1988–89 Seattle SuperSonics season

NBA professional basketball team season March 2026 January 2025 Seattle SuperSonics 1989 47 35 Pacific 3 4 Bernie Bickerstaff Bob Whitsitt Barry Ackerley Seattle Center Coliseum Conference Semi-finals(lost to Lakers 0–4) SEA KIRO-TV KTZZ-TV Northwest Cable Sports KJR(Kevin Calabro) The 1988–89 Seattle SuperSonics season was the 22nd 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 The SuperSonics had the 15th overall pick in the 1988 NBA draft, and selected point guard Gary Grant from the University of Michigan; however, the team soon traded Grant to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Michael Cage on draft day. Goldaper Sam N.B.A. Draft: Manning, Then 3-Way Trade Give Hope to Lowly Clippers The New York Times June 29, 1988 https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/29/sports/nba-draft-manning-then-3-way-trade-give-hope-to-lowly-clippers.html February 10, 2022 Baker Chris 1988 NBA Draft: Clippers Choose Manning, Then Play for Position: They Trade Cage, End Up with Smith and Grant Los Angeles Times June 29, 1988 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-06-29-sp-4949-story.html December 6, 2022 1988 NBA Draft Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1988.html August 4, 2025 During the off-season, the team signed free agent John Lucas. Basketball The Washington Post September 20, 1988 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1988/09/21/basketball/64e3c669-06a4-45d9-980b-852d85cf3f49/ August 2, 2025 Associated Press Don't Call Lucas "Grandpa" The Spokesman-Review November 7, 1988 C2 https://books.google.com/books?id=8VtWAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA11&dq=1988+Seattle+SuperSonics+signed+guard+john+lucas&article_id=5619,5590043&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj1quSYxamOAxXxhIkEHWBwAFoQ6AF6BAgNEAM#v=onepage&q=1988%20Seattle%20SuperSonics%20signed%20guard%20john%20lucas&f=false August 2, 2025 Regular season With the addition of Cage, the SuperSonics won their first three games of the regular season, but then lost five of their next six games afterwards. The team soon recovered and played above .500 in winning percentage for the remainder of the season, posting a six-game winning streak in January, and later on holding a 28–18 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 9, 1989 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/index.fcgi?month=2&day=9&year=1989 December 6, 2022 However, the SuperSonics posted a seven-game losing streak between March and April, but then posted an eight-game winning streak afterwards, finishing in third place in the Pacific Division with a 47–35 record, and earning the fourth seed in the Western Conference. 1988–89 Seattle SuperSonics Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1989_games.html February 10, 2022 Dale Ellis averaged 27.5 points and 1.3 steals per game, led the SuperSonics with 162 three-point field goals, and was named to the All-NBA Third Team, while Xavier McDaniel played a sixth man role off the bench, Anstine Dennis NBA: SuperSonics' Xavier McDaniel; Newln: In Sonics' Lineup, "X" Marks the Spot United Press International April 22, 1989 https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/04/22/NBA-SuperSonics-Xavier-McDanielNEWLNIn-Sonics-LineupX-Marks-The-Spot/7388609220800/ February 18, 2024 McManis Sam X Marks the Spot: And It's Up to Foes to Take It Away from Sonics' McDaniel Los Angeles Times May 12, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-05-12-sp-3242-story.html February 18, 2024 Newman Bruce X: Xavier McDaniel Has Already Left His Mark on the Phoenix Suns, Who Hope His Arrival Will Help Bring an NBA Title Sports Illustrated Vault February 11, 1991 https://vault.si.com/vault/1991/02/11/x-xavier-mcdaniel-has-already-left-his-mark-on-the-phoenix-suns-who-hope-his-arrival-will-help-bring-an-nba-title November 6, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20220527132525/https://vault.si.com/vault/1991/02/11/x-xavier-mcdaniel-has-already-left-his-mark-on-the-phoenix-suns-who-hope-his-arrival-will-help-bring-an-nba-title May 27, 2022 dead averaging 20.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, and second-year forward Derrick McKey became the team's starting small forward, averaging 15.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. In addition, Cage provided the team with 10.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, while Sedale Threatt contributed 8.6 points and 3.8 assists per game, Alton Lister provided with 8.0 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game, Nate McMillan averaged 7.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 9.3 assists and 2.1 steals per game, and Jerry Reynolds contributed 7.6 points per game. 1988–89 Seattle SuperSonics Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1989.html February 10, 2022 During the NBA All-Star weekend at the Houston Astrodome in Houston, Texas, Ellis was selected for the 1989 NBA All-Star Game, as a member of the Western Conference All-Star team; it was his first and only All-Star appearance. Ellis scored 27 points as the Western Conference defeated the Eastern Conference, 143–134. McManis Sam Today's All-Star Game May Lack the Usual Magic: Without Johnson and Bird, NBA Showcase Just Won't Be the Same Los Angeles Times February 12, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-02-12-sp-3000-story.html December 20, 2022 NBA.com Staff 1989 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-1989 May 21, 2023 1989 NBA All-Star Game: West 143, East 134 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_1989.html February 10, 2022 In addition, Ellis also participated in the NBA Three-Point Shootout for the fourth consecutive year, and won the competition. Howard-Cooper Scott For Knicks' Walker, Slam Dunk Victory Occurs After a Loss Los Angeles Times February 12, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-02-12-sp-3003-story.html January 23, 2023 NBA & ABA All-Star Game Contest Winners Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/contest.html September 25, 2025 McDaniel finished in fifth place in Sixth Man of the Year voting, Associated Press Suns' Johnson Wins NBA's 6th Man Award Los Angeles Times May 8, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-05-08-sp-2691-story.html December 27, 2022 1988–89 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1989.html December 27, 2022 while McKey finished tied in seventh place in Most Improved Player voting. Associated Press Johnson Named Most Improved Player Lewiston Tribune May 16, 1989 3B https://books.google.com/books?id=U5ZfAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA11&dq=1989+NBA+Most+Improved+player+kevin+johnson&article_id=4125,91034&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwic8-SfnLqNAxWimbAFHfSTIVE4ChDoAXoECAsQAw#v=onepage&q=1989%20NBA%20Most%20Improved%20player%20kevin%20johnson&f=false May 25, 2025 The SuperSonics finished 19th in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 456,765 at the Seattle Center Coliseum during the regular season. 1988–89 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1989.html February 16, 2026 NBA playoffs In the Western Conference First Round of the 1989 NBA playoffs, the SuperSonics faced off against the 5th–seeded Houston Rockets, a team that featured the trio of All-Star center Akeem Olajuwon, Otis Thorpe and Sleepy Floyd. The SuperSonics won the first two games over the Rockets at home at the Seattle Center Coliseum, before losing Game 3 on the road, 126–107 at The Summit. 1989 NBA Western Conference First Round Game 3: Seattle SuperSonics at Houston Rockets Box Score, May 3, 1989 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198905030HOU.html June 21, 2026 The SuperSonics won Game 4 over the Rockets on the road, 98–96 to win the series in four games. Hafner Dan McKey's Last-Second Shot Pits Sonics Against Lakers Los Angeles Times May 6, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-05-06-sp-1929-story.html December 6, 2022 McKey Buzzes Rockets The Washington Post May 6, 1989 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1989/05/06/mckey-buzzes-rockets/d2dc6ec0-27ec-44c7-9203-e0af99925193/ December 6, 2022 1989 NBA Western Conference First Round: Rockets vs. SuperSonics Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1989-nba-western-conference-first-round-rockets-vs-supersonics.html March 20, 2023 In the Western Conference Semi-finals, the team faced off against the top–seeded, and 2-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers, who won the Pacific Division title; the team was led by the quartet of All-Star guard, and Most Valuable Player of the Year, Magic Johnson, All-Star forward James Worthy, Byron Scott, and All-Star center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The SuperSonics lost the first two games to the Lakers on the road at the Great Western Forum, before losing the next two games at home, including a Game 4 loss to the Lakers at the Seattle Center Coliseum, 97–95, thus losing the series in a four-game sweep. McManis Sam NBA Playoffs: Deep Down, Lakers Knew They Could: L.A., Losing by 29, Runs to 97-95 Win Los Angeles Times May 15, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-05-15-vw-238-story.html December 5, 2022 Goldaper Sam Jordan Digs a Deeper Hole for Knicks The New York Times May 15, 1989 https://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/15/sports/jordan-digs-a-deeper-hole-for-knicks.html December 5, 2022 1989 NBA Western Conference Semifinals: SuperSonics vs. Lakers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1989-nba-western-conference-semifinals-supersonics-vs-lakers.html March 20, 2023 The Lakers would advance to the NBA Finals for the third consecutive year, but would lose to the Detroit Pistons in a four-game sweep in the 1989 NBA Finals. Goldaper Sam Pistons Earn First Title by Sweeping Lakers The New York Times June 14, 1989 https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/14/sports/pistons-earn-first-title-by-sweeping-lakers.html December 6, 2022 McManis Sam Pistons End a Reign, Cap a Career: Detroit Sweeps Lakers, 105-97 Los Angeles Times June 14, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-06-14-sp-2097-story.html December 6, 2022 1989 NBA Finals: Lakers vs. Pistons Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1989-nba-finals-lakers-vs-pistons.html March 20, 2023 Aftermath Following the season, Lister was traded to the Golden State Warriors, Warriors Reportedly Get Lister from Sonics Los Angeles Times July 31, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-07-31-sp-399-story.html December 20, 2022 Sonics Trade Lister to Warriors United Press International August 7, 1989 https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/08/07/Sonics-trade-Lister-to-Warriors/5857618465600/ September 15, 2023 Sports People: Basketball: Sonics Trade Lister The New York Times August 8, 1989 https://www.nytimes.com/1989/08/08/sports/sports-people-basketball-sonics-trade-lister.html December 20, 2022 while Lucas signed as a free agent with the Houston Rockets, Names in the News Los Angeles Times July 12, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-07-12-sp-3562-story.html August 2, 2025 and Reynolds was left unprotected in the 1989 NBA expansion draft, where he was selected by the Orlando Magic expansion team. Brown Clifton Knicks' Green Is Taken First in N.B.A.'s Expansion Draft The New York Times June 16, 1989 https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/16/sports/knicks-green-is-taken-first-in-nba-s-expansion-draft.html March 10, 2026 Howard-Cooper Scott NBA Expansion Draft: Timberwolves Get Mahorn; Lakers Lose Rivers Los Angeles Times June 16, 1989 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-06-16-sp-1959-story.html March 10, 2026 1989 NBA Expansion Draft Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1989_expansion.html March 10, 2026 Draft picks 1988 NBA draft At the 1988 Draft, the SuperSonics got the fifteenth overall pick behind the Phoenix Suns. With their first-round pick, the SuperSonics selected Gary Grant, but he would be traded on draft night along with a first-round pick to the Los Angeles Clippers for Michael Cage. In the third round, they selected guard Corey Gaines. Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 1 15 Gary Grant (traded to L.A. Clippers) PG United States Michigan 3 65 Corey Gaines G United States Loyola Marymount Roster Seattle SuperSonics 1988–89 |- 42 Greg Ballard basketball F 6 7 215 1955–01–29 Oregon 44 Michael Cage F 6 9 224 1962–01–28 San Diego State 41 Mike Champion basketball F 6 10 230 1964–04–05 Gonzaga 3 Dale Ellis F 6 7 205 1960–08–06 Tennessee 15 Avery Johnson G 5 10 175 1965–03–25 Southern 53 Alton Lister C 7 0 240 1958–10–01 Arizona State 20 John Lucas John Lucas II G 6 3 175 1953–10–31 Maryland 34 Xavier McDaniel F 6 7 205 1963–06–04 Wichita State 31 Derrick McKey F 6 9 205 1966–10–10 Alabama 10 Nate McMillan G 6 5 195 1964–08–03 North Carolina State 23 Olden Polynice C 6 11 220 1964–11–21 Virginia 35 Jerry Reynolds basketball, born 1962 G 6 8 200 1962–12–23 LSU 40 Russ Schoene F 6 10 210 1960–04–16 Chattanooga 4 Sedale Threatt G 6 2 175 1961–09–10 West Virginia Tech Bernie Bickerstaff Bob Kloppenburg Tom Newell Regular season Season standings SEA SEA z – clinched division title y – clinched division title x – clinched playoff spot Game log Seattle SuperSonics 1989 Total: 47–35 (Home: 31–10; Road: 16–25) Seattle SuperSonics November yes no 3 3 3 4 |- | 1 | November 4, 1988 | at Utah Jazz | 104–97 | Dale Ellis (46) | | | Salt Palace12,444 | 1–0 |- | 2 | November 5, 1988 | Denver Nuggets | 142–141 (OT) | Xavier McDaniel (28) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum14,269 | 2–0 |- | 3 | November 8, 1988 | at Sacramento Kings | 97–75 | Dale Ellis (28) | | | ARCO Arena (II)16,517 | 3–0 |- | 4 | November 9, 1988 | Golden State Warriors | 108–113 | John Lucas (25) | | | Seattle Center ColiseumNot announced | 3–1 |- | 5 | November 11, 1988 | at L.A. Lakers | 0028800050 103 114 | Xavier McDaniel (20) | | | Great Western Forum17,505 | 3–2 |- | 6 | November 12, 1988 | at Denver Nuggets | 129–141 | Dale Ellis (29) | | | McNichols Sports Arena12,401 | 3–3 |- | 7 | November 17, 1988 | L.A. Lakers | 0028800086 101 98 | Dale Ellis (27) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum14,576 | 4–3 |- | 8 | November 19, 1988 | Dallas Mavericks | 106–112 | Xavier McDaniel (31) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum11,608 | 4–4 |- | 9 | November 22, 1988 | Portland Trail Blazers | 104–125 | Dale Ellis (22) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum10,956 | 4–5 |- | 10 | November 23, 1988 | at Golden State Warriors | 93–85 | Dale Ellis (36) | | | Oakland—Alameda County Coliseum Arena13,770 | 5–5 |- | 11 | November 25, 1988 | at Phoenix Suns | 105–110 | Dale Ellis (28) | | | Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum10,710 | 5–6 |- | 12 | November 29, 1988 | Utah Jazz | 109–102 | Dale Ellis (31) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum12,336 | 6–6 |- | 13 | November 30, 1988 | at L.A. Lakers | 0028800165 106 110 | Dale Ellis (36) | | | Great Western Forum17,505 | 6–7 Seattle SuperSonics December no 6 0 2 5 |- | 14 | December 2, 1988 | Los Angeles Clippers | 154–104 | Dale EllisXavier McDaniel(27) | | | Seattle Center ColiseumNot announced | 7–7 |- | 15 | December 3, 1988 | Golden State Warriors | 136–106 | Dale Ellis (36) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum10,571 | 8–7 |- | 16 | December 6, 1988 | at San Antonio Spurs | 112–107 | Dale Ellis (28) | | | HemisFair ArenaNot announced | 9–7 |- | 17 | December 7, 1988 | at Dallas Mavericks | 98–102 | Dale Ellis (26) | | | Reunion Arena17,007 | 9–8 |- | 18 | December 10, 1988 | at Houston Rockets | 91–110 | Dale Ellis (26) | | | The Summit16,611 | 9–9 |- | 19 | December 13, 1988 | Phoenix Suns | 126–116 | Dale Ellis (33) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum13,500 | 10–9 |- | 20 | December 15, 1988 | San Antonio Spurs | 122–107 | Dale Ellis (28) | | | Seattle Center ColiseumNot announced | 11–9 |- | 21 | December 17, 1988 | Sacramento Kings | 141–111 | Dale Ellis (27) | | | Seattle Center ColiseumNot announced | 12–9 |- | 22 | December 20, 1988 | at Atlanta Hawks | 118–121 | Dale Ellis (30) | | | The Omni14,808 | 12–10 |- | 23 | December 21, 1988 | at Miami Heat | 109–101 | Xavier McDaniel (23) | | | Miami Arena15,008 | 13–10 |- | 24 | December 23, 1988 | at Cleveland Cavaliers | 107–119 (OT) | Dale Ellis (32) | | | Richfield Coliseum15,857 | 13–11 |- | 25 | December 27, 1988 | at Los Angeles Clippers | 100–104 | Dale Ellis (24) | | | Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena11,505 | 13–12 |- | 26 | December 29, 1988 | Miami Heat | 129–99 | Dale EllisXavier McDaniel(25) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum14,794 | 14–12 Seattle SuperSonics January no 10 1 2 2 |- | 27 | January 3, 1989 | L.A. Lakers | 0028800342 116 106 | Dale Ellis (42) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum14,645 | 15–12 |- | 28 | January 5, 1989 | Sacramento Kings | 120–106 | Dale Ellis (49) | | | Seattle Center ColiseumNot announced | 16–12 |- | 29 | January 7, 1989 | Portland Trail Blazers | 129–123 | Xavier McDaniel (29) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum14,726 | 17–12 |- | 30 | January 9, 1989 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 105–103 | Derrick McKey (32) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum13,119 | 18–12 |- | 31 | January 10, 1989 | at Portland Trail Blazers | 109–125 | Michael Cage (24) | | | Memorial Coliseum12,848 | 18–13 |- | 32 | January 12, 1989 | Dallas Mavericks | 130–95 | Dale Ellis (36) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum14,290 | 19–13 |- | 33 | January 14, 1989 | at Sacramento Kings | 102–93 | Dale Ellis (31) | | | ARCO Arena (II)16,517 | 20–13 |- | 34 | January 16, 1989 | at Golden State Warriors | 117–146 | Dale Ellis (26) | | | Oakland—Alameda County Coliseum Arena12,340 | 20–14 |- | 35 | January 17, 1989 | Los Angeles Clippers | 130–107 | Dale Ellis (28) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum11,402 | 21–14 |- | 36 | January 19, 1989 | Houston Rockets | 124–108 | Xavier McDaniel (29) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum11,146 | 22–14 |- | 37 | January 21, 1989 | New York Knicks | 121–119 | Xavier McDaniel (36) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum14,810 | 23–14 |- | 38 | January 24, 1989 | at Portland Trail Blazers | 103–100 | Derrick McKey (34) | | | Memorial Coliseum12,848 | 24–14 |- | 39 | January 27, 1989 | Atlanta Hawks | 119–112 | Derrick McKey (28) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum23,362 | 25–14 |- | 40 | January 29, 1989 | Milwaukee Bucks | 112–106 | Derrick McKey (23) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum20,009 | 26–14 |- | 41 | January 31, 1989 | New Jersey Nets | 112–118 | Dale Ellis (33) | | | Seattle Center ColiseumNot announced | 26–15 Seattle SuperSonics February no 3 2 4 4 |- | 42 | February 2, 1989 | at Miami Heat | 100–93 | Dale Ellis (30) | | | Miami Arena14,798 | 27–15 |- | 43 | February 3, 1989 | at Charlotte Hornets | 106–108 | Dale Ellis (27) | | | Charlotte Coliseum23,388 | 27–16 |- | 44 | February 5, 1989 | at Boston Celtics | 89–87 | Dale Ellis (30) | | | Boston Garden14,890 | 28–16 |- | 45 | February 7, 1989 | at New Jersey Nets | 99–109 | Dale Ellis (34) | | | Brendan Byrne ArenaNot announced | 28–17 |- | 46 | February 8, 1989 | at Philadelphia 76ers | 102–109 | Dale Ellis (30) | | | The Spectrum11,224 | 28–18 |- align="center" |colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff"|All-Star Game |- | 47 | February 14, 1989 | San Antonio Spurs | 129–113 | Xavier McDaniel (30) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum11,506 | 29–18 |- | 48 | February 15, 1989 | at Phoenix Suns | 112–135 | Dale Ellis (21) | | | Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum12,800 | 29–19 |- | 49 | February 17, 1989 | Washington Bullets | 126–112 | Derrick McKey (26) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum12,570 | 30–19 |- | 50 | February 18, 1989 | at Portland Trail Blazers | 116–115 | Xavier McDaniel (37) | | | Memorial Coliseum12,848 | 31–19 |- | 51 | February 21, 1989 | Boston Celtics | 96–91 | Dale Ellis (30) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum14,546 | 32–19 |- | 52 | February 25, 1989 | Sacramento Kings | 94–97 | Xavier McDaniel (26) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum11,780 | 32–20 |- | 53 | February 27, 1989 | at Sacramento Kings | 116–107 | Dale EllisDerrick McKey(27) | | | ARCO Arena (II)16,517 | 33–20 |- | 54 | February 28, 1989 | Indiana Pacers | 106–108 | Dale Ellis (30) | | | Seattle Center ColiseumNot announced | 33–21 Seattle SuperSonics March no 5 2 1 9 |- | 55 | March 3, 1989 | Houston Rockets | 118–108 | Dale Ellis (39) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum14,415 | 34–21 |- | 56 | March 4, 1989 | Philadelphia 76ers | 118–104 | Xavier McDaniel (25) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum14,688 | 35–21 |- | 57 | March 7, 1989 | at Indiana Pacers | 110–92 | Dale Ellis (27) | | | Market Square ArenaNot announced | 36–21 |- | 58 | March 8, 1989 | at Detroit | 0028800730 96 112 | Derrick McKey (21) | | | The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454 | 36–22 |- | 59 | March 10, 1989 | at Milwaukee Bucks | 90–102 | Russ Schoene (18) | | | Bradley Center18,633 | 36–23 |- | 60 | March 11, 1989 | at Chicago Bulls | 88–105 | Dale Ellis (26) | | | Chicago Stadium18,291 | 36–24 |- | 61 | March 13, 1989 | at Washington Bullets | 101–106 | Dale Ellis (28) | | | Capital CentreNot announced | 36–25 |- | 62 | March 14, 1989 | at New York Knicks | 110–116 | Xavier McDaniel (34) | | | Madison Square Garden (IV)18,759 | 36–26 |- | 63 | March 16, 1989 | Charlotte Hornets | 108–88 | Dale Ellis (32) | | | Seattle Center ColiseumNot announced | 37–26 |- | 64 | March 18, 1989 | at Phoenix Suns | 104–122 | Dale Ellis (29) | | | Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum14,471 | 37–27 |- | 65 | March 21, 1989 | Utah Jazz | 101–96 | Dale Ellis (31) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum14,500 | 38–27 |- | 66 | March 23, 1989 | Los Angeles Clippers | 115–112 | Dale Ellis (39) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum10,349 | 39–27 |- | 67 | March 25, 1989 | Chicago Bulls | 110–111 | Dale Ellis (30) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum14,810 | 39–28 |- | 68 | March 27, 1989 | at Utah Jazz | 105–124 | Dale EllisXavier McDaniel(16) | | | Salt Palace12,444 | 39–29 |- | 69 | March 28, 1989 | at Houston Rockets | 117–120 | Dale Ellis (36) | | | The Summit16,611 | 39–30 |- | 70 | March 30, 1989 | at Denver Nuggets | 116–123 | Dale Ellis (26) | | | McNichols Sports Arena14,851 | 39–31 |- | 71 | March 31, 1989 | Detroit | 0028800880 108 111 | Dale Ellis (30) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum14,810 | 39–32 Seattle SuperSonics April no 4 2 4 1 |- | 72 | April 4, 1989 | L.A. Lakers | 0028800896 97 115 | Dale EllisDerrick McKey(23) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum14,810 | 39–33 |- | 73 | April 6, 1989 | Phoenix Suns | 119–126 | Xavier McDaniel (37) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum14,457 | 39–34 |- | 74 | April 8, 1989 | at Dallas Mavericks | 114–90 | Dale Ellis (34) | | | Reunion Arena17,007 | 40–34 |- | 75 | April 10, 1989 | at San Antonio Spurs | 102–89 | Dale Ellis (28) | | | HemisFair Arena12,448 | 41–34 |- | 76 | April 13, 1989 | Miami Heat | 116–111 | Xavier McDaniel (35) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum11,267 | 42–34 |- | 77 | April 15, 1989 | Denver Nuggets | 125–92 | Dale Ellis (32) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum14,250 | 43–34 |- | 78 | April 17, 1989 | at Golden State Warriors | 116–109 (OT) | Derrick McKey (28) | | | Oakland—Alameda County Coliseum Arena15,025 | 44–34 |- | 79 | April 18, 1989 | Golden State Warriors | 122–118 | Xavier McDanielDale Ellis(35) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum13,568 | 45–34 |- | 80 | April 20, 1989 | Portland Trail Blazers | 124–118 | Dale EllisXavier McDaniel(31) | | | Seattle Center Coliseum14,320 | 46–34 |- | 81 | April 21, 1989 | at Los Angeles Clippers | 139–136 (OT) | Xavier McDaniel (30) | | | Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena11,280 | 47–34 |- | 82 | April 23, 1989 | at L.A. Lakers | 0028801023 117 121 | Xavier McDaniel (39) | | | Great Western Forum17,505 | 47–35 SEA 1989 Playoffs Seattle SuperSonics yes 1989 Seattle SuperSonics First round yes yes no 2 0 1 1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | April 28, 1989 | Houston | 0048800006 111 107 | Dale Ellis (25) | Xavier McDaniel (11) | Nate McMillan (11) | Seattle Center Coliseum14,250 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | April 30, 1989 | Houston | 0048800012 109 97 | Lister, McDaniel (20) | Olden Polynice (10) | Nate McMillan (8) | Seattle Center Coliseum12,887 | 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 3 | May 3, 1989 | @ Houston | 0048800024 107 126 | Dale Ellis (26) | Michael Cage (10) | Nate McMillan (10) | The Summit16,611 | 2–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | May 5, 1989 | @ Houston | 0048800025 98 96 | Dale Ellis (26) | Xavier McDaniel (10) | Nate McMillan (10) | The Summit16,611 | 3–1 |- Seattle SuperSonics Conference Semi-finals yes no 0 2 0 2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 1 | May 7, 1989 | @ L.A. Lakers | 0048800029 102 113 | Derrick McKey (23) | Olden Polynice (10) | Nate McMillan (12) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 0–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | May 10, 1989 | @ L.A. Lakers | 0048800035 108 130 | Xavier McDaniel (17) | Xavier McDaniel (8) | Sedale Threatt (9) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 0–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 3 | May 12, 1989 | L.A. Lakers | 0048800039 86 91 | Dale Ellis (30) | Xavier McDaniel (12) | Sedale Threatt (9) | Seattle Center Coliseum14,541 | 0–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 4 | May 14, 1989 | L.A. Lakers | 0048800043 95 97 | Xavier McDaniel (30) | Xavier McDaniel (11) | Nate McMillan (8) | Seattle Center Coliseum14,006 | 0–4 |- SEA yes 1989 Player statistics Note: PG= per game; M= Minutes; R= Rebounds; A= Assists; S = Steals; B = Blocks; P = Points; T = Turnovers; PF = Personal fouls Season Player Age Games played MPG RPG APG SPG BPG TPG PFPG PPGGreg Ballard3427.53.50.00.00.00.01.53.0Michael Cage278031.79.61.61.20.71.62.310.3Mike Champion2422.00.00.00.00.00.51.00.0Dale Ellis288238.94.22.01.30.32.72.427.5Avery Johnson23436.80.61.70.50.10.40.81.6Alton Lister308222.06.60.70.32.21.43.88.0John Lucas357411.41.13.50.80.00.90.74.2Xavier McDaniel258229.15.31.61.00.52.62.820.5Derrick McKey228234.25.72.71.30.92.33.215.9Nate McMillan247531.25.29.32.10.62.83.17.1Olden Polynice248010.42.60.30.50.40.62.12.9Jerry Reynolds265613.21.81.10.90.51.01.07.6Russ Schoene286911.22.40.50.50.30.72.05.2Sedale Threatt276319.41.93.81.30.11.22.58.6 Playoffs Player Age Games played MPG RPG APG SPG BPG TPG PFPG PPGMichael Cage27821.95.80.60.90.41.01.87.1Dale Ellis28838.04.01.31.40.12.62.422.9Avery Johnson2365.20.70.80.70.00.00.21.8Alton Lister30820.04.80.30.32.61.13.57.0John Lucas3549.30.32.00.00.00.51.32.8Xavier McDaniel25835.18.42.80.30.62.83.818.8Derrick McKey22835.86.52.30.81.92.94.113.3Nate McMillan24825.03.17.91.30.62.42.66.8Olden Polynice24820.37.80.10.80.50.64.07.1Jerry Reynolds26410.01.30.30.51.51.01.55.5Russ Schoene28314.31.70.70.70.00.02.34.3Sedale Threatt27825.11.66.12.10.01.42.812.0 Awards and records 1989 NBA All-Star Game selections (game played on February 12, 1989) Dale Ellis Non All-Star Awards and records Dale Ellis, All-NBA Third Team Dale Ellis, January 8 Player of the Week Xavier McDaniel, April 23 Player of the Week Transactions Free agents Additions Date Player Signed Former team August 2, 1988Avery Johnson Free agentPalm Beach Stingrays September 19, 1988John Lucas Free agentMilwaukee Bucks October 4, 1988Mike Champion Free agent N/A (Undrafted) February 13, 1989Greg Ballard 10-day contractGolden State Warriors February 26, 1989Mike Champion 10-day contract N/A Subtractions Date Player Reason left New team October 25, 1988Mike Champion Waived N/A October 31, 1988Danny Young WaivedPortland Trail Blazers October 31, 1988Corey Gaines WaivedNew Jersey Nets Trades October 4, 1988 To Seattle SuperSonics---- USA Jerry Reynolds To Milwaukee Bucks---- 1990 Second-Round Pick (Steve Henson) Player Transactions Citation:1988–89 Seattle SuperSonics Transactions Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1989_transactions.html February 10, 2022 See also 1988–89 NBA season References Category:Seattle SuperSonics seasons Seattle