1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics season

NBA basketball team season March 2026 August 2023 Seattle SuperSonics 1996 yes yes 64 18 Pacific 1 1 George Karl Wally Walker KeyArena at Seattle Center KSTWPrime Sports Northwest KJR NBA Finals(lost to Bulls 2–4) SEA The 1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics season was the 28th 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 During the off-season, the SuperSonics acquired Hersey Hawkins and David Wingate from the Charlotte Hornets, Sports People: Pro Basketball: Hornets Re-Acquire Gill in Trade with Sonics The New York Times June 28, 1995 https://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/28/sports/sports-people-pro-basketball-hornets-reacquire-gill-in-trade-with-sonics.html July 24, 2022 Sonics Trade Gill Back to Hornets The Washington Post June 28, 1995 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1995/06/28/sonics-trade-gill-back-to-hornets/0a67222f-7ec2-4e2b-83dd-2e73c6f41e69/ July 5, 2023 Newnham Blaine Sonics Kept Karl, So Gill Had to Go The Seattle Times June 28, 1995 https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19950628&slug=2128680 July 3, 2021 and re-acquired Frank Brickowski from the Sacramento Kings. Sonics Trade Houston, Marciulionis to Kings The Seattle Times September 18, 1995 https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19950918&slug=2142191 October 5, 2022 Associated Press Toronto Expands Quickly, Getting Five for Armstrong Los Angeles Times September 19, 1995 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-09-19-sp-47464-story.html May 15, 2022 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. Lilly Dick Sonics to Play '94-95 Games in Tacoma Dome, Says Official The Seattle Times March 16, 1994 https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19940316&slug=1900566 May 26, 2022 Berry Tyler A Look Back at the History of KeyArena at Seattle Center SeatGeek https://www.seatgeek.com/tba/sports/a-look-back-at-the-history-of-keyarena-at-seattle-center/amp/ June 19, 2021 This team is widely regarded as one of the greatest teams in NBA history. For the season, the SuperSonics redesigned their primary logo, replacing the color green with dark green, dark red and brown to their color scheme of golden yellow and white. The team's primary logo featured a dark green oval with the Space Needle, forming the letter "I" in the team name "Sonics" in brown letters with a golden yellow outline and dark red shadows, below the city name "Seattle" in white letters, along with a brown basketball with dark green seams in front of the Space Needle; the logo is surrounded by a dark green outline. Seattle SuperSonics Primary Logo Chris Creamer's SportsLogos.net https://www.sportslogos.net/logos/view/g98gtsog4k7deexgpo81fi0vn/Seattle_Supersonics/1996/Primary_Logo July 7, 2021 The team also redesigned their home and road uniforms, which featured side panels on the right side of their jerseys and shorts; the white home uniforms featured a dark green, golden yellow and dark red trim, and dark green side panels with golden yellow and dark red outlines, while the road uniforms were changed from green to dark green, and featured a dark red and golden yellow trim, and dark red side panels with a golden yellow inline. Seattle SuperSonics Home Uniform Chris Creamer's SportsLogos.net https://www.sportslogos.net/logos/view/kx3c5gpp9deebo6cfrveckyzg/Seattle_Supersonics/1996/Home_Uniform July 7, 2021 Seattle SuperSonics Road Uniform Chris Creamer's SportsLogos.net https://www.sportslogos.net/logos/view/f9lu3guuebe4meflh5ei72vpg/Seattle_Supersonics/1996/Road_Uniform July 7, 2021 The team's new primary logo, and new uniforms would both remain in use until 2001. Regular season 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. NBA Games Played on February 8, 1996 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/index.fcgi?month=2&day=8&year=1996 July 18, 2022 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. 1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1996_games.html June 21, 2021 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; Associated Press N.B.A. Playoffs: Payton Honored for Defense The New York Times May 7, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/07/sports/nba-playoffs-payton-honored-for-defense.html July 25, 2022 Wire Reports Payton Honored for Defensive Play The Spokesman-Review May 7, 1996 https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1996/may/07/payton-honored-for-defensive-play/ January 4, 2023 NBA & ABA Defensive Player of the Year Award Winners Basketball Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/dpoy.html June 17, 2021 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, Associated Press Basketball: Sonics' Schrempf to Miss Six Weeks The New York Times December 12, 1995 https://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/12/sports/basketball-sonics-schrempf-to-miss-six-weeks.html January 4, 2023 Associated Press Sonics Lose Schrempf for at Least Six Weeks The Spokesman-Review December 12, 1995 https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1995/dec/12/sonics-lose-schrempf-for-at-least-six-weeks/ January 4, 2023 Mourning Could Miss 3 Weeks Orlando Sentinel December 12, 1995 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1995-12-12-9512120129-story.html January 4, 2023 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. 1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1996.html June 21, 2021 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. Heisler Mark NBA Has All-Stars in Its Eyes Los Angeles Times February 11, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-02-11-sp-34849-story.html January 2, 2023 NBA.com Staff 1996 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-1996 May 16, 2023 1996 NBA All-Star Game: East 129, West 118 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_1996.html October 13, 2021 Payton also finished in sixth place in Most Valuable Player voting, while Kemp finished in eighth place. Jordan Named NBA MVP United Press International May 20, 1996 https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/05/20/Jordan-named-NBA-MVP/4893832564800/ February 1, 2023 1995–96 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1996.html January 6, 2025 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. 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. 1995–96 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1996.html October 10, 2025 NBA playoffs 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. The SuperSonics won Game 1 over the Kings at home, 97–85 at the KeyArena at Seattle Center, 1996 NBA Western Conference First Round Game 1: Sacramento Kings at Seattle SuperSonics Box Score, April 26, 1996 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199604260SEA.html June 7, 2026 but then lost Game 2 at home, 90–81 as the Kings evened the series. Associated Press NBA Playoffs: Kings End 15-Year Drought in Playoff Upset of Sonics The New York Times April 29, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/29/sports/nba-playoffs-kings-end-15-year-drought-in-playoff-upset-of-sonics.html September 24, 2022 Associated Press Richmond Scores 37 to Help Sacramento Steal One in Seattle Los Angeles Times April 29, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-04-29-sp-63996-story.html September 24, 2022 1996 NBA Western Conference First Round Game 2: Sacramento Kings at Seattle SuperSonics Box Score, April 28, 1996 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199604280SEA.html May 30, 2026 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. Associated Press Seattle Finally Reaches Round 2 Los Angeles Times May 3, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-05-03-sp-65489-story.html October 6, 2017 Associated Press Sonics Trounce Kings, Live to See Second Round; Payton, Kemp Guide Relieved Seattle Into Quarterfinals Against Houston The Spokesman-Review May 3, 1996 https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1996/may/03/sonics-trounce-kings-live-to-see-second-round/ November 25, 2022 1996 NBA Western Conference First Round: Kings vs. SuperSonics Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1996-nba-western-conference-first-round-kings-vs-supersonics.html February 5, 2023 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 Conference Finals. Friend Tom N.B.A. Playoffs: Rockets' Furious Rally Makes Sweep Interesting The New York Times May 13, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/13/sports/nba-playoffs-rockets-furious-rally-makes-sweep-interesting.html May 15, 2022 Associated Press Fired-Up Rockets Go Out with Bang Los Angeles Times May 13, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-05-13-sp-3620-story.html June 4, 2022 1996 NBA Western Conference semifinals: Rockets vs. SuperSonics Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1996-nba-western-conference-semifinals-rockets-vs-supersonics.html February 5, 2023 In the Western 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. 1996 NBA Western Conference Finals Game 3: Seattle SuperSonics at Utah Jazz Box Score, May 24, 1996 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199605240UTA.html June 7, 2026 1996 NBA Western Conference Finals Game 4: Seattle SuperSonics at Utah Jazz Box Score, May 26, 1996 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199605260UTA.html June 7, 2026 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. Associated Press SuperSonics Finally Put Away Jazz Los Angeles Times June 3, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-06-03-sp-11329-story.html June 4, 2022 Cotton Anthony SuperSonics Shake Jazz, Make a Final Statement The Washington Post June 3, 1996 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1996/06/03/supersonics-shake-jazz-make-a-final-statement/060e39fb-5ab9-4e92-8d21-e0e6cb8c24a2/ November 18, 2022 1996 NBA Western Conference Finals: Jazz vs. SuperSonics Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1996-nba-western-conference-finals-jazz-vs-supersonics.html February 5, 2023 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. Friend Tom N.B.A. Playoffs: Sonics See Rodman, Rodman Everywhere The New York Times June 10, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/10/sports/nba-finals-sonics-see-rodman-rodman-everywhere.html October 3, 2022 Howard-Cooper Scott Seattle Needled, Gored as Bulls Near the Ring Los Angeles Times June 10, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-06-10-sp-13505-story.html February 1, 2023 1996 NBA Finals Game 3: Chicago Bulls at Seattle SuperSonics Box Score, June 9, 1996 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199606090SEA.html May 30, 2026 However, the SuperSonics managed to win their next two home games, Friend Tom NBA Finals: McMillan Puts Bulls' Brooms in Closet The New York Times June 13, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/13/sports/nba-finals-mcmillan-puts-bulls-brooms-in-closet.html November 5, 2022 Wise Mike N.B.A. Finals: Bulls Can't Win as a One-Man Show The New York Times June 15, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/15/sports/nba-finals-bulls-can-t-win-as-a-one-man-show.html October 3, 2022 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. Brown Clifton N.B.A. Finals: After a Few Anxious Days, Jordan and Bulls Get Their Title The New York Times June 17, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/17/sports/nba-finals-after-a-few-anxious-days-jordan-and-bulls-get-their-title.html January 14, 2022 Associated Press Bulls Drown Out SuperSonics, 87-75 Los Angeles Times June 17, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-06-17-sp-15938-story.html June 28, 2022 1996 NBA Finals: SuperSonics vs. Bulls Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1996-nba-finals-supersonics-vs-bulls.html February 5, 2023 Aftermath Following the season, Johnson signed as a free agent with the Denver Nuggets, Times News Services Grant Signs with Magic for $50 Million Los Angeles Times July 18, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-07-18-sp-25494-story.html November 9, 2022 C Ervin Johnson Signs with Nuggets United Press International July 23, 1996 https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/07/23/C-Ervin-Johnson-signs-with-Nuggets/9921838094400/ January 14, 2022 Heisler Mark NBA Preview Los Angeles Times October 31, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-10-31-sp-59693-story.html January 30, 2023 while Askew was traded to the New Jersey Nets, Condotta Bob Sonics Swap with Nets, Unload Brick, Johnson The Spokesman-Review July 17, 1996 https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1996/jul/17/sonics-swap-with-nets-unload-brick-johnson/ November 9, 2022 Nets Acquire Askew from Seattle United Press International July 16, 1996 https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/07/16/Nets-acquire-Askew-from-Seattle/1023837489600/ January 1, 2022 and Brickowski signed with the Boston Celtics. Transactions Hartford Courant August 2, 1996 https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-1996-08-02-9608020298-story.html July 25, 2022 This Sonics team has been featured in the video game series NBA 2K. Draft picks 1995 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College/team 1 26 Sherell Ford SF United States Illinois–Chicago 2 54 Eurelijus Žukauskas C Neptūnas Klaipėda Roster Seattle SuperSonics 1995–96 #18453B #ffc11f #B22222 #FFFFFF 2 Vincent Askew F 6 6 210 1966–02–28 Memphis 34 Frank Brickowski F 6 9 240 1959–08–14 Penn State 1 Sherell Ford F 6 7 210 1972–08–26 UIC 33 Hersey Hawkins G 6 3 190 1966–09–29 Bradley 50 Ervin Johnson C 6 11 245 1967–12–21 New Orleans 40 Shawn Kemp F 6 10 230 1969–11–26 Trinity Valley CC 10 Nate McMillan G 6 5 195 1964–08–03 North Carolina State 20 Gary Payton G 6 4 180 1968–07–23 Oregon State 14 Sam Perkins C 6 9 235 1961–06–14 North Carolina 55 Steve Scheffler C 6 9 250 1967–09–03 Purdue 11 Detlef Schrempf F 6 10 214 1963–01–21 Washington 3 Eric Snow G 6 3 190 1973–04–24 Michigan State 25 David Wingate basketball G 6 5 185 1963–12–15 Georgetown George Karl Dwane Casey Tim Grgurich Terry Stotts Bob Weiss https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1996.html October 31, 1995 Regular season Season standings SEA SEA Game log Seattle SuperSonics 1996 #18453B #FFC11F Total: 64–18 (home: 38–3; road: 26–15) Seattle SuperSonics November yes #B22222 #FFFFFF 5 1 4 5 |- | 1 | November 3 | @ Utah | 19951103 UTA 94 112 | Detlef Schrempf (24) | Shawn Kemp (8) | Gary Payton (7) | Delta Center19,911 | 0–1 |- | 2 | November 4 | L.A. Lakers | 19951104 SEA 103 89 | Shawn Kemp (23) | Shawn Kemp (13) | Gary Payton (7) | KeyArena17,102 | 1–1 |- | 3 | November 7 | L.A. Clippers | 19951107 SEA 127 108 | Gary Payton (21) | Shawn Kemp (9) | Gary Payton (9) | KeyArena17,102 | 2–1 |- | 4 | November 8 | @ Denver | 19951108 DEN 122 117 | Detlef Schrempf (35) | Detlef Schrempf (8) | Gary Payton (10) | McNichols Sports Arena17,171 | 3–1 |- | 5 | November 10 | @ L.A. Lakers | 19951110 LAL 97 100 | Schrempf, Kemp (27) | Shawn Kemp (14) | Gary Payton (10) | Great Western Forum15,542 | 3–2 |- | 6 | November 11 | Vancouver | 19951111 SEA 117 81 | Shawn Kemp (24) | Ervin Johnson (11) | Shawn Kemp (6) | KeyArena17,102 | 4–2 |- | 7 | November 14 | @ Phladelphia | 19951114 PHI 115 107 | Shawn Kemp (29) | Kemp, Perkins (12) | Gary Payton (11) | CoreStates Spectrum10,098 | 5–2 |- | 8 | November 15 | @ Detroit | 19951115 DET 87 94 | Shawn Kemp (23) | Shawn Kemp (21) | Gary Payton (6) | The Palace of Auburn Hills14,732 | 5–3 |- | 9 | November 17 | @ Charlotte | 19951117 CHH 98 96 | Gary Payton (19) | Shawn Kemp (16) | Gary Payton (5) | Charlotte Coliseum24,042 | 6–3 |- | 10 | November 18 | @ Indiana | 19951118 IND 104 118 | Shawn Kemp (27) | Shawn Kemp (12) | Shawn Kemp (9) | Market Square Arena16,724 | 6–4 |- | 11 | November 21 | @ Toronto | 19951121 TOR 97 102 | Gary Payton (24) | Shawn Kemp (8) | Gary Payton (11) | SkyDome21,836 | 6–5 |- | 12 | November 22 | @ Minnesota | 19951122 MIN 106 97 | Shawn Kemp (26) | Shawn Kemp (12) | Gary Payton (7) | Target Center12,504 | 7–5 |- | 13 | November 24 | San Antonio | 19951124 SEA 112 100 | Hersey Hawkins (27) | Shawn Kemp (17) | Gary Payton (9) | KeyArena17,072 | 8–5 |- | 14 | November 26 | Chicago | 19951126 SEA 97 92 | Gary Payton (26) | Shawn Kemp (14) | Gary Payton (11) | KeyArena17,072 | 9–5 |- | 15 | November 28 | Indiana | 19951128 SEA 101 102 | Gary Payton (24) | Schrempf, Kemp (8) | Nate McMillan (7) | KeyArena17,072 | 9–6 Seattle SuperSonics December #B22222 #FFFFFF 8 0 3 2 |- | 16 | December 1 | Milwaukee | 19951201 SEA 110 99 | Shawn Kemp (27) | Shawn Kemp (12) | Schrempf, Payton (5) | KeyArena17,072 | 10–6 |- | 17 | December 5 | Toronto | 19951205 SEA 119 89 | Shawn Kemp (21) | Kemp, Johnson (9) | Gary Payton (9) | KeyArena17,072 | 11–6 |- | 18 | December 8 | @ Sacramento | 19951208 SAC 120 103 | Hersey Hawkins (34) | Payton, Kemp (7) | Gary Payton (14) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 12–6 |- | 19 | December 9 | Portland | 19951209 SEA 106 97 | Detlef Schrempf (28) | Shawn Kemp (13) | Gary Payton (12) | KeyArena17,072 | 13–6 |- | 20 | December 12 | @ Dallas | 19951212 DAL 101 112 1 | Hersey Hawkins (24) | Shawn Kemp (22) | Gary Payton (9) | Reunion Arena16,089 | 13–7 |- | 21 | December 13 | @ San Antonio | 19951213 SAS 88 83 | Shawn Kemp (30) | Shawn Kemp (16) | Gary Payton (8) | Alamodome13,645 | 14–7 |- | 22 | December 15 | Golden State | 19951215 SEA 108 101 | Shawn Kemp (32) | Shawn Kemp (16) | Shawn Kemp (7) | KeyArena17,072 | 15–7 |- | 23 | December 19 | @ Vancouver | 19951219 VAN 93 94 | Hersey Hawkins (22) | Shawn Kemp (8) | Gary Payton (7) | General Motors Place16,701 | 15–8 |- | 24 | December 21 | Vancouver | 19951221 SEA 92 68 | Gary Payton (22) | Shawn Kemp (12) | Gary Payton (6) | KeyArena17,072 | 16–8 |- | 25 | December 23 | Washington | 19951223 SEA 118 100 | Gary Payton (27) | Shawn Kemp (15) | Gary Payton (11) | KeyArena17,072 | 17–8 |- | 26 | December 27 | Denver | 19951227 SEA 99 83 | Hersey Hawkins (24) | Shawn Kemp (16) | Nate McMillan (7) | KeyArena17,072 | 18–8 |- | 27 | December 29 | Boston | 19951229 SEA 124 85 | Gary Payton (26) | Kemp, Johnson (13) | Gary Payton (9) | KeyArena17,072 | 19–8 |- | 28 | December 30 | @ Phoenix | 19951230 PHO 123 112 1 | Hersey Hawkins (35) | Hersey Hawkins (10) | Gary Payton (10) | America West Arena19,023 | 20–8 Seattle SuperSonics January #B22222 #FFFFFF 6 1 6 2 |- | 29 | January 2 | @ Atlanta | 19960102 ATL 111 88 | Frank Brickowski (21) | Shawn Kemp (12) | McMillan, Payton (6) | Omni Coliseum8,524 | 21–8 |- | 30 | January 4 | @ Miami | 19960104 MIA 84 81 | Shawn Kemp (21) | Shawn Kemp (13) | Payton, McMillan (5) | Miami Arena14,964 | 22–8 |- | 31 | January 5 | @ Orlando | 19960105 ORL 93 115 | Hersey Hawkins (25) | Shawn Kemp (11) | McMillan, Payton (5) | Orlando Arena17,248 | 22–9 |- | 32 | January 9 | @ Milwaukee | 19960109 MIL 97 92 | Gary Payton (26) | Shawn Kemp (10) | Nate McMillan (7) | Bradley Center15,388 | 23–9 |- | 33 | January 10 | @ Chicago | 19960110 CHI 87 113 | Shawn Kemp (17) | Shawn Kemp (13) | Nate McMillan (5) | United Center23,877 | 23–10 |- | 34 | January 12 | Miami | 19960112 SEA 113 81 | Shawn Kemp (27) | Shawn Kemp (13) | Nate McMillan (5) | KeyArena17,072 | 24–10 |- | 35 | January 15 | @ Golden State | 19960115 GSW 104 95 | Gary Payton (23) | Shawn Kemp (14) | Gary Payton (9) | Oakland Coliseum Arena15,025 | 25–10 |- | 36 | January 16 | Cleveland | 19960116 SEA 99 90 | Shawn Kemp (31) | Shawn Kemp (16) | Gary Payton (8) | KeyArena17,072 | 26–10 |- | 37 | January 19 | New York | 19960119 SEA 97 100 1 | Shawn Kemp (25) | Shawn Kemp (14) | Nate McMillan (4) | KeyArena17,072 | 26–11 |- | 38 | January 21 | Dallas | 19960121 SEA 108 101 | Shawn Kemp (26) | Shawn Kemp (13) | Nate McMillan (6) | KeyArena17,072 | 27–11 |- | 39 | January 24 | Denver | 19960124 SEA 86 79 | Sam Perkins (18) | Hersey Hawkins (6) | Gary Payton (9) | KeyArena17,072 | 28–11 |- | 40 | January 26 | Utah | 19960126 SEA 94 93 | Gary Payton (24) | Shawn Kemp (12) | Hawkins, Payton (5) | KeyArena17,072 | 29–11 |- | 41 | January 27 | @ L.A. Clippers | 19960127 LAC 96 87 | Payton, Hawkins (23) | Shawn Kemp (11) | Gary Payton (8) | Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim15,081 | 30–11 |- | 42 | January 29 | @ Portland | 19960129 POR 92 88 | Gary Payton (21) | Shawn Kemp (7) | Gary Payton (7) | Rose Garden Arena21,221 | 31–11 |- | 43 | January 30 | New Jersey | 19960130 SEA 97 88 | Shawn Kemp (25) | Shawn Kemp (13) | Nate McMillan (6) | KeyArena16,003 | 32–11 Seattle SuperSonics February #B22222 #FFFFFF 7 0 4 1 |- | 44 | February 1 | @ Dallas | 19960201 DAL 100 103 | Shawn Kemp (22) | Shawn Kemp (15) | four players tied (5) | Reunion Arena15,295 | 32–12 |- | 45 | February 3 | @ Houston | 19960203 HOU 104 103 1 | Gary Payton (32) | Shawn Kemp (18) | Payton, Schrempf (8) | The Summit16,285 | 33–12 |- | 46 | February 6 | Houston | 19960206 SEA 99 94 | Payton, Kemp (22) | Shawn Kemp (13) | Detlef Schrempf (9) | KeyArena17,072 | 34–12 |- align="center" |colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff"|All-Star Break |- | 47 | February 13 | @ Phoenix | 19960213 PHO 102 98 | Gary Payton (23) | Shawn Kemp (14) | Gary Payton (10) | America West Arena19,023 | 35–12 |- | 48 | February 14 | Minnesota | 19960214 SEA 130 93 | Ervin Johnson (28) | Ervin Johnson (12) | Gary Payton (12) | KeyArena16,260 | 36–12 |- | 49 | February 16 | Phoenix | 19960216 SEA 117 99 | Schrempf, Hawkins (19) | Detlef Schrempf (8) | Gary Payton (10) | KeyArena17,072 | 37–12 |- | 50 | February 18 | @ Vancouver | 19960218 VAN 118 109 | Shawn Kemp (25) | Shawn Kemp (12) | Gary Payton (7) | General Motors Place19,193 | 38–12 |- | 51 | February 19 | Atlanta | 19960219 SEA 102 94 | Shawn Kemp (21) | Kemp, McMillan (7) | Gary Payton (8) | KeyArena17,072 | 39–12 |- | 52 | February 22 | Golden State | 19960222 SEA 106 90 | Gary Payton (19) | Ervin Johnson (11) | Gary Payton (7) | KeyArena17,072 | 40–12 |- | 53 | February 24 | Sacramento | 19960224 SEA 104 91 | Shawn Kemp (30) | Shawn Kemp (18) | four players tied (3) | KeyArena17,072 | 41–12 |- | 54 | February 25 | @ L.A. Clippers | 19960225 LAC 106 101 | Sam Perkins (22) | Shawn Kemp (17) | Gary Payton (9) | Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena8,807 | 42–12 |- | 55 | February 28 | Detroit | 19960228 SEA 94 80 | Shawn Kemp (23) | Shawn Kemp (14) | Gary Payton (8) | KeyArena17,072 | 43–12 Seattle SuperSonics March #B22222 #FFFFFF 7 1 6 2 |- | 56 | March 1 | @ Boston | 19960301 BOS 106 96 | Payton, Schrempf (21) | Ervin Johnson (8) | Gary Payton (7) | FleetCenter18,624 | 44–12 |- | 57 | March 2 | @ New Jersey | 19960302 NJN 103 92 | Detlef Schrempf (26) | Ervin Johnson (13) | Gary Payton (7) | Brendan Byrne Arena20,049 | 45–12 |- | 58 | March 5 | @ Cleveland | 19960305 CLE 107 101 2 | Gary Payton (24) | three players tied (8) | Gary Payton (9) | Gund Arena17,260 | 46–12 |- | 59 | March 6 | @ Washington | 19960306 WSB 88 99 | Gary Payton (26) | Sam Perkins (11) | Gary Payton (3) | USAir Arena18,756 | 46–13 |- | 60 | March 8 | @ Minnesota | 19960308 MIN 132 112 | Gary Payton (33) | Perkins, Askew (9) | Gary Payton (10) | Target Center13,930 | 47–13 |- | 61 | March 10 | San Antonio | 19960310 SEA 105 106 | Gary Payton (30) | Gary Payton (11) | Gary Payton (6) | KeyArena17,072 | 47–14 |- | 62 | March 13 | Orlando | 19960313 SEA 100 99 | Gary Payton (23) | Shawn Kemp (12) | Shawn Kemp (8) | KeyArena17,072 | 48–14 |- | 63 | March 15 | Dallas | 19960315 SEA 120 97 | Sam Perkins (26) | Shawn Kemp (12) | Eric Snow (13) | KeyArena17,072 | 49–14 |- | 64 | March 18 | L.A. Clippers | 19960318 SEA 104 101 | Shawn Kemp (27) | Gary Payton (10) | Gary Payton (10) | KeyArena16,638 | 50–14 |- | 65 | March 19 | @ L.A. Lakers | 19960319 LAL 71 94 | Gary Payton (17) | Shawn Kemp (15) | Detlef Schrempf (6) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 50–15 |- | 66 | March 21 | L.A. Lakers | 19960321 SEA 104 93 | three players tied (20) | Shawn Kemp (11) | Gary Payton (7) | KeyArena17,072 | 51–15 |- | 67 | March 23 | Philadelphia | 19960323 SEA 129 89 | Shawn Kemp (20) | Ervin Johnson (11) | Detlef Schrempf (8) | KeyArena16,646 | 52–15 |- | 68 | March 24 | @ Sacramento | 19960324 SAC 112 110 | Gary Payton (38) | Payton, Kemp (11) | Payton, McMillan (9) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 53–15 |- | 69 | March 26 | @ Golden State | 19960326 GSW 114 102 | Payton, Schrempf (23) | Detlef Schrempf (7) | Gary Payton (11) | Oakland Coliseum Arena15,025 | 54–15 |- | 70 | March 27 | Charlotte | 19960327 SEA 132 95 | Shawn Kemp (21) | Kemp, Johnson (11) | Gary Payton (17) | KeyArena17,072 | 55–15 |- | 71 | March 30 | Utah | 19960330 SEA 100 98 | Sam Perkins (22) | Ervin Johnson (10) | Gary Payton (10) | KeyArena17,072 | 56–15 Seattle SuperSonics April #B22222 #FFFFFF 5 0 3 3 |- | 72 | April 2 | @ Utah | 19960402 UTA 100 91 | Detlef Schrempf (29) | Shawn Kemp (11) | Gary Payton (9) | Delta Center19,911 | 57–15 |- | 73 | April 3 | Houston | 19960403 SEA 118 103 | Gary Payton (30) | Shawn Kemp (9) | Gary Payton (12) | KeyArena17,072 | 58–15 |- | 74 | April 5 | Phoenix | 19960405 SEA 130 121 2 | Shawn Kemp (26) | Schrempf, Kemp (9) | Gary Payton (10) | KeyArena17,072 | 59–15 |- | 75 | April 6 | @ Portland | 19960406 POR 92 95 | Askew, Perkins (17) | Shawn Kemp (10) | Gary Payton (11) | Rose Garden Arena21,401 | 59–16 |- | 76 | April 8 | @ New York | 19960408 NYK 108 98 | Shawn Kemp (25) | Shawn Kemp (13) | Gary Payton (9) | Madison Square Garden19,763 | 60–16 |- | 77 | April 10 | Sacramento | 19960410 SEA 108 89 | Detlef Schrempf (20) | Ervin Johnson (12) | Payton, McMillan (7) | KeyArena17,072 | 61–16 |- | 78 | April 13 | @ San Antonio | 19960413 SAS 81 84 | Detlef Schrempf (20) | Shawn Kemp (14) | Hersey Hawkins (5) | Alamodome31,710 | 61–17 |- | 79 | April 15 | @ Houston | 19960415 HOU 112 106 | Gary Payton (31) | Shawn Kemp (10) | Gary Payton (9) | The Summit16,285 | 62–17 |- | 80 | April 17 | Portland | 19960417 SEA 96 90 | Hersey Hawkins (20) | Ervin Johnson (13) | Gary Payton (10) | KeyArena17,072 | 63–17 |- | 81 | April 19 | Minnesota | 19960419 SEA 94 86 | Hersey Hawkins (23) | Shawn Kemp (11) | Schrempf, Kemp (5) | KeyArena17,072 | 64–17 |- | 82 | April 21 | @ Denver | 19960421 DEN 88 99 | three players tied (13) | Sam Perkins (7) | Hersey Hawkins (3) | McNichols Sports Arena15,921 | 64–18 SEA 1996 Season Synopsis November 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.1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1996_games.html June 21, 2021 Playoffs Seattle SuperSonics yes 1996 #18453B #FFC11F Seattle SuperSonics First round yes yes no #B22222 #FFFFFF 1 1 2 0 |- | 1 | April 26 | Sacramento | 19960426 SEA 97 85 | Gary Payton (29) | Ervin Johnson (10) | Gary Payton (9) | KeyArena17,072 | 1–0 |- | 2 | April 28 | Sacramento | 19960428 SEA 81 90 | Shawn Kemp (21) | Shawn Kemp (8) | Gary Payton (7) | KeyArena17,072 | 1–1 |- | 3 | April 30 | @ Sacramento | 19960430 SAC 96 89 | Sam Perkins (17) | Shawn Kemp (9) | Gary Payton (7) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 2–1 |- | 4 | May 2 | @ Sacramento | 19960502 SAC 101 87 | Gary Payton (29) | Detlef Schrempf (10) | Detlef Schrempf (9) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 3–1 |- Seattle SuperSonics Conference Semi-finals yes no #B22222 #FFFFFF 2 0 2 0 |- | 1 | May 4 | Houston | 19960504 SEA 108 75 | Gary Payton (28) | Shawn Kemp (12) | Gary Payton (7) | KeyArena17,072 | 1–0 |- | 2 | May 6 | Houston | 19960506 SEA 105 101 | Detlef Schrempf (21) | Schrempf, Kemp (10) | Schrempf, Payton (5) | KeyArena17,072 | 2–0 |- | 3 | May 10 | @ Houston | 19960510 HOU 115 112 | Gary Payton (28) | Shawn Kemp (18) | Gary Payton (8) | The Summit16,285 | 3–0 |- | 4 | May 12 | @ Houston | 19960512 HOU 114 107 1 | Shawn Kemp (32) | Shawn Kemp (15) | Gary Payton (11) | The Summit16,611 | 4–0 |- Seattle SuperSonics Conference Finals yes no #B22222 #FFFFFF 3 1 1 2 |- | 1 | May 18 | Utah | 19960518 SEA 102 72 | Kemp, Payton (21) | Shawn Kemp (11) | Gary Payton (7) | KeyArena17,072 | 1–0 |- | 2 | May 20 | Utah | 19960520 SEA 91 87 | Gary Payton (18) | Nate McMillan (5) | Gary Payton (8) | KeyArena17,072 | 2–0 |- | 3 | May 24 | @ Utah | 19960524 UTA 76 96 | Gary Payton (25) | Hawkins, Payton (6) | Gary Payton (3) | Delta Center19,911 | 2–1 |- | 4 | May 26 | @ Utah | 19960526 UTA 88 86 | Gary Payton (19) | Shawn Kemp (8) | Gary Payton (6) | Delta Center19,911 | 3–1 |- | 5 | May 28 | Utah | 19960528 SEA 95 98 1 | Gary Payton (31) | Shawn Kemp (13) | Gary Payton (6) | KeyArena17,072 | 3–2 |- | 6 | May 30 | @ Utah | 19960530 UTA 83 118 | Shawn Kemp (26) | Shawn Kemp (14) | Gary Payton (7) | Delta Center19,911 | 3–3 |- | 7 | June 2 | Utah | 19960602 SEA 90 86 | Shawn Kemp (26) | Shawn Kemp (14) | Gary Payton (5) | KeyArena17,072 | 4–3 |- Seattle SuperSonics NBA Finals yes no #B22222 #FFFFFF 2 1 0 3 |- | 1 | June 5 | @ Chicago | 19960605 CHI 90 107 | Shawn Kemp (32) | Gary Payton (10) | Gary Payton (6) | United Center24,544 | 0–1 |- | 2 | June 7 | @ Chicago | 19960607 CHI 88 92 | Shawn Kemp (29) | Shawn Kemp (13) | Payton, Schrempf (3) | United Center24,544 | 0–2 |- | 3 | June 9 | Chicago | 19960609 SEA 86 108 | Detlef Schrempf (20) | Brickowski, Payton (7) | Gary Payton (9) | KeyArena17,072 | 0–3 |- | 4 | June 12 | Chicago | 19960612 SEA 107 86 | Shawn Kemp (25) | Shawn Kemp (11) | Gary Payton (11) | KeyArena17,072 | 1–3 |- | 5 | June 14 | Chicago | 19960614 SEA 89 78 | Gary Payton (23) | Shawn Kemp (10) | Gary Payton (6) | KeyArena17,072 | 2–3 |- | 6 | June 16 | @ Chicago | 19960616 CHI 75 87 | Detlef Schrempf (23) | Shawn Kemp (14) | Gary Payton (7) | United Center24,544 | 2–4 |- SEA yes 1996 Player statistics Season PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG 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 David Wingate (basketball) 60 3 11.6 .415 .441 .780 .9 1.0 .3 .1 3.7 Playoffs PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG 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 David Wingate (basketball) 13 0 5.2 .438 .500 1.000 .2 .0 .0 .0 1.5 Player statistics citation: Awards and records Awards Gary Payton was named the Defensive Player of the Year and led the league in total steals and steals per game. 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 Transactions List of 1995–96 NBA season transactions Trades June 27, 1995 To Seattle SuperSonicsHersey HawkinsDavid Wingate To Charlotte HornetsKendall Gill June 28, 1995 To Seattle SuperSonicsEric Snow To Milwaukee BucksAurelijus Zukauskas1996 second-round pick September 18, 1995 To Seattle SuperSonicsFrank Brickowski To Sacramento KingsByron HoustonŠarūnas Marčiulionis Free agents 52% Additions Player Signed Former team Trevor Wilson October 25 Sacramento Kings Subtractions 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: 1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics Transactions Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1996_transactions.html July 3, 2021 See also 1995–96 NBA season References 2 Category:Seattle SuperSonics seasons Seattle Category:Western Conference (NBA) championship seasons