johnson (9) Gary Payton (9) KeyArena
17,072 		11–6
18 December 8 @ Sacramento W 120–103 Hersey Hawkins (34) Payton, Kemp (7) Gary Payton (14) ARCO Arena
17,317 		12–6
19 December 9 Portland W 106–97 Detlef Schrempf (28) Shawn Kemp (13) Gary Payton (12) KeyArena
17,072 		13–6
20 December 12 @ Dallas L 101–112 (OT) Hersey Hawkins (24) Shawn Kemp (22) Gary Payton (9) Reunion Arena
16,089 		13–7
21 December 13 @ San Antonio W 88–83 Shawn Kemp (30) Shawn Kemp (16) Gary Payton (8) Alamodome
13,645 		14–7
22 December 15 Golden State W 108–101 Shawn Kemp (32) Shawn Kemp (16) Shawn Kemp (7) KeyArena
17,072 		15–7
23 December 19 @ Vancouver L 93–94 Hersey Hawkins (22) Shawn Kemp (8) Gary Payton (7) General Motors Place
16,701 		15–8
24 December 21 Vancouver W 92–68 Gary Payton (22) Shawn Kemp (12) Gary Payton (6) KeyArena
17,072 		16–8
25 December 23 Washington W 118–100 Gary Payton (27) Shawn Kemp (15) Gary Payton (11) KeyArena
17,072 		17–8
26 December 27 Denver W 99–83 Hersey Hawkins (24) Shawn Kemp (16) Nate McMillan (7) KeyArena
17,072 		18–8
27 December 29 Boston W 124–85 Gary Payton (26) Kemp, Johnson (13) Gary Payton (9) KeyArena
17,072 		19–8
28 December 30 @ Phoenix W 123–112 (OT) Hersey Hawkins (35) Hersey Hawkins (10) Gary Payton (10) America West Arena
19,023 		20–8
January: 12–3 (home: 6–1; road: 6–2)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
29 January 2 @ Atlanta W 111–88 Frank Brickowski (21) Shawn Kemp (12) McMillan, Payton (6) Omni Coliseum
8,524 		21–8
30 January 4 @ Miami W 84–81 Shawn Kemp (21) Shawn Kemp (13) Payton, McMillan (5) Miami Arena
14,964 		22–8
31 January 5 @ Orlando L 93–115 Hersey Hawkins (25) Shawn Kemp (11) McMillan, Payton (5) Orlando Arena
17,248 		22–9
32 January 9 @ Milwaukee W 97–92 Gary Payton (26) Shawn Kemp (10) Nate McMillan (7) Bradley Center
15,388 		23–9
33 January 10 @ Chicago L 87–113 Shawn Kemp (17) Shawn Kemp (13) Nate McMillan (5) United Center
23,877 		23–10
34 January 12 Miami W 113–81 Shawn Kemp (27) Shawn Kemp (13) Nate McMillan (5) KeyArena
17,072 		24–10
35 January 15 @ Golden State W 104–95 Gary Payton (23) Shawn Kemp (14) Gary Payton (9) Oakland Coliseum Arena
15,025 		25–10
36 January 16 Cleveland W 99–90 Shawn Kemp (31) Shawn Kemp (16) Gary Payton (8) KeyArena
17,072 		26–10
37 January 19 New York L 97–100 (OT) Shawn Kemp (25) Shawn Kemp (14) Nate McMillan (4) KeyArena
17,072 		26–11
38 January 21 Dallas W 108–101 Shawn Kemp (26) Shawn Kemp (13) Nate McMillan (6) KeyArena
17,072 		27–11
39 January 24 Denver W 86–79 Sam Perkins (18) Hersey Hawkins (6) Gary Payton (9) KeyArena
17,072 		28–11
40 January 26 Utah W 94–93 Gary Payton (24) Shawn Kemp (12) Hawkins, Payton (5) KeyArena
17,072 		29–11
41 January 27 @ L.A. Clippers W 96–87 Payton, Hawkins (23) Shawn Kemp (11) Gary Payton (8) Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim
15,081 		30–11
42 January 29 @ Portland W 92–88 Gary Payton (21) Shawn Kemp (7) Gary Payton (7) Rose Garden Arena
21,221 		31–11
43 January 30 New Jersey W 97–88 Shawn Kemp (25) Shawn Kemp (13) Nate McMillan (6) KeyArena
16,003 		32–11
February: 11–1 (home: 7–0; road: 4–1)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
44 February 1 @ Dallas L 100–103 Shawn Kemp (22) Shawn Kemp (15) four players tied (5) Reunion Arena
15,295 		32–12
45 February 3 @ Houston W 104–103 (OT) Gary Payton (32) Shawn Kemp (18) Payton, Schrempf (8) The Summit
16,285 		33–12
46 February 6 Houston W 99–94 Payton, Kemp (22) Shawn Kemp (13) Detlef Schrempf (9) KeyArena
17,072 		34–12
All-Star Break
47 February 13 @ Phoenix W 102–98 Gary Payton (23) Shawn Kemp (14) Gary Payton (10) America West Arena
19,023 		35–12
48 February 14 Minnesota W 130–93 Ervin Johnson (28) Ervin Johnson (12) Gary Payton (12) KeyArena
16,260 		36–12
49 February 16 Phoenix W 117–99 Schrempf, Hawkins (19) Detlef Schrempf (8) Gary Payton (10) KeyArena
17,072 		37–12
50 February 18 @ Vancouver W 118–109 Shawn Kemp (25) Shawn Kemp (12) Gary Payton (7) General Motors Place
19,193 		38–12
51 February 19 Atlanta W 102–94 Shawn Kemp (21) Kemp, McMillan (7) Gary Payton (8) KeyArena
17,072 		39–12
52 February 22 Golden State W 106–90 Gary Payton (19) Ervin Johnson (11) Gary Payton (7) KeyArena
17,072 		40–12
53 February 24 Sacramento W 104–91 Shawn Kemp (30) Shawn Kemp (18) four players tied (3) KeyArena
17,072 		41–12
54 February 25 @ L.A. Clippers W 106–101 Sam Perkins (22) Shawn Kemp (17) Gary Payton (9) Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
8,807 		42–12
55 February 28 Detroit W 94–80 Shawn Kemp (23) Shawn Kemp (14) Gary Payton (8) KeyArena
17,072 		43–12
March: 13–3 (home: 7–1; road: 6–2)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
56 March 1 @ Boston W 106–96 Payton, Schrempf (21) Ervin Johnson (8) Gary Payton (7) FleetCenter
18,624 		44–12
57 March 2 @ New Jersey W 103–92 Detlef Schrempf (26) Ervin Johnson (13) Gary Payton (7) Brendan Byrne Arena
20,049 		45–12
58 March 5 @ Cleveland W 107–101 (2OT) Gary Payton (24) three players tied (8) Gary Payton (9) Gund Arena
17,260 		46–12
59 March 6 @ Washington L 88–99 Gary Payton (26) Sam Perkins (11) Gary Payton (3) USAir Arena
18,756 		46–13
60 March 8 @ Minnesota W 132–112 Gary Payton (33) Perkins, Askew (9) Gary Payton (10) Target Center
13,930 		47–13
61 March 10 San Antonio L 105–106 Gary Payton (30) Gary Payton (11) Gary Payton (6) KeyArena
17,072 		47–14
62 March 13 Orlando W 100–99 Gary Payton (23) Shawn Kemp (12) Shawn Kemp (8) KeyArena
17,072 		48–14
63 March 15 Dallas W 120–97 Sam Perkins (26) Shawn Kemp (12) Eric Snow (13) KeyArena
17,072 		49–14
64 March 18 L.A. Clippers W 104–101 Shawn Kemp (27) Gary Payton (10) Gary Payton (10) KeyArena
16,638 		50–14
65 March 19 @ L.A. Lakers L 71–94 Gary Payton (17) Shawn Kemp (15) Detlef Schrempf (6) Great Western Forum
17,505 		50–15
66 March 21 L.A. Lakers W 104–93 three players tied (20) Shawn Kemp (11) Gary Payton (7) KeyArena
17,072 		51–15
67 March 23 Philadelphia W 129–89 Shawn Kemp (20) Ervin Johnson (11) Detlef Schrempf (8) KeyArena
16,646 		52–15
68 March 24 @ Sacramento W 112–110 Gary Payton (38) Payton, Kemp (11) Payton, McMillan (9) ARCO Arena
17,317 		53–15
69 March 26 @ Golden State W 114–102 Payton, Schrempf (23) Detlef Schrempf (7) Gary Payton (11) Oakland Coliseum Arena
15,025 		54–15
70 March 27 Charlotte W 132–95 Shawn Kemp (21) Kemp, Johnson (11) Gary Payton (17) KeyArena
17,072 		55–15
71 March 30 Utah W 100–98 Sam Perkins (22) Ervin Johnson (10) Gary Payton (10) KeyArena
17,072 		56–15
April: 8–3 (home: 5–0; road: 3–3)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
72 April 2 @ Utah W 100–91 Detlef Schrempf (29) Shawn Kemp (11) Gary Payton (9) Delta Center
19,911 		57–15
73 April 3 Houston W 118–103 Gary Payton (30) Shawn Kemp (9) Gary Payton (12) KeyArena
17,072 		58–15
74 April 5 Phoenix W 130–121 (2OT) Shawn Kemp (26) Schrempf, Kemp (9) Gary Payton (10) KeyArena
17,072 		59–15
75 April 6 @ Portland L 92–95 Askew, Perkins (17) Shawn Kemp (10) Gary Payton (11) Rose Garden Arena
21,401 		59–16
76 April 8 @ New York W 108–98 Shawn Kemp (25) Shawn Kemp (13) Gary Payton (9) Madison Square Garden
19,763 		60–16
77 April 10 Sacramento W 108–89 Detlef Schrempf (20) Ervin Johnson (12) Payton, McMillan (7) KeyArena
17,072 		61–16
78 April 13 @ San Antonio L 81–84 Detlef Schrempf (20) Shawn Kemp (14) Hersey Hawkins (5) Alamodome
31,710 		61–17
79 April 15 @ Houston W 112–106 Gary Payton (31) Shawn Kemp (10) Gary Payton (9) The Summit
16,285 		62–17
80 April 17 Portland W 96–90 Hersey Hawkins (20) Ervin Johnson (13) Gary Payton (10) KeyArena
17,072 		63–17
81 April 19 Minnesota W 94–86 Hersey Hawkins (23) Shawn Kemp (11) Schrempf, Kemp (5) KeyArena
17,072 		64–17
82 April 21 @ Denver L 88–99 three players tied (13) Sam Perkins (7) Hersey Hawkins (3) McNichols Sports Arena
15,921 		64–18
1995–96 schedule

Season Synopsis

[edit]

November

[edit]

The SuperSonics started their season on November 3 on the road wherein they faced the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. They started the game well after leading the Jazz in the 1st Quarter, but the Jazz fought back and never looked back as they defeated the Sonics, 112–94. The Sonics now went back home to play the two Los Angeles teams, the Los Angeles Lakers and the L.A. Clippers. The SuperSonics won both of their home games, as they were now up 2-1 for the season. On November 26, the SuperSonics hosted the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls. The visiting Bulls hold a double-digit lead at halftime but the Sonics fought back and only allowed 28 2nd half PTS for the Bulls as they won the game, 97–92. The month of November for the Sonics ended in a disappointing way because they were defeated by a point by the visiting Indiana Pacers led by Reggie Miller. Overall, the Sonics posted a record of 9–6 in 15 games played during that month.[53]

Playoffs

[edit]
1996 playoff game log
First round: 3–1 (home: 1–1; road: 2–0)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Series
1 April 26 Sacramento W 97–85 Gary Payton (29) Ervin Johnson (10) Gary Payton (9) KeyArena
17,072 		1–0
2 April 28 Sacramento L 81–90 Shawn Kemp (21) Shawn Kemp (8) Gary Payton (7) KeyArena
17,072 		1–1
3 April 30 @ Sacramento W 96–89 Sam Perkins (17) Shawn Kemp (9) Gary Payton (7) ARCO Arena
17,317 		2–1
4 May 2 @ Sacramento W 101–87 Gary Payton (29) Detlef Schrempf (10) Detlef Schrempf (9) ARCO Arena
17,317 		3–1
Conference Semi-finals: 4–0 (home: 2–0; road: 2–0)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Series
1 May 4 Houston W 108–75 Gary Payton (28) Shawn Kemp (12) Gary Payton (7) KeyArena
17,072 		1–0
2 May 6 Houston W 105–101 Detlef Schrempf (21) Schrempf, Kemp (10) Schrempf, Payton (5) KeyArena
17,072 		2–0
3 May 10 @ Houston W 115–112 Gary Payton (28) Shawn Kemp (18) Gary Payton (8) The Summit
16,285 		3–0
4 May 12 @ Houston W 114–107 (OT) Shawn Kemp (32) Shawn Kemp (15) Gary Payton (11) The Summit
16,611 		4–0
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 18 Utah W 102–72 Kemp, Payton (21) Shawn Kemp (11) Gary Payton (7) KeyArena
17,072 		1–0
2 May 20 Utah W 91–87 Gary Payton (18) Nate McMillan (5) Gary Payton (8) KeyArena
17,072 		2–0
3 May 24 @ Utah L 76–96 Gary Payton (25) Hawkins, Payton (6) Gary Payton (3) Delta Center
19,911 		2–1
4 May 26 @ Utah W 88–86 Gary Payton (19) Shawn Kemp (8) Gary Payton (6) Delta Center
19,911 		3–1
5 May 28 Utah L 95–98 (OT) Gary Payton (31) Shawn Kemp (13) Gary Payton (6) KeyArena
17,072 		3–2
6 May 30 @ Utah L 83–118 Shawn Kemp (26) Shawn Kemp (14) Gary Payton (7) Delta Center
19,911 		3–3
7 June 2 Utah W 90–86 Shawn Kemp (26) Shawn Kemp (14) Gary Payton (5) KeyArena
17,072 		4–3
NBA Finals: 2–4 (home: 2–1; road: 0–3)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Series
1 June 5 @ Chicago L 90–107 Shawn Kemp (32) Gary Payton (10) Gary Payton (6) United Center
24,544 		0–1
2 June 7 @ Chicago L 88–92 Shawn Kemp (29) Shawn Kemp (13) Payton, Schrempf (3) United Center
24,544 		0–2
3 June 9 Chicago L 86–108 Detlef Schrempf (20) Brickowski, Payton (7) Gary Payton (9) KeyArena
17,072 		0–3
4 June 12 Chicago W 107–86 Shawn Kemp (25) Shawn Kemp (11) Gary Payton (11) KeyArena
17,072 		1–3
5 June 14 Chicago W 89–78 Gary Payton (23) Shawn Kemp (10) Gary Payton (6) KeyArena
17,072 		2–3
6 June 16 @ Chicago L 75–87 Detlef Schrempf (23) Shawn Kemp (14) Gary Payton (7) United Center
24,544 		2–4
1996 schedule

Player statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field-goal percentage  3P%  3-point field-goal percentage  FT%  Free-throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game

Season

[edit]
Player GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
Vincent Askew 69 2 25.0 .493 .337 .764 3.2 2.4 .7 .2 8.4
Frank Brickowski 63 8 15.7 .488 .405 .709 2.4 .9 .4 .1 5.4
Sherell Ford 28 1 5.0 .375 .160 .765 .9 .2 .3 .0 3.2
Hersey Hawkins 82 82 34.4 .473 .384 .874 3.6 2.7 1.8 .2 15.6
Ervin Johnson 81 60 18.8 .511 .333 .669 5.3 .6 .5 1.6 5.5
Shawn Kemp 79 76 33.3 .561 .417 .742 11.4 2.2 1.2 1.6 19.6
Nate McMillan 55 14 22.9 .420 .380 .707 3.8 3.6 1.7 .3 5.0
Gary Payton 81 81 39.0 .484 .328 .748 4.2 7.5 2.9 .2 19.3
Sam Perkins 82 20 26.5 .408 .355 .793 4.5 1.5 1.0 .6 11.8
Steve Scheffler 35 2 5.2 .533 .200 .474 .9 .1 .2 .1 1.7
Detlef Schrempf 63 60 34.9 .486 .408 .776 5.2 4.4 .9 .1 17.1
Eric Snow 43 1 9.0 .420 .200 .592 1.0 1.7 .7 .0 2.7
David Wingate 60 3 11.6 .415 .441 .780 .9 1.0 .3 .1 3.7

Playoffs

[edit]
Player GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
Vincent Askew 19 0 18.2 .343 .261 .607 2.2 1.4 .7 .4 3.7
Frank Brickowski 21 3 9.8 .421 .273 .750 1.4 .5 .3 .2 2.0
Hersey Hawkins 21 21 34.0 .452 .344 .895 3.0 2.2 1.3 .2 12.3
Ervin Johnson 18 18 14.1 .371 .000 .818 3.8 .4 .3 .8 3.1
Shawn Kemp 20 20 36.0 .570 .000 .795 10.4 1.5 1.2 2.0 20.9
Nate McMillan 19 0 20.3 .406 .475 .643 3.7 2.7 1.2 .3 4.4
Gary Payton 21 21 43.4 .485 .410 .633 5.1 6.8 1.8 .3 20.7
Sam Perkins 21 1 31.1 .459 .368 .754 4.3 1.7 .7 .3 12.3
Steve Scheffler 8 0 2.8 .000 .000 .000 .8 .3 .1 .0 .0
Detlef Schrempf 21 21 37.6 .475 .368 .750 5.0 3.2 .7 .2 16.0
Eric Snow 10 0 2.4 .143 .000 .000 .4 .6 .2 .0 .2
David Wingate 13 0 5.2 .438 .500 1.000 .2 .0 .0 .0 1.5

Player statistics citation:[17]

Awards and records

[edit]

Awards

[edit]
All-NBA Teams
  • Shawn Kemp – All-NBA Second Team
  • Gary Payton – All-NBA Second Team
NBA All-Defensive Teams
  • Gary Payton – All-Defensive First Team
1996 NBA All-Star Game
  • Shawn Kemp (fourth appearance, second start)
  • Gary Payton (third appearance)

Records

[edit]

Transactions

[edit]
Main article: List of 1995–96 NBA season transactions

Trades

[edit]
June 27, 1995 To Seattle SuperSonics
Hersey Hawkins
David Wingate 		To Charlotte Hornets
Kendall Gill
June 28, 1995 To Seattle SuperSonics
Eric Snow 		To Milwaukee Bucks
Aurelijus Zukauskas
1996 second-round pick
September 18, 1995 To Seattle SuperSonics
Frank Brickowski 		To Sacramento Kings
Byron Houston
Šarūnas Marčiulionis

Free agents

[edit]

Additions

[edit]
Player Signed Former team
Trevor Wilson October 25 Sacramento Kings

Subtractions

[edit]
Player Left New team
Dontonio Wingfield expansion draft, June 24 Toronto Raptors
Bill Cartwright retired, July 5
Trevor Wilson waived, October 31 Somontano Huesca (LEB Oro)

Player Transactions Citation:[54]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ 1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics
  2. ^ "SPORTS PEOPLE: PRO BASKETBALL; Hornets Re-Acquire Gill in Trade with Sonics". The New York Times. June 28, 1995. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
  3. ^ "Sonics Trade Gill Back to Hornets". The Washington Post. June 28, 1995. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  4. ^ Newnham, Blaine (June 28, 1995). "Sonics Kept Karl, So Gill Had to Go". The Seattle Times. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  5. ^ "Sonics Trade Houston, Marciulionis to Kings". The Seattle Times. September 18, 1995. Retrieved October 5, 2022.
  6. ^ "Toronto Expands Quickly, Getting Five for Armstrong". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. September 19, 1995. Retrieved May 15, 2022.
  7. ^ Lilly, Dick (March 16, 1994). "Sonics to Play '94-95 Games in Tacoma Dome, Says Official". The Seattle Times. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  8. ^ Berry, Tyler. "A Look Back at the History of KeyArena at Seattle Center". SeatGeek. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  9. ^ "NBA Games Played on February 8, 1996". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  10. ^ "1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics Schedule and Results". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  11. ^ "N.B.A. PLAYOFFS; Payton Honored for Defense". The New York Times. Associated Press. May 7, 1996. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  12. ^ "Payton Honored for Defensive Play". The Spokesman-Review. Wire Reports. May 7, 1996. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  13. ^ "NBA & ABA Defensive Player of the Year Award Winners". Basketball Reference. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
  14. ^ "BASKETBALL; Sonics' Schrempf to Miss Six Weeks". The New York Times. Associated Press. December 12, 1995. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  15. ^ "Sonics Lose Schrempf for at Least Six Weeks". The Spokesman-Review. Associated Press. December 12, 1995. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  16. ^ "Mourning Could Miss 3 Weeks". Orlando Sentinel. December 12, 1995. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  17. ^ a b c "1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics Roster and Stats". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  18. ^ Heisler, Mark (February 11, 1996). "NBA Has All-Stars in Its Eyes". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
  19. ^ "1996 NBA All-Star Recap". NBA.com. NBA.com Staff. September 13, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  20. ^ "1996 NBA All-Star Game: East 129, West 118". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  21. ^ "Jordan Named NBA MVP". United Press International. May 20, 1996. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
  22. ^ "1995–96 NBA Awards Voting". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved January 6, 2025.
  23. ^ "NBA PLAYOFFS; Kings End 15-Year Drought in Playoff Upset of Sonics". The New York Times. Associated Press. April 29, 1996. Retrieved September 24, 2022.
  24. ^ "Richmond Scores 37 to Help Sacramento Steal One in Seattle". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. April 29, 1996. Retrieved September 24, 2022.
  25. ^ "Kings Latest to Lower Boom on Sonics". The Washington Post. April 29, 1996. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  26. ^ "Seattle Finally Reaches Round 2". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. May 3, 1996. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
  27. ^ "Sonics Trounce Kings, Live to See Second Round; Payton, Kemp Guide Relieved Seattle Into Quarterfinals Against Houston". The Spokesman-Review. Associated Press. May 3, 1996. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  28. ^ "1996 NBA Western Conference First Round: Kings vs. SuperSonics". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
  29. ^ Friend, Tom (May 13, 1996). "N.B.A. PLAYOFFS; Rockets' Furious Rally Makes Sweep Interesting". The New York Times. Retrieved May 15, 2022.
  30. ^ "Fired-Up Rockets Go Out with Bang". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. May 13, 1996. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
  31. ^ "1996 NBA Western Conference semifinals: Rockets vs. SuperSonics". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
  32. ^ "SuperSonics Finally Put Away Jazz". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. June 3, 1996. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
  33. ^ Cotton, Anthony (June 3, 1996). "SuperSonics Shake Jazz, Make a Final Statement". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 18, 2022.
  34. ^ "1996 NBA Western Conference Finals: Jazz vs. SuperSonics". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
  35. ^ Friend, Tom (June 10, 1996). "N.B.A. FINALS; Sonics See Rodman, Rodman Everywhere". The New York Times. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
  36. ^ Howard-Cooper, Scott (June 10, 1996). "Seattle Needled, Gored as Bulls Near the Ring". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
  37. ^ Adande, J.A. (June 10, 1996). "Supersonics Get Caught in Bulls' Stampede, 108-86". The Washington Post. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
  38. ^ Friend, Tom (June 13, 1996). "NBA FINALS; McMillan Puts Bulls' Brooms in Closet". The New York Times. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  39. ^ Wise, Mike (June 15, 1996). "N.B.A. FINALS; Bulls Can't Win as a One-Man Show". The New York Times. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
  40. ^ Brown, Clifton (June 17, 1996). "N.B.A. FINALS; After a Few Anxious Days, Jordan and Bulls Get Their Title". The New York Times. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  41. ^ "Bulls Drown Out SuperSonics, 87-75". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. June 17, 1996. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  42. ^ "1996 NBA Finals: SuperSonics vs. Bulls". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
  43. ^ "1995–96 NBA Season Summary". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
  44. ^ "Grant Signs with Magic for $50 Million". Los Angeles Times. Times News Services. July 18, 1996. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  45. ^ "C Ervin Johnson Signs with Nuggets". United Press International. July 23, 1996. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  46. ^ Heisler, Mark (October 31, 1996). "NBA Preview". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  47. ^ Condotta, Bob (July 17, 1996). "Sonics Swap with Nets, Unload Brick, Johnson". The Spokesman-Review. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  48. ^ "Nets Acquire Askew from Seattle". United Press International. July 16, 1996. Retrieved January 1, 2022.
  49. ^ "Transactions". Hartford Courant. August 2, 1996. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  50. ^ "Seattle SuperSonics Logo". Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page - SportsLogos.Net. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  51. ^ "Seattle SuperSonics Uniform". Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page - SportsLogos.Net. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  52. ^ "Seattle SuperSonics Uniform". Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page - SportsLogos.Net. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  53. ^ "1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics Schedule and Results". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  54. ^ "1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics Transactions". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
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