1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics season

1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics season
1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics season
Conference champions
Division champions
Head coach	George Karl
General manager	Wally Walker
Arena	KeyArena at Seattle Center
Results
Record	64–18 (.780)
Place	Division: 1st (Pacific); Conference: 1st (Western)
Playoff finish	NBA Finals; (lost to Bulls 2–4)
	Stats at Basketball-Reference.com
Local media
Television	KSTW; Prime Sports Northwest
Radio	KJR
< 1994–95	1996–97 >

The 1995–96 NBA season was the 28th season for the Seattle SuperSonics in the National Basketball Association.^[1] During the off-season, the Sonics acquired shooting guards Hersey Hawkins and David Wingate from the Charlotte Hornets,^[2]^[3]^[4]^[5] and re-acquired Frank Brickowski from the Sacramento Kings.^[6]^[7]^[8] 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.^[9]^[10]

Quick Facts Seattle SuperSonics season, Head coach ...

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After two consecutive playoffs appearances losing in the first round, the Sonics got off to a 9–6 start in November, but later on posted a 14-game winning streak between February and March,^[11] then won nine straight games between March and April. The team held a 34–12 record at the All-Star break,^[12] then won 30 of their final 36 games afterwards to finish the regular season with a franchise best 64–18 record,^[13] surpassing the record from the 1993–94 season, and earned their third number one seed in the Western Conference in franchise history. They also posted a 38–3 record at home, which was second best in the league.

Point guard and Defensive Player of the Year Gary Payton, and power forward Shawn Kemp were both selected for the 1996 NBA All-Star Game, with head coach George Karl coaching the Western Conference.^[14]^[15]^[16]^[17] Both players were also selected to the All-NBA Second Team. Payton was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, averaging 19.3 points, 7.5 assists and 2.9 steals per game, and became the first point guard ever to win the Defensive Player of the Year award,^[18]^[19]^[20] while Kemp led the team with 19.6 points, 11.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. Payton also finished in sixth place in Most Valuable Player voting,^[21] while Kemp finished in eighth place.^[22]

In addition, Detlef Schrempf averaged 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game, but only played 63 games due to a knee injury,^[23]^[24]^[25] while Hawkins provided the team with 15.6 points and 1.8 steals per game, sixth man Sam Perkins provided with 11.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, and starting center Ervin Johnson contributed 5.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. Also off the bench, Vincent Askew averaged 8.4 points per game, and defensive guard Nate McMillan contributed 5.0 points, 3.6 assists and 1.7 steals per game.^[26] This Sonics team is regarded as one of the best defensive teams in the late 90s.

Led by Kemp and Payton, the two formed "Sonic Boom", one of the most electrifying tandems in NBA history. In the playoffs, the SuperSonics faced the 8th-seeded Sacramento Kings in the Western Conference First Round. Despite losing Game 2 at home, 90–81,^[27]^[28]^[29] the Sonics defeated the Kings in four games, advancing to the second round for the first time in three years.^[30]^[31]^[32]^[33] In the Western Conference Semi-finals, they swept the 5th-seeded and reigning champions Houston Rockets in four straight games to advance to the Western Conference finals,^[34]^[35]^[36]^[37] where they defeated the Utah Jazz in seven games to reach their first NBA Finals since 1979.^[38]^[39]^[40]^[41]

In the Finals, they would face off against the Chicago Bulls, who posted the league's best record at 72–10, and were led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. After an 0–3 start in the series,^[42]^[43]^[44] Seattle managed to win their next two home games,^[45]^[46] but eventually lost the series in Game 6 in Chicago.^[47]^[48]^[49]^[50]^[51] Following the season, Johnson signed as a free agent with the Denver Nuggets,^[52]^[53]^[54] while Askew was traded to the New Jersey Nets,^[55]^[56] and Brickowski signed with the Boston Celtics.^[57] This Sonics team has been featured in the video game series NBA 2K.

For the season, the Sonics featured a new primary logo of a dark green oval with the Space Needle forming the letter "I" in Sonics,^[58] plus adding new uniforms, and added dark green and red to their color scheme.^[59]^[60] The logo and uniforms would both remain in use until 2001.

More information Round, Pick ...

Round	Pick	Player	Position	Nationality	College
1	26	Sherell Ford	SF	United States	Illinois–Chicago
2	54	Eurelijus Žukauskas	C	Lithuania	Neptūnas Klaipėda

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More information Players, Coaches ...

1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics roster

Players

Coaches

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

Head coach

George Karl

Assistant coach(es)

Legend

(DP) Unsigned draft pick
(FA) Free agent
(S) Suspended
Injured

Roster
Last transaction: October 31, 1995

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Season standings

More information W, L ...

Pacific Division v t e	W	L	PCT	GB	Home	Road	Div
c-Seattle SuperSonics	64	18	.780	–	38–3	26–15	21–3
x-Los Angeles Lakers	53	29	.646	11	30–11	23–18	17–7
x-Portland Trail Blazers	44	38	.537	20	26–15	18–23	11–13
x-Phoenix Suns	41	41	.500	23	25–16	16–25	9–15
x-Sacramento Kings	39	43	.476	25	26–15	13–28	11–13
Golden State Warriors	36	46	.439	28	23–18	13–28	7–17
Los Angeles Clippers	29	53	.354	35	19–22	10–31	7–17

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More information #, Team ...

Western Conference v t e
#	Team	W	L	PCT	GB	GP
1	c-Seattle SuperSonics *	64	18	.780	–	82
2	y-San Antonio Spurs *	59	23	.720	5	82
3	x-Utah Jazz	55	27	.671	9	82
4	x-Los Angeles Lakers	53	29	.646	11	82
5	x-Houston Rockets	48	34	.585	16	82
6	x-Portland Trail Blazers	44	38	.537	20	82
7	x-Phoenix Suns	41	41	.500	23	82
8	x-Sacramento Kings	39	43	.476	25	82

9	Golden State Warriors	36	46	.439	28	82
10	Denver Nuggets	35	47	.427	29	82
11	Los Angeles Clippers	29	53	.354	35	82
12	Minnesota Timberwolves	26	56	.317	38	82
13	Dallas Mavericks	26	56	.317	38	82
14	Vancouver Grizzlies	15	67	.183	49	82

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Record vs. opponents

More information Team, ATL ...

1995–96 NBA records
Team	ATL	BOS	CHA	CHI	CLE	DAL	DEN	DET	GSW	HOU	IND	LAC	LAL	MIA	MIL	MIN	NJN	NYK	ORL	PHI	PHO	POR	SAC	SAS	SEA	TOR	UTA	VAN	WAS
Atlanta	–	4–0	3–1	0–4	3–1	1–1	1–1	2–2	1–1	1–1	1–3	2–0	0–2	2–2	2–2	1–1	4–0	2–1	2–2	2–1	0–2	2–0	2–0	0–2	0–2	4–0	1–1	2–0	1–3
Boston	0–4	–	2–2	0–3	1–3	0–2	1–1	2–1	0–2	1–1	0–4	2–0	0–2	3–1	3–1	2–0	2–2	0–4	1–3	4–0	1–1	0–2	2–0	0–2	0–2	3–1	0–2	1–1	2–2
Charlotte	1–3	2–2	–	1–3	3–1	2–0	2–0	1–3	0–2	0–2	1–3	1–1	2–0	2–2	3–1	1–1	0–3	3–0	0–4	3–1	2–0	1–1	1–1	0–2	0–2	3–1	1–1	2–0	3–1
Chicago	4–0	3–0	3–1	–	4–0	2–0	1–1	4–0	2–0	2–0	2–2	2–0	2–0	3–1	4–0	2–0	3–0	3–1	3–1	4–0	1–1	2–0	2–0	2–0	1–1	3–1	2–0	2–0	4–0
Cleveland	1–3	3–1	1–3	0–4	–	2–0	1–1	2–2	2–0	1–1	2–2	2–0	2–0	1–3	4–0	2–0	1–2	3–1	1–2	4–0	2–0	1–1	1–1	0–2	0–2	3–1	0–2	2–0	3–1
Dallas	1–1	2–0	0–2	0–2	0–2	–	2–2	0–2	2–2	1–3	0–2	2–2	0–4	0–2	1–1	0–4	1–1	0–2	1–1	0–2	1–3	0–4	2–2	2–2	2–2	1–1	1–3	4–0	0–2
Denver	1–1	1–1	0–2	1–1	1–1	2–2	–	1–1	2–2	1–3	0–2	1–3	2–2	0–2	1–1	4–0	0–2	1–1	1–1	2–0	3–1	0–4	0–4	0–4	1–3	2–0	3–1	3–1	1–1
Detroit	2–2	1–2	3–1	0–4	2–2	2–0	1–1	–	2–0	1–1	2–2	2–0	0–2	1–3	2–2	1–1	4–0	0–4	1–3	4–0	2–0	2–0	1–1	2–0	1–1	4–0	0–2	2–0	1–2
Golden State	1–1	2–0	2–0	0–2	0–2	2–2	2–2	0–2	–	2–2	1–1	3–1	1–3	1–1	1–1	3–1	2–0	0–2	0–2	2–0	1–3	1–3	1–3	1–3	0–4	1–1	1–3	4–0	1–1
Houston	1–1	1–1	2–0	0–2	1–1	3–1	3–1	1–1	2–2	–	2–0	4–0	3–1	0–2	2–0	2–2	2–0	0–2	0–2	2–0	3–1	2–2	2–2	1–3	0–4	2–0	2–2	4–0	1–1
Indiana	3–1	4–0	3–1	2–2	2–2	2–0	2–0	2–2	1–1	0–2	–	2–0	1–1	3–0	3–1	1–1	1–3	1–3	2–2	3–1	1–1	1–1	0–2	1–1	2–0	4–0	0–2	2–0	3–0
L.A. Clippers	0–2	0–2	1–1	0–2	0–2	2–2	3–1	0–2	1–3	0–4	0–2	–	0–4	1–1	1–1	3–1	1–1	1–1	0–2	2–0	3–1	2–2	2–2	1–3	0–4	0–2	1–3	3–1	1–1
L.A. Lakers	2–0	2–0	0–2	0–2	0–2	4–0	2–2	2–0	3–1	1–3	1–1	4–0	–	2–0	2–0	3–1	2–0	1–1	1–1	1–1	3–1	2–2	3–1	1–3	2–2	2–0	2–2	4–0	1–1
Miami	2–2	1–3	2–2	1–3	3–1	2–0	2–0	3–1	1–1	2–0	0–3	1–1	0–2	–	3–0	1–1	5–0	1–3	1–3	3–1	1–1	0–2	1–1	1–1	0–2	2–1	0–2	1–1	2–2
Milwaukee	2–2	1–3	1–3	0–4	0–4	1–1	1–1	2–2	1–1	0–2	1–3	1–1	0–2	0–3	–	1–1	1–3	2–2	1–3	2–1	0–2	2–0	0–2	1–1	0–2	2–2	0–2	1–1	1–3
Minnesota	1–1	0–2	1–1	0–2	0–2	4–0	0–4	1–1	1–3	2–2	1–1	1–3	1–3	1–1	1–1	–	1–1	0–2	0–2	1–1	1–3	0–4	3–1	1–3	0–4	1–1	1–3	2–2	0–2
New Jersey	0–4	2–2	3–0	0–3	2–1	1–1	2–0	0–4	0–2	0–2	3–1	1–1	0–2	0–5	3–1	1–1	–	2–2	0–4	2–2	0–2	1–1	1–1	0–2	0–2	2–2	0–2	2–0	2–2
New York	1–2	4–0	0–3	1–3	1–3	2–0	1–1	4–0	2–0	2–0	3–1	1–1	1–1	3–1	2–2	2–0	2–2	–	1–3	3–1	0–2	0–2	0–2	1–1	1–1	4–0	1–1	1–1	3–1
Orlando	2–2	3–1	4–0	1–3	2–1	1–1	1–1	3–1	2–0	2–0	2–2	2–0	1–1	3–1	3–1	2–0	4–0	3–1	–	4–0	2–0	1–1	1–1	1–1	1–1	2–1	1–1	2–0	4–0
Philadelphia	1–2	0–4	1–3	0–4	0–4	2–0	0–2	0–4	0–2	0–2	1–3	0–2	1–1	1–3	1–2	1–1	2–2	1–3	0–4	–	0–2	0–2	0–2	0–2	0–2	3–1	1–1	1–1	1–3
Phoenix	2–0	1–1	0–2	1–1	0–2	3–1	1–3	0–2	3–1	1–3	1–1	1–3	1–3	1–1	2–0	3–1	2–0	2–0	0–2	2–0	–	2–2	2–2	1–3	0–4	2–0	1–3	4–0	2–0
Portland	0–2	2–0	1–1	0–2	1–1	4–0	4–0	0–2	3–1	2–2	1–1	2–2	2–2	2–0	0–2	4–0	1–1	2–0	1–1	2–0	2–2	–	1–3	1–3	1–3	2–0	1–3	2–2	0–2
Sacramento	0–2	0–2	1–1	0–2	1–1	2–2	4–0	1–1	3–1	2–2	2–0	2–2	1–3	1–1	2–0	1–3	1–1	2–0	1–1	2–0	2–2	3–1	–	1–3	0–4	2–0	0–4	2–2	0–2
San Antonio	2–0	2–0	2–0	0–2	2–0	2–2	4–0	0–2	3–1	3–1	1–1	3–1	3–1	1–1	1–1	3–1	2–0	1–1	1–1	2–0	3–1	3–1	3–1	–	2–2	2–0	3–1	4–0	1–1
Seattle	2–0	2–0	2–0	1–1	2–0	2–2	3–1	1–1	4–0	4–0	0–2	4–0	2–2	2–0	2–0	4–0	2–0	1–1	1–1	2–0	4–0	3–1	4–0	2–2	–	1–1	3–1	3–1	1–1
Toronto	0–4	1–3	1–3	1–3	1–3	1–1	0–2	0–4	1–1	0–2	0–4	2–0	0–2	1–2	2–2	1–1	2–2	0–4	1–2	1–3	0–2	0–2	0–2	0–2	1–1	–	0–2	1–1	3–1
Utah	1–1	2–0	1–1	0–2	2–0	3–1	1–3	2–0	3–1	2–2	2–0	3–1	2–2	2–0	2–0	3–1	2–0	1–1	1–1	1–1	3–1	3–1	4–0	1–3	1–3	2–0	–	4–0	1–1
Vancouver	0–2	1–1	0–2	0–2	0–2	0–4	1–3	0–2	0–4	0–4	0–2	1–3	0–4	1–1	1–1	2–2	0–2	1–1	0–2	1–1	0–4	2–2	2–2	0–4	1–3	1–1	0–4	–	0–2
Washington	3–1	2–2	1–3	0–4	1–3	2–0	1–1	2–1	1–1	1–1	0–3	1–1	1–1	2–2	3–1	2–0	2–2	1–3	0–4	3–1	0–2	2–0	2–0	1–1	1–1	1–3	1–1	2–0	—

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Game log

More information 1995–96 game log Total: 64–18 (home: 38–3; road: 26–15), Game ...

1995–96 game log
Total: 64–18 (home: 38–3; road: 26–15)

November: 0–0 (home: 0–0; road: 0–0)

Game	Date	Team	Score	High points	High rebounds	High assists	Location Attendance	Record

December: 0–0 (home: 0–0; road: 0–0)

Game	Date	Team	Score	High points	High rebounds	High assists	Location Attendance	Record

January: 0–0 (home: 0–0; road: 0–0)

Game	Date	Team	Score	High points	High rebounds	High assists	Location Attendance	Record

February: 0–0 (home: 0–0; road: 0–0)

Game	Date	Team	Score	High points	High rebounds	High assists	Location Attendance	Record

March: 0–0 (home: 0–0; road: 0–0)

Game	Date	Team	Score	High points	High rebounds	High assists	Location Attendance	Record

April: 0–0 (home: 0–0; road: 0–0)

Game	Date	Team	Score	High points	High rebounds	High assists	Location Attendance	Record

1995–96 schedule

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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.^[13]

More information 1996 playoff game log, Game ...

1996 playoff game log

First round: 3–1 (home: 1–1; road: 2–0)

Game	Date	Team	Score	High points	High rebounds	High assists	Location Attendance	Series
1	April 26	Sacramento	W 97–85	Gary Payton (29)	Ervin Johnson (10)	Gary Payton (9)	KeyArena 17,072	1–0
2	April 28	Sacramento	L 81–90	Shawn Kemp (21)	Shawn Kemp (8)	Gary Payton (7)	KeyArena 17,072	1–1
3	April 30	@ Sacramento	W 96–89	Sam Perkins (17)	Shawn Kemp (9)	Gary Payton (7)	ARCO Arena 17,317	2–1
4	May 2	@ Sacramento	W 101–87	Gary Payton (29)	Detlef Schrempf (10)	Detlef Schrempf (9)	ARCO Arena 17,317	3–1

Conference Semi-finals: 4–0 (home: 2–0; road: 2–0)

Game	Date	Team	Score	High points	High rebounds	High assists	Location Attendance	Series
1	May 4	Houston	W 108–75	Gary Payton (28)	Shawn Kemp (12)	Gary Payton (7)	KeyArena 17,072	1–0
2	May 6	Houston	W 105–101	Detlef Schrempf (21)	Schrempf, Kemp (10)	Schrempf, Payton (5)	KeyArena 17,072	2–0
3	May 10	@ Houston	W 115–112	Gary Payton (28)	Shawn Kemp (18)	Gary Payton (8)	The Summit 16,285	3–0
4	May 12	@ Houston	W 114–107 (OT)	Shawn Kemp (32)	Shawn Kemp (15)	Gary Payton (11)	The Summit 16,611	4–0

Conference finals: 4–3 (home: 3–1; road: 1–2)

Game	Date	Team	Score	High points	High rebounds	High assists	Location Attendance	Series
1	May 18	Utah	W 102–72	Payton, Kemp (21)	Shawn Kemp (11)	Gary Payton (7)	KeyArena 17,072	1–0
2	May 20	Utah	W 91–87	Gary Payton (18)	Nate McMillan (5)	Gary Payton (8)	KeyArena 17,072	2–0
3	May 24	@ Utah	L 76–96	Gary Payton (25)	Payton, Hawkins (6)	Gary Payton (3)	Delta Center 19,911	2–1
4	May 26	@ Utah	W 88–86	Gary Payton (19)	Shawn Kemp (8)	Gary Payton (6)	Delta Center 19,911	3–1
5	May 28	Utah	L 95–98 (OT)	Gary Payton (31)	Shawn Kemp (13)	Gary Payton (6)	KeyArena 17,072	3–2
6	May 30	@ Utah	L 83–118	Shawn Kemp (26)	Shawn Kemp (14)	Gary Payton (7)	Delta Center 19,911	3–3
7	June 2	Utah	W 90–86	Shawn Kemp (26)	Shawn Kemp (14)	Gary Payton (5)	KeyArena 17,072	4–3

NBA Finals: 2–4 (home: 2–1; road: 0–3)

Game	Date	Team	Score	High points	High rebounds	High assists	Location Attendance	Series
1	June 5	@ Chicago	L 90–107	Shawn Kemp (32)	Gary Payton (10)	Gary Payton (6)	United Center 24,544	0–1
2	June 7	@ Chicago	L 88–92	Shawn Kemp (29)	Shawn Kemp (13)	Payton, Schrempf (3)	United Center 24,544	0–2
3	June 9	Chicago	L 86–108	Detlef Schrempf (20)	Payton, Brickowski (7)	Gary Payton (9)	KeyArena 17,072	0–3
4	June 12	Chicago	W 107–86	Shawn Kemp (25)	Shawn Kemp (11)	Gary Payton (11)	KeyArena 17,072	1–3
5	June 14	Chicago	W 89–78	Gary Payton (23)	Shawn Kemp (10)	Gary Payton (6)	KeyArena 17,072	2–3
6	June 16	@ Chicago	L 75–87	Detlef Schrempf (23)	Shawn Kemp (14)	Gary Payton (7)	United Center 24,544	2–4

1996 schedule

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

Season

More information Player, GP ...

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

Close

Playoffs

More information Player, GP ...

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

Close

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

Trades

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

Free agents

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:^[61]

1995–96 NBA season

[1]
1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics
[2]
"SPORTS PEOPLE: PRO BASKETBALL; Hornets Re-Acquire Gill in Trade with Sonics". The New York Times. June 28, 1995. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
[3]
"Sonics Trade Gill Back to Hornets". The Washington Post. June 28, 1995. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
[4]
Newnham, Blaine (June 28, 1995). "Sonics Kept Karl, So Gill Had to Go". The Seattle Times. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
[5]
"Sonics Trade Gill to Get Hawkins; Hornets Throw in Veteran Wingate in Deal That Gives Seattle Outside Shot". The Spokesman-Review. Associated Press. June 28, 1995. Retrieved December 3, 2022.
[6]
"Sonics Trade Houston, Marciulionis to Kings". The Seattle Times. September 18, 1995. Retrieved October 5, 2022.
[7]
"Toronto Expands Quickly, Getting Five for Armstrong". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. September 19, 1995. Retrieved May 15, 2022.
[8]
"Sonics Get Brickowski for Marciulionis". The Spokesman-Review. Wire Reports. September 19, 1995. Retrieved January 29, 2023.
[9]
Lilly, Dick (March 16, 1994). "Sonics to Play '94-95 Games in Tacoma Dome, Says Official". The Seattle Times. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
[10]
Berry, Tyler. "A Look Back at the History of KeyArena at Seattle Center". SeatGeek. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
[11]
Melvin, Chuck (March 6, 1996). "SuperSonics 107, Cavaliers 101, 2OT". Associated Press. Retrieved October 12, 2021.
[12]
"NBA Games Played on February 8, 1996". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
[13]
"1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics Schedule and Results". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
[14]
Bembry, Jerry (January 31, 1996). "NBA Coaches Recognize Howard's Star Quality; Bullets' 2nd-Year Player Named Eastern Reserve". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
[15]
Heisler, Mark (February 11, 1996). "NBA Has All-Stars in Its Eyes". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
[16]
"1996 NBA All-Star Recap". NBA.com. NBA.com Staff. September 13, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
[17]
"1996 NBA All-Star Game: East 129, West 118". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
[18]
"N.B.A. PLAYOFFS; Payton Honored for Defense". The New York Times. Associated Press. May 7, 1996. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
[19]
"Payton Honored for Defensive Play". The Spokesman-Review. Wire Reports. May 7, 1996. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
[20]
"NBA & ABA Defensive Player of the Year Award Winners". Basketball Reference. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
[21]
"Jordan Named NBA MVP". United Press International. May 20, 1996. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
[22]
"1995–96 NBA Awards Voting". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
[23]
"BASKETBALL; Sonics' Schrempf to Miss Six Weeks". The New York Times. Associated Press. December 12, 1995. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
[24]
"Sonics Lose Schrempf for at Least Six Weeks". The Spokesman-Review. Associated Press. December 12, 1995. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
[25]
"Mourning Could Miss 3 Weeks". Orlando Sentinel. December 12, 1995. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
[26]
"1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics Roster and Stats". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
[27]
"NBA PLAYOFFS; Kings End 15-Year Drought in Playoff Upset of Sonics". The New York Times. Associated Press. April 29, 1996. Retrieved September 24, 2022.
[28]
"Richmond Scores 37 to Help Sacramento Steal One in Seattle". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. April 29, 1996. Retrieved September 24, 2022.
[29]
"Kings Latest to Lower Boom on Sonics". The Washington Post. April 29, 1996. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
[30]
"Seattle Finally Reaches Round 2". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. May 3, 1996. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
[31]
"Sonics Trounce Kings, Live to See Second Round; Payton, Kemp Guide Relieved Seattle Into Quarterfinals Against Houston". The Spokesman-Review. Associated Press. May 3, 1996. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
[32]
"SuperSonics 101, Kings 87". United Press International. May 3, 1996. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
[33]
"1996 NBA Western Conference First Round: Kings vs. SuperSonics". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
[34]
Friend, Tom (May 13, 1996). "N.B.A. PLAYOFFS; Rockets' Furious Rally Makes Sweep Interesting". The New York Times. Retrieved May 15, 2022.
[35]
"Fired-Up Rockets Go Out with Bang". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. May 13, 1996. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
[36]
Graczyk, Michael (May 13, 1996). "Rockets Are Dethroned by SuperSonics in OT". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
[37]
"1996 NBA Western Conference semifinals: Rockets vs. SuperSonics". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
[38]
"SuperSonics Finally Put Away Jazz". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. June 3, 1996. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
[39]
Cotton, Anthony (June 3, 1996). "SuperSonics Shake Jazz, Make a Final Statement". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 18, 2022.
[40]
Friend, Tom (June 4, 1996). "N.B.A. FINALS; Busy Sonics Count Ways to Stop Jordan". The New York Times. Retrieved May 15, 2022.
[41]
"1996 NBA Western Conference finals: Jazz vs. SuperSonics". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
[42]
Friend, Tom (June 10, 1996). "N.B.A. FINALS; Sonics See Rodman, Rodman Everywhere". The New York Times. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
[43]
Howard-Cooper, Scott (June 10, 1996). "Seattle Needled, Gored as Bulls Near the Ring". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
[44]
Adande, J.A. (June 10, 1996). "Supersonics Get Caught in Bulls' Stampede, 108-86". The Washington Post. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
[45]
Friend, Tom (June 13, 1996). "NBA FINALS; McMillan Puts Bulls' Brooms in Closet". The New York Times. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
[46]
Wise, Mike (June 15, 1996). "N.B.A. FINALS; Bulls Can't Win as a One-Man Show". The New York Times. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
[47]
Brown, Clifton (June 17, 1996). "N.B.A. FINALS; After a Few Anxious Days, Jordan and Bulls Get Their Title". The New York Times. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
[48]
"Bulls Drown Out SuperSonics, 87-75". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. June 17, 1996. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
[49]
Hirsley, Michael (June 17, 1996). "Game 6 Telecast Brings Happy Ending Home". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
[50]
Judd, Ron C. (June 17, 1996). "Not This Time -- Sonic Hopes End 87-75 as Bulls Win Fourth Title". The Seattle Times. Retrieved July 24, 2017.
[51]
"1996 NBA Finals: SuperSonics vs. Bulls". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
[52]
"Grant Signs with Magic for $50 Million". Los Angeles Times. Times News Services. July 18, 1996. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
[53]
"C Ervin Johnson Signs with Nuggets". United Press International. July 23, 1996. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
[54]
Heisler, Mark (October 31, 1996). "NBA Preview". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
[55]
Condotta, Bob (July 17, 1996). "Sonics Swap with Nets, Unload Brick, Johnson". The Spokesman-Review. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
[56]
"Nets Acquire Askew from Seattle". United Press International. July 16, 1996. Retrieved January 1, 2022.
[57]
"Transactions". Hartford Courant. August 2, 1996. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
[58]
"Seattle SuperSonics Logo". Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page - SportsLogos.Net. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
[59]
"Seattle SuperSonics Uniform". Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page - SportsLogos.Net. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
[60]
"Seattle SuperSonics Uniform". Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page - SportsLogos.Net. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
[61]
"1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics Transactions". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved July 3, 2021.

[1] [1]
1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics

[2] [2]
"SPORTS PEOPLE: PRO BASKETBALL; Hornets Re-Acquire Gill in Trade with Sonics". The New York Times. June 28, 1995. Retrieved July 24, 2022.

[3] [3]
"Sonics Trade Gill Back to Hornets". The Washington Post. June 28, 1995. Retrieved July 5, 2023.

[4] [4]
Newnham, Blaine (June 28, 1995). "Sonics Kept Karl, So Gill Had to Go". The Seattle Times. Retrieved July 3, 2021.

[5] [5]
"Sonics Trade Gill to Get Hawkins; Hornets Throw in Veteran Wingate in Deal That Gives Seattle Outside Shot". The Spokesman-Review. Associated Press. June 28, 1995. Retrieved December 3, 2022.

[6] [6]
"Sonics Trade Houston, Marciulionis to Kings". The Seattle Times. September 18, 1995. Retrieved October 5, 2022.

[7] [7]
"Toronto Expands Quickly, Getting Five for Armstrong". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. September 19, 1995. Retrieved May 15, 2022.

[8] [8]
"Sonics Get Brickowski for Marciulionis". The Spokesman-Review. Wire Reports. September 19, 1995. Retrieved January 29, 2023.

[9] [9]
Lilly, Dick (March 16, 1994). "Sonics to Play '94-95 Games in Tacoma Dome, Says Official". The Seattle Times. Retrieved May 26, 2022.

[10] [10]
Berry, Tyler. "A Look Back at the History of KeyArena at Seattle Center". SeatGeek. Retrieved June 19, 2021.

[11] [11]
Melvin, Chuck (March 6, 1996). "SuperSonics 107, Cavaliers 101, 2OT". Associated Press. Retrieved October 12, 2021.

[12] [12]
"NBA Games Played on February 8, 1996". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved July 18, 2022.

[results-13] [13]
"1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics Schedule and Results". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved June 21, 2021.

[14] [14]
Bembry, Jerry (January 31, 1996). "NBA Coaches Recognize Howard's Star Quality; Bullets' 2nd-Year Player Named Eastern Reserve". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved April 19, 2023.

[15] [15]
Heisler, Mark (February 11, 1996). "NBA Has All-Stars in Its Eyes". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 2, 2023.

[16] [16]
"1996 NBA All-Star Recap". NBA.com. NBA.com Staff. September 13, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2023.

[17] [17]
"1996 NBA All-Star Game: East 129, West 118". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved October 13, 2021.

[18] [18]
"N.B.A. PLAYOFFS; Payton Honored for Defense". The New York Times. Associated Press. May 7, 1996. Retrieved July 25, 2022.

[19] [19]
"Payton Honored for Defensive Play". The Spokesman-Review. Wire Reports. May 7, 1996. Retrieved January 4, 2023.

[20] [20]
"NBA & ABA Defensive Player of the Year Award Winners". Basketball Reference. Retrieved June 17, 2021.

[21] [21]
"Jordan Named NBA MVP". United Press International. May 20, 1996. Retrieved February 1, 2023.

[22] [22]
"1995–96 NBA Awards Voting". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved January 2, 2022.

[23] [23]
"BASKETBALL; Sonics' Schrempf to Miss Six Weeks". The New York Times. Associated Press. December 12, 1995. Retrieved January 4, 2023.

[24] [24]
"Sonics Lose Schrempf for at Least Six Weeks". The Spokesman-Review. Associated Press. December 12, 1995. Retrieved January 4, 2023.

[25] [25]
"Mourning Could Miss 3 Weeks". Orlando Sentinel. December 12, 1995. Retrieved January 4, 2023.

[roster-26] [26]
"1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics Roster and Stats". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved June 21, 2021.

[27] [27]
"NBA PLAYOFFS; Kings End 15-Year Drought in Playoff Upset of Sonics". The New York Times. Associated Press. April 29, 1996. Retrieved September 24, 2022.

[28] [28]
"Richmond Scores 37 to Help Sacramento Steal One in Seattle". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. April 29, 1996. Retrieved September 24, 2022.

[29] [29]
"Kings Latest to Lower Boom on Sonics". The Washington Post. April 29, 1996. Retrieved February 24, 2023.

[30] [30]
"Seattle Finally Reaches Round 2". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. May 3, 1996. Retrieved October 6, 2017.

[31] [31]
"Sonics Trounce Kings, Live to See Second Round; Payton, Kemp Guide Relieved Seattle Into Quarterfinals Against Houston". The Spokesman-Review. Associated Press. May 3, 1996. Retrieved November 25, 2022.

[32] [32]
"SuperSonics 101, Kings 87". United Press International. May 3, 1996. Retrieved June 4, 2022.

[33] [33]
"1996 NBA Western Conference First Round: Kings vs. SuperSonics". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 5, 2023.

[34] [34]
Friend, Tom (May 13, 1996). "N.B.A. PLAYOFFS; Rockets' Furious Rally Makes Sweep Interesting". The New York Times. Retrieved May 15, 2022.

[35] [35]
"Fired-Up Rockets Go Out with Bang". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. May 13, 1996. Retrieved June 4, 2022.

[36] [36]
Graczyk, Michael (May 13, 1996). "Rockets Are Dethroned by SuperSonics in OT". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 25, 2022.

[37] [37]
"1996 NBA Western Conference semifinals: Rockets vs. SuperSonics". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 5, 2023.

[38] [38]
"SuperSonics Finally Put Away Jazz". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. June 3, 1996. Retrieved June 4, 2022.

[39] [39]
Cotton, Anthony (June 3, 1996). "SuperSonics Shake Jazz, Make a Final Statement". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 18, 2022.

[40] [40]
Friend, Tom (June 4, 1996). "N.B.A. FINALS; Busy Sonics Count Ways to Stop Jordan". The New York Times. Retrieved May 15, 2022.

[41] [41]
"1996 NBA Western Conference finals: Jazz vs. SuperSonics". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 5, 2023.

[42] [42]
Friend, Tom (June 10, 1996). "N.B.A. FINALS; Sonics See Rodman, Rodman Everywhere". The New York Times. Retrieved October 3, 2022.

[43] [43]
Howard-Cooper, Scott (June 10, 1996). "Seattle Needled, Gored as Bulls Near the Ring". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 1, 2023.

[44] [44]
Adande, J.A. (June 10, 1996). "Supersonics Get Caught in Bulls' Stampede, 108-86". The Washington Post. Retrieved February 1, 2023.

[45] [45]
Friend, Tom (June 13, 1996). "NBA FINALS; McMillan Puts Bulls' Brooms in Closet". The New York Times. Retrieved November 5, 2022.

[46] [46]
Wise, Mike (June 15, 1996). "N.B.A. FINALS; Bulls Can't Win as a One-Man Show". The New York Times. Retrieved October 3, 2022.

[47] [47]
Brown, Clifton (June 17, 1996). "N.B.A. FINALS; After a Few Anxious Days, Jordan and Bulls Get Their Title". The New York Times. Retrieved January 14, 2022.

[48] [48]
"Bulls Drown Out SuperSonics, 87-75". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. June 17, 1996. Retrieved June 28, 2022.

[49] [49]
Hirsley, Michael (June 17, 1996). "Game 6 Telecast Brings Happy Ending Home". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 12, 2022.

[50] [50]
Judd, Ron C. (June 17, 1996). "Not This Time -- Sonic Hopes End 87-75 as Bulls Win Fourth Title". The Seattle Times. Retrieved July 24, 2017.

[51] [51]
"1996 NBA Finals: SuperSonics vs. Bulls". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 5, 2023.

[52] [52]
"Grant Signs with Magic for $50 Million". Los Angeles Times. Times News Services. July 18, 1996. Retrieved November 9, 2022.

[53] [53]
"C Ervin Johnson Signs with Nuggets". United Press International. July 23, 1996. Retrieved January 14, 2022.

[54] [54]
Heisler, Mark (October 31, 1996). "NBA Preview". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 30, 2023.

[55] [55]
Condotta, Bob (July 17, 1996). "Sonics Swap with Nets, Unload Brick, Johnson". The Spokesman-Review. Retrieved November 9, 2022.

[56] [56]
"Nets Acquire Askew from Seattle". United Press International. July 16, 1996. Retrieved January 1, 2022.

[57] [57]
"Transactions". Hartford Courant. August 2, 1996. Retrieved July 25, 2022.

[58] [58]
"Seattle SuperSonics Logo". Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page - SportsLogos.Net. Retrieved July 7, 2021.

[59] [59]
"Seattle SuperSonics Uniform". Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page - SportsLogos.Net. Retrieved July 7, 2021.

[60] [60]
"Seattle SuperSonics Uniform". Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page - SportsLogos.Net. Retrieved July 7, 2021.

[61] [61]
"1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics Transactions". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved July 3, 2021.

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1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics season

Season standings

Record vs. opponents

Game log

Season Synopsis

November

Season

Playoffs

Awards

Records

Trades

Free agents

Additions

Subtractions

Wikiwand in your browser!

1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics season

Season standings

Record vs. opponents

Game log

Season Synopsis

November

Season

Playoffs

Awards

Records

Trades

Free agents

Additions

Subtractions

Wikiwand in your browser!

Draft picks

Roster

Regular season

Playoffs

Player statistics

Awards and records

Transactions

See also

References