1990–91 Seattle SuperSonics season

NBA professional basketball team season March 2026 January 2025 Seattle SuperSonics 1991 41 41 Pacific 5th 8th K. C. Jones Bob Whitsitt Seattle Center Coliseum KING-TVKTZZ-TVPrime Sports Northwest KJR West First Round(lost to Trail Blazers 2–3) SEA The 1990–91 Seattle SuperSonics season was the 23rd season for the Seattle SuperSonics in the National Basketball Association. Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/OKC/ August 9, 2026 Season summary Off-season Head coach Bernie Bickerstaff was replaced by his former assistant K. C. Jones, and went on to occupy the desk of vice-president of Basketball Operations for Seattle,Sonics Make Move to K.C.; Coaching Switch Moves Bickerstaff to Front Office, The Seattle Times, March 15, 1990. resigning months later to accept a job as General Manager of the Denver Nuggets.Bickerstaff to Accept Denver Job; Ex-Sonic Coach to Become G.M., The Seattle Times, July 11, 1990. Despite finishing with a 41–41 record the previous season, the SuperSonics received the second overall pick in the 1990 NBA draft, and selected point guard Gary Payton out of Oregon State University. Goldaper Sam Nets Make Coleman No. 1 Pick in N.B.A. Draft The New York Times June 28, 1990 https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/28/sports/nets-make-coleman-no-1-pick-in-nba-draft.html July 10, 2025 Associated Press Clippers Go with Kimble: NBA Draft: Derrick Coleman, as Expected, Is No. 1 Overall with Nets. Clippers Also Grab Michigan's Vaught with 13th Pick Los Angeles Times June 28, 1990 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-06-28-sp-1194-story.html July 10, 2025 1990 NBA Draft Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1990.html July 10, 2025 Regular season Under Jones and with the addition of Payton, the SuperSonics struggled with a 4–10 start to the regular season, after posting a six-game losing streak between November and December. Also in December, the team traded Xavier McDaniel to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Eddie Johnson. Associated Press X Marks Suns' Spot in Trade with Seattle: Pro Basketball: McDaniel to Phoenix. SuperSonics Get Eddie Johnson, Two No. 1 Picks Los Angeles Times December 8, 1990 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-12-08-sp-5317-story.html?_amp=true December 15, 2021 Peoples John Sonics Say So Long to X-Man; McDaniel Traded to Suns The Seattle Times December 8, 1990 https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19901208&slug=1108322 September 5, 2022 Associated Press X-Man Traded to Suns for E.J., 2 1st-Round Picks Deseret News December 8, 1990 https://www.deseret.com/1990/12/8/18895046/x-man-traded-to-suns-for-ej-2-1st-round-picks November 22, 2022 With the addition of Johnson, the SuperSonics posted a six-game winning streak in December, and later on held a 22–23 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 7, 1991 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/index.fcgi?month=2&day=7&year=1991 November 21, 2022 At mid-season, the team traded Dale Ellis, whose off-the-court problems were the focus of much unwanted attention,Ellis Drinking, Speeding Before Crash, Jurors Told, The Seattle Times, September 25, 1990.Ellis and McDaniel in Fight, The Seattle Times, November 22, 1990. to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for All-Star guard Ricky Pierce, Sports People: Pro Basketball: Bucks Trade Pierce for Sonics' Ellis The New York Times February 16, 1991 https://www.nytimes.com/1991/02/16/sports/sports-people-pro-basketball-bucks-trade-pierce-for-sonics-ellis.html December 2, 2021 Associated Press Bucks Trade Pierce to SuperSonics for Ellis In an Exchange of Guards Los Angeles Times February 16, 1991 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-02-16-sp-1014-story.html September 5, 2022 Peoples John Ellis Exits in Trade with Bucks; Ricky Pierce Newest Sonic in Swap of Unhappy Guards The Seattle Times February 16, 1991 https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19910216&slug=1266482 September 5, 2022 and also traded Olden Polynice to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Benoit Benjamin. Barnes Mike Clippers Swap Benjamin for Polynice, Picks United Press International February 20, 1991 https://www.upi.com/Archives/1991/02/20/Clippers-swap-Benjamin-for-Polynice-picks/2427667026000/ December 31, 2022 Goldaper Sam Pro Basketball: Sonics Trade Polynice to Acquire Benjamin The New York Times February 21, 1991 https://www.nytimes.com/1991/02/21/sports/pro-basketball-sonics-trade-polynice-to-acquire-benjamin.html December 15, 2021 Howard-Cooper Scott Clippers Give Up on Benjamin: Pro Basketball: A day After He Says He Will Become an Unrestricted Free Agent at Season's End, They Trade Him to Seattle for Polynice and Two Draft Choices Los Angeles Times February 21, 1991 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-02-21-sp-2271-story.html November 22, 2022 The SuperSonics finished in fifth place in the Pacific Division with a 41–41 record, which was the same record as the previous season, but this time being able to qualify for the NBA playoffs as the eighth seed in the Western Conference. 1990–91 Seattle SuperSonics Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1991_games.html June 25, 2022 After the trade, Pierce played a sixth man role off the bench, averaging 17.5 points per game in 32 games, while Johnson averaged 17.4 points per game in 66 games with the team, and Benjamin provided the team with 12.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game in 31 games. In addition, Derrick McKey averaged 15.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, while second-year forward Shawn Kemp showed improvement, averaging 15.0 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game, and Sedale Threatt contributed 12.7 points and 1.4 steals per game. Meanwhile, Payton provided with 7.2 points, 6.4 assists and 2.0 steals per game, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, Michael Cage averaged 6.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, second-year guard Dana Barros contributed 6.3 points per game, and Nate McMillan averaged 4.3 points, 4.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game. 1990–91 Seattle SuperSonics Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1991.html February 4, 2022 During the NBA All-Star weekend at the Charlotte Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina, Kemp participated in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest for the second consecutive year. Associated Press All-Star Saturday Participants The Hour February 9, 1991 22 https://books.google.com/books?id=dwchAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA12&dq=1991+NBA+slam+dunk+roster&article_id=1433,1155810&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj00tPUuZyQAxXfnCYFHVURH0AQ6AF6BAgLEAM#v=onepage&q=1991%20NBA%20slam%20dunk%20roster&f=false October 11, 2025 NBA & ABA All-Star Game Contest Winners Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/contest.html October 11, 2025 Pierce finished in fourth place in Sixth Man of the Year voting, 1990–91 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1991.html December 7, 2025 while Kemp finished in seventh place in Most Improved Player voting. The SuperSonics finished 23rd in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 501,250 at the Seattle Center Coliseum during the regular season, which was the fifth-lowest in the league. 1990–91 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1991.html February 24, 2026 NBA playoffs In the Western Conference First Round of the 1991 NBA playoffs, the SuperSonics faced off against the top–seeded, and Pacific Division champion Portland Trail Blazers, who were led by the All-Star trio of Clyde Drexler, Terry Porter and Kevin Duckworth. The SuperSonics lost the first two games to the Trail Blazers on the road at the Memorial Coliseum, but managed to win the next two games at home, which included a Game 4 win over the Trail Blazers, 101–89 at the Seattle Center Coliseum to even the series. Associated Press  Blazers a Game Away from the End of the Trail  Deseret News  May 3, 1991  https://www.deseret.com/1991/5/3/18918684/blazers-a-game-away-from-the-end-of-the-trail/ June 23, 2026 Associated Press  Hawks Throttle Pistons; Sonics Tie Up Blazers  Record-Journal  May 3, 1991  34  https://books.google.com/books?id=KjFIAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA18&dq=1991+Atlanta+Hawks+Detroit+Pistons+123-111&article_id=1547,448684&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi0uO2T0Z2VAxUGlokEHdW5K0QQ6AF6BAgJEAM#v=onepage&q=1991%20Atlanta%20Hawks%20Detroit%20Pistons%20123-111&f=false June 23, 2026 1991 NBA Western Conference First Round Game 4: Portland Trail Blazers at Seattle SuperSonics Box Score, May 2, 1991 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199105020SEA.html June 23, 2026 However, the SuperSonics lost Game 5 to the Trail Blazers at the Memorial Coliseum, 119–107, thus losing in a hard-fought five-game series. Associated Press Basketball: Blazers Finally Win Series from Stubborn SuperSonics The New York Times May 5, 1991 https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/05/sports/basketball-blazers-finally-win-series-from-stubborn-supersonics.html October 16, 2021 Hafner Dan NBA Roundup: Blazers Take Sonics to Court, Win Series Los Angeles Times May 5, 1991 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-05-05-sp-1961-story.html August 27, 2022 1991 NBA Western Conference First Round: SuperSonics vs. Trail Blazers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1991-nba-western-conference-first-round-supersonics-vs-trail-blazers.html April 10, 2023 Aftermath Following the season, Threatt was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Heisler Mark Lakers Acquire Seattle's Threatt: NBA: They Trade Three Second-Round Picks for Veteran Guard. Drew, Thompson Waived Los Angeles Times October 3, 1991 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-10-03-sp-4342-story.html November 20, 2022 Sports People: Pro Basketball: An Expensive Rookie The New York Times October 5, 1991 https://www.nytimes.com/1991/10/05/sports/sports-people-pro-basketball-an-expensive-rookie.html December 2, 2021 Offseason Draft picks 1990 NBA draft Of the 3 players Seattle picked in the draft only Gary Payton would stay with the team, since Jud Buechler was traded to the New Jersey Nets and Abdul Shamsid-Deen went to Europe to play for the French team Paris Basket Racing. Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 1 2 Gary Payton PG United States Oregon State 2 38 Jud Buechler SF/SG United States Arizona 2 53 Abdul Shamsid-Deen C United States Providence Pre-season 1990 Pre-season game log: 5–3 # Date Opponent Score Location Record Recap 1 October 12 Golden State L 111–134 Spokane Coliseum 0–1 2 October 15 Golden State L 97–117 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Arena 0–2 3 October 18 Chicago W 109–103 Florida Suncoast Dome 1–2 4 October 21 Detroit W 101–82 East Lansing, Michigan 2–2 5 October 23 Chicago L 90–102 The Kingdome 2–3 6 October 24 Chicago W 109–87 Pacific Coliseum 3–3 7 October 27 Sacramento W 98–89 ARCO Arena 4–3 8 October 29 Sacramento W 117–116 Chico, California 5–3 Roster Seattle SuperSonics 1990–91 11 Dana Barros G 5 11 163 1967–04–13 Boston College 00 Benoit Benjamin C 7 0 250 1964–11–22 Creighton 44 Michael Cage F/C 6 9 224 1962–01–28 San Diego State 42 Dave Corzine C 6 11 250 1956–04–25 DePaul yes 20 Quintin Dailey G 6 3 180 1961–01–22 San Francisco 22 Eddie Johnson basketball, born 1959 F 6 7 215 1959–05–01 Illinois 40 Shawn Kemp F 6 10 230 1969–11–26 Trinity Valley CC 31 Derrick McKey F 6 9 205 1966–10–10 Alabama 10 Nate McMillan G 6 5 195 1964–08–03 North Carolina State 8 Scott Meents F 6 10 225 1964–01–04 Illinois 2 Gary Payton G 6 4 180 1968–07–23 Oregon State 21 Ricky Pierce G 6 4 205 1959–08–19 Rice 4 Sedale Threatt G 6 2 175 1961–09–10 West Virginia Tech K. C. Jones Bob Kloppenburg Kip Motta Gary Wortman Regular season Season standings SEA y – clinched division title x – clinched playoff spot SEA z – clinched division title y – clinched division title x – clinched playoff spot Game log Seattle SuperSonics 1991 Total: 41–41 (home: 28–13; road: 13–28) Seattle SuperSonics November yes 3 4 1 3 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | November 3 | Houston Rockets | W 118–106 | X. McDaniel (24) | S. Kemp (10) | X. McDaniel,S. Threatt (7) | Seattle Center Coliseum13,922 | 1–0 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | November 6 | Detroit Pistons | W 100–92 | X. McDaniel (24) | S. Kemp (13) | G. Payton (6) | Seattle Center Coliseum13,078 | 2–0 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | November 9 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 135–129 | X. McDaniel (27) | D. McKey (14) | G. Payton (10) | McNichols Sports Arena10,571 | 3–0 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 4 | November 10 | Golden State Warriors | L 100–117 | X. McDaniel (26) | X. McDaniel,D. McKey (9) | G. Payton (9) | Tacoma Dome13,130 | 3–1 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 5 | November 13 | New York Knicks | L 100-116 (OT) | S. Threatt (24) | X. McDaniel (10) | G. Payton (7) | Seattle Center Coliseum12,352 | 3–2 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 6 | November 17 | Chicago Bulls | L 95–116 | X. McDaniel (17) | M. Cage (7) | G. Payton (5) | Seattle Center Coliseum14,692 | 3–3 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 7 | November 18 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | L 65–78 | S. Kemp (11) | M. Cage (10) | G. Payton (5) | Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena10,980 | 3–4 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 8 | November 20 | New Jersey Nets | W 105–88 | X. McDaniel (35) | S. Kemp (8) | G. Payton (9) | Seattle Center Coliseum10,466 | 4–4 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 9 | November 23 | @ Utah Jazz | L 96–97 | X. McDaniel (33) | D. McKey (11) | S. Threatt (12) | Salt Palace12,616 | 4–5 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 10 | November 27 | San Antonio Spurs | L 111–124 | Q. Dailey (29) | M. Cage (8) | G. Payton (8) | Seattle Center Coliseum13,293 | 4–6 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 11 | November 29 | @ Phoenix | L 110–128 | D. McKey (26) | S. Kemp (11) | G. Payton (6) | Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum14,487 | 4–7 Seattle SuperSonics December 4 1 4 7 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 12 | December 1 | Portland Trail Blazers | L 124-130 (3 OT) | X. McDaniel (41) | M. Cage (15) | G. Payton (8) | Seattle Center Coliseum14,674 | 4–8 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 13 | December 3 | @ Boston Celtics | L 102–135 | S. Threatt (20) | O. Polynice (9) | D. Barros (6) | Boston Garden14,890 | 4–9 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 14 | December 4 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 102–106 | S. Threatt (20) | M. Cage (14) | G. Payton (9) | Brendan Byrne Arena7,029 | 4–10 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 15 | December 6 | @ Miami Heat | W 105–103 | S. Threatt (18) | S. Kemp (8) | S. Threatt (11) | Miami Arena15,008 | 5–10 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 16 | December 7 | @ Orlando Magic | L 100–106 | D. McKey (24) | M. Cage (9) | G. Payton (7) | Orlando Arena15,077 | 5–11 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 17 | December 9 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 99–105 | S. Kemp (31) | S. Kemp,D. McKey (10) | N. McMillan,G. Payton (6) | Bradley Center14,327 | 5–12 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 18 | December 12 | Indiana Pacers | W 99–90 | S. Kemp,D. McKey (18) | S. Kemp (11) | N. McMillan (9) | Seattle Center Coliseum10,729 | 6–12 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 19 | December 13 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 106–129 | D. Barros (24) | O. Polynice (7) | D. Barros,D. Ellis (4) | Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Arena15,025 | 6–13 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 20 | December 15 | Dallas Mavericks | W 106–105 | S. Kemp (22) | M. Cage (8) | N. McMillan (10) | Seattle Center Coliseum10,009 | 7–13 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 21 | December 18 | Orlando Magic | W 122–105 | D. McKey (33) | S. Kemp (11) | N. McMillan (14) | Seattle Center Coliseum1,568 | 8–13 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 22 | December 20 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 110–75 | D. Ellis (22) | S. Kemp (10) | G. Payton (12) | ARCO Arena17,014 | 9–13 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 23 | December 22 | Sacramento Kings | W 121–93 | E. Johnson (25) | O. Polynice (11) | N. McMillan (9) | Seattle Center Coliseum10,315 | 10–13 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 24 | December 26 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 99–97 | S. Kemp (19) | M. Cage (8) | G. Payton (7) | Coliseum at Richfield14,839 | 11–13 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 25 | December 27 | @ Washington Bullets | W 125–120 | E. Johnson (22) | S. Kemp (12) | G. Payton (11) | Capital Centre2,413 | 12–13 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 26 | December 29 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 91–116 | D. McKey (22) | S. Kemp (7) | G. Payton (6) | Chicago Stadium18,676 | 12–14 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 27 | December 30 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | L 106–126 | D. Ellis (25) | S. Kemp (11) | G. Payton (6) | Target Center19,006 | 12–15 Seattle SuperSonics January 7 1 1 6 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 28 | January 3 | Philadelphia 76ers | W 127–99 | D. McKey (24) | M. Cage (12) | G. Payton (11) | Seattle Center Coliseum13,048 | 13–15 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 29 | January 4 | Miami Heat | W 112–86 | S. Threatt (30) | M. Cage (13) | G. Payton (12) | Seattle Center Coliseum12,074 | 14–15 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 30 | January 6 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 111–114 | S. Kemp (25) | S. Kemp (9) | G. Payton (7) | Memorial Coliseum 12,884 | 14–16 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 31 | January 8 | Los Angeles Lakers | W 96–88 | D. McKey (29) | O. Polynice (11) | N. McMillan (10) | Seattle Center Coliseum14,441 | 15–16 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 32 | January 10 | Golden State Warriors | L 103–113 | D. McKey (19) | S. Kemp,O. Polynice (12) | N. McMillan (7) | Seattle Center Coliseum10,813 | 15–17 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 33 | January 12 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 85–101 | D. McKey (20) | O. Polynice (14) | G. Payton (9) | ARCO Arena17,014 | 15–18 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 34 | January 15 | Denver Nuggets | W 146–99 | D. Barros,D. Ellis (22) | S. Kemp (12) | N. McMillan (9) | Seattle Center Coliseum9,618 | 16–18 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 35 | January 18 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 96–105 | D. McKey (24) | S. Kemp (8) | G. Payton (11) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 16–19 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 36 | January 19 | Washington Bullets | W 111–89 | O. Polynice (27) | S. Kemp (13) | N. McMillan (8) | Seattle Center Coliseum13,369 | 17–19 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 37 | January 22 | Milwaukee Bucks | W 132–101 | E. Johnson (29) | M. Cage (9) | G. Payton (9) | Seattle Center Coliseum9,469 | 18–19 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 38 | January 25 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 113–128 | E. Johnson (25) | S. Kemp (13) | N. McMillan (7) | Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum14,487 | 18–20 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 39 | January 26 | Atlanta Hawks | W 103–102 | D. McKey (23) | D. McKey (8) | N. McMillan,G. Payton (9) | Seattle Center Coliseum12,792 | 19–20 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 40 | January 28 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 107–119 | E. Johnson (21) | D. McKey (14) | G. Payton (11) | HemisFair Arena15,908 | 19–21 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 41 | January 29 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 112–117 | D. McKey (24) | O. Polynice (6) | N. McMillan (8) | Reunion Arena15,820 | 19–22 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 42 | January 31 | @ Houston Rockets | W 97–94 | S. Threatt (18) | S. Kemp (17) | D. McKey,D. McKey (6) | The Summit14,659 | 20–22 Seattle SuperSonics February 3 2 3 4 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 43 | February 2 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 100–106 | G. Payton (19) | D. McKey (7) | G. Payton (5) | Market Square Arena13,064 | 20–23 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 44 | February 4 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 100–93 | E. Johnson (34) | M. Cage (18) | G. Payton (9) | Charlotte Coliseum23,901 | 21–23 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 45 | February 6 | Los Angeles Clippers | W 107–104 | E. Johnson (27) | S. Kemp (7) | G. Payton (9) | Seattle Center Coliseum12,021 | 22–23 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 46 | February 12 | Boston Celtics | L 111–114 | E. Johnson (29) | M. Cage (10) | G. Payton (13) | Seattle Center Coliseum14,594 | 22–24 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 47 | February 14 | @ Orlando Magic | W 102–90 | D. McKey (21) | D. McKey,O. Polynice (9) | N. McMillan (7) | Orlando Arena15,077 | 23–24 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 48 | February 16 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 113–122 | D. McKey (30) | O. Polynice (9) | S. Threatt (9) | Omni Coliseum15,924 | 23–25 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 49 | February 18 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 83–85 | E. Johnson (20) | S. Kemp (13) | N. McMillan (7) | The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454 | 23–26 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 50 | February 19 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 104-107 (OT) | R. Pierce (18) | S. Kemp (12) | G. Payton (7) | The Spectrum15,248 | 23–27 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 51 | February 21 | @ New York Knicks | W 120–101 | R. Pierce (26) | S. Kemp (13) | N. McMillan,G. Payton,S. Threatt (5) | Madison Square Garden12,515 | 24–27 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 52 | February 23 | Phoenix Suns | L 110–120 | S. Kemp (25) | S. Kemp (11) | G. Payton (11) | Seattle Center Coliseum14,692 | 24–28 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 53 | February 24 | Utah Jazz | W 103–91 | S. Threatt (30) | M. Cage (14) | G. Payton (16) | Seattle Center Coliseum12,080 | 25–28 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 54 | February 26 | Los Angeles Clippers | W 93–81 | S. Threatt (31) | S. Kemp (15) | N. McMillan (9) | Seattle Center Coliseum11,305 | 26–28 Seattle SuperSonics March 5 4 3 5 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 55 | March 1 | Charlotte Hornets | W 122–105 | R. Pierce (25) | B. Benjamin (13) | N. McMillan (9) | Seattle Center Coliseum13,320 | 27–28 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 56 | March 2 | Sacramento Kings | W 120–106 | E. Johnson (31) | B. Benjamin (16) | N. McMillan,G. Payton (8) | Seattle Center Coliseum12,182 | 28-28 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 57 | March 4 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 105–99 | S. Threatt (24) | B. Benjamin (11) | G. Payton (10) | Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Arena15,025 | 29–28 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 58 | March 5 | Cleveland Cavaliers | L 111-113 (OT) | E. Johnson (28) | B. Benjamin,S. Kemp (13) | N. McMillan,G. Payton (7) | Seattle Center Coliseum10,623 | 29-29 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 59 | March 7 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 91–86 | R. Pierce (25) | N. McMillan (11) | N. McMillan (8) | Target Center19,006 | 30–29 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 60 | March 9 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 99–112 | E. Johnson (19) | E. Johnson (7) | D. Barros (5) | HemisFair Arena15,908 | 30-30 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 61 | March 12 | @ Houston Rockets | L 91–93 | S. Kemp (23) | S. Kemp (16) | D. McKey (6) | The Summit15,508 | 30–31 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 62 | March 13 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 96–98 | S. Kemp (24) | S. Kemp (13) | S. Threatt (9) | Reunion Arena15,813 | 30–32 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 63 | March 15 | Minnesota Timberwolves | L 96-100 (OT) | D. McKey (20) | B. Benjamin (10) | G. Payton (4) | Seattle Center Coliseum11,497 | 30–33 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 64 | March 16 | Utah Jazz | L 98-104 (OT) | E. Johnson (19) | D. McKey (9) | G. Payton (5) | Seattle Center Coliseum15,535 | 30–34 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 65 | March 20 | Los Angeles Lakers | W 114–106 | B. Benjamin (28) | D. McKey (10) | G. Payton (12) | Seattle Center Coliseum14,392 | 31–34 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 66 | March 22 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 111–105 | E. Johnson (34) | B. Benjamin (14) | N. McMillan,G. Payton (8) | Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum14,487 | 32–34 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 67 | March 24 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 96–113 | S. Kemp (21) | B. Benjamin,M. Cage (7) | S. Threatt (7) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 32–35 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 68 | March 26 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 113–126 | R. Pierce (21) | M. Cage (8) | R. Pierce,S. Threatt (4) | Memorial Coliseum12,884 | 32–36 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 69 | March 27 | Portland Trail Blazers | L 107–112 | R. Pierce (24) | S. Kemp (10) | G. Payton (6) | Tacoma Dome18,167 | 32–37 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 70 | March 29 | Minnesota Timberwolves | W 117–107 | E. Johnson,R. Pierce (24) | N. McMillan (7) | G. Payton (7) | Seattle Center Coliseum12,968 | 33–37 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 71 | March 30 | Dallas Mavericks | W 115–102 | S. Kemp (23) | B. Benjamin (7) | S. Kemp,S. Threatt (4) | Seattle Center Coliseum11,756 | 34–37 Seattle SuperSonics April 6 1 1 3 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 72 | April 3 | Sacramento Kings | W 106–91 | E. Johnson,S. Kemp (20) | S. Kemp (14) | N. McMillan,S. Threatt (6) | Seattle Center Coliseum11,987 | 35–37 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 73 | April 5 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | L 90–109 | E. Johnson (19) | S. Kemp (12) | N. McMillan (4) | Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena12,932 | 35–38 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 74 | April 7 | W 124–117 | @ Denver Nuggets | E. Johnson (31) | S. Kemp (10) | D. McKey (4) | McNichols Sports Arena13,779 | 36–38 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 75 | April 8 | Denver Nuggets | W 118–112 | B. Benjamin,E. Johnson,R. Pierce (19) | B. Benjamin,S. Kemp (10) | N. McMillan,G. Payton (8) | Seattle Center Coliseum12,811 | 37–38 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 76 | April 10 | Los Angeles Clippers | W 140–108 | B. Benjamin (22) | B. Benjamin (11) | S. Threatt (9) | Tacoma Dome5,714 | 38–38 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 77 | April 12 | San Antonio Spurs | W 100–99 | R. Pierce (21) | B. Benjamin,S. Kemp (8) | G. Payton (7) | Seattle Center Coliseum13,340 | 39–38 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 78 | April 13 | Orlando Magic | W 105–96 | S. Kemp (21) | S. Kemp (7) | D. Barros (7) | Seattle Center Coliseum13,073 | 40–38 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 79 | April 15 | Houston Rockets | L 93–97 | E. Johnson (22) | M. Cage (8) | S. Threatt (7) | Seattle Center Coliseum13,760 | 40–39 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 80 | April 18 | @ Utah Jazz | L 103–130 | E. Johnson (17) | B. Benjamin (8) | S. Threatt (6) | Salt Palace12,616 | 40–40 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 81 | April 19 | Phoenix Suns | W 104–93 | R. Pierce (23) | B. Benjamin (10) | N. McMillan (7) | Seattle Center Coliseum12,591 | 41–40 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 82 | April 21 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 100–103 | E. Johnson (18) | B. Benjamin (12) | N. McMillan (8) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 41-41 OKC 1991 Playoffs Seattle SuperSonics yes 1991 Seattle SuperSonics yes First round yes no 2 0 0 3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 1 | April 26 | @ Portland | L 102–110 | Eddie Johnson (33) | Benoit Benjamin (9) | Gary Payton (8) | Memorial Coliseum12,884 | 0–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | April 28 | @ Portland | L 106–115 | Eddie Johnson (28) | Cage, Kemp (11) | McMillan, Payton (6) | Memorial Coliseum12,884 | 0–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | April 30 | Portland | W 102–99 | Sedale Threatt (29) | Shawn Kemp (9) | Nate McMillan (6) | Seattle Center Coliseum14,476 | 1–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | May 2 | Portland | W 101–89 | Eddie Johnson (34) | Benjamin, McKey (9) | Gary Payton (7) | Seattle Center Coliseum13,367 | 2–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 5 | May 4 | @ Portland | L 107–119 | Johnson, Kemp (17) | Benoit Benjamin (6) | Gary Payton (7) | Memorial Coliseum12,884 | 2–3 SEA yes 1991 Player statistics Season PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG Barros, Dana Dana Barros 66 0 11.4 .495 .395 .918 1.1 1.7 0.3 0.0 6.3 Benjamin, Benoit Benoit Benjamin* 31 27 29.0 .502 .000 .690 8.2 1.5 0.9 1.7 12.9 Cage, Michael Michael Cage 82 55 26.1 .508 .000 .625 6.8 1.1 1.0 0.7 6.4 Corzine, Dave Dave Corzine 28 0 5.3 .447 .000 .591 1.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 1.7 Dailey, Quintin Quintin Dailey 30 0 10.0 .471 .000 .613 1.1 0.5 0.2 0.0 6.1 Ellis, Dale Dale Ellis* 30 24 26.7 .463 .303 .738 3.1 2.1 1.1 0.1 15.0 Johnson, Eddie Eddie Johnson* 66 27 26.9 .486 .333 .912 3.4 1.4 0.7 0.1 17.4 Kemp, Shawn Shawn Kemp 81 66 30.1 .508 .167 .661 8.4 1.8 1.0 1.5 15.0 McDaniel, Xavier Xavier McDaniel* 15 15 35.3 .479 .000 .710 5.4 2.5 1.7 0.3 21.8 McKey, Derrick Derrick McKey 73 55 34.3 .517 .211 .845 5.8 2.3 1.2 0.8 15.3 McMillan, Nate Nate McMillan 78 0 18.4 .433 .354 .613 3.2 4.8 1.3 0.3 4.3 Meents, Scott Scott Meents 13 0 4.1 .250 1.000 .500 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.3 1.3 Payton, Gary Gary Payton 82 82 27.4 .450 .077 .711 3.0 6.4 2.0 0.2 7.2 Pierce, Ricky Ricky Pierce* 32 2 26.3 .463 .391 .925 2.3 2.3 0.7 0.1 17.5 Polynice, Olden Olden Polynice* 48 0 20.0 .545 .000 .588 5.6 0.3 0.5 0.4 8.3 Threatt, Sedale Sedale Threatt 80 57 25.8 .519 .286 .792 1.2 3.4 1.4 0.1 12.7 *Statistics with the Seattle SuperSonics. Playoffs PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG Barros, Dana Dana Barros 3 0 8.3 .692 .400 .750 1.3 1.7 1.0 0.0 7.7 Benjamin, Benoit Benoit Benjamin 5 5 32.6 .488 .000 .906 6.6 0.2 0.6 0.2 13.8 Cage, Michael Michael Cage 5 0 16.0 .429 .000 .765 16.0 4.2 0.6 0.4 5.0 Corzine, Dave Dave Corzine 2 0 6.0 .667 .000 1.000 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.5 Johnson, Eddie Eddie Johnson 5 5 34.2 .517 .267 .828 4.2 1.4 1.4 0.2 24.0 Kemp, Shawn Shawn Kemp 5 5 29.8 .386 .000 .815 7.2 1.2 0.6 0.8 13.2 McKey, Derrick Derrick McKey 4 0 28.5 .571 .000 .545 5.8 2.0 0.6 0.0 9.5 McMillan, Nate Nate McMillan 5 0 19.0 .261 .000 .500 3.6 4.4 1.2 0.2 2.8 Meents, Scott Scott Meents 2 0 4.0 .500 .000 .000 0.5 0.0 0.5 0.0 2.0 Payton, Gary Gary Payton 5 5 27.0 .407 .000 1.000 2.6 6.4 1.6 0.2 4.8 Pierce, Ricky Ricky Pierce 5 0 22.4 .333 .300 .941 2.8 0.8 0.8 0.2 11.4 Threatt, Sedale Sedale Threatt 5 5 27.2 .536 .364 .900 1.6 3.4 1.0 0.0 14.6 Player statistics citation: Awards and records Awards Gary Payton was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. Records Ricky Pierce finished the season with a franchise record .925 in free throw percentage.https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/OKC/leaders_season.html Oklahoma City Thunder Season Leaders Transactions Overview Players Added Via draft Gary Payton Via free agency Dave Corzine Via trade Benoit Benjamin Eddie Johnson Ricky PiercePlayers Lost Via free agency Steve Johnson Via trade Dale Ellis Avery Johnson Xavier McDaniel Olden Polynice Trades June 27, 1990Sonics Face Tall Order Next -- With Payton At Point, Attention Turns To Center Spot, The Seattle Times, June 28, 1990. To Seattle SuperSonicsNets' agreement not to draft Dennis Scott or Gary Payton with their No. 1 pick.Conditional 2nd round picks for 1993 and 1995 To New Jersey NetsJud BuechlerTo Orlando MagicSonics' agreement not to draft Dennis Scott with their No. 2 pick. October 24, 1990 To Seattle SuperSonicsConditional 1997 second round pick To Denver NuggetsAvery Johnson December 7, 1990 To Seattle SuperSonicsEddie JohnsonConditional 1991 and 1994 first-round picks To Phoenix SunsXavier McDaniel February 15, 1991 To Seattle SuperSonicsRicky Pierce To Milwaukee BucksDale Ellis February 20, 1991 To Seattle SuperSonicsBenoit Benjamin To Los Angeles ClippersOlden PolyniceConditional 1991 and 1994 first-round picks Free agents 52% Additions Player Signed Former team Dave Corzine October 4 Orlando Magic Subtractions Player Left New team Jim Farmer October 4 Denver Nuggets Steve Johnson October 25 Golden State Warriors Player Transactions Citation:1990–91 Seattle SuperSonics Transactions Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1991_transactions.html October 16, 2021 References 2 External links 1990–91 Seattle SuperSonics season at Basketball Reference See also 1990–91 NBA season Category:Seattle SuperSonics seasons Seattle