The 1977-78 Seattle SuperSonics season was a landmark campaign in the franchise’s history. The team began the season under head coach Bob Hopkins but struggled with a 5-17 start, leading to his dismissal. Lenny Wilkens took over as head coach, and under his leadership, the SuperSonics dramatically improved. Wilkens implemented a more disciplined and strategic approach, guiding the team to a 42-18 record for the remainder of the regular season.
Seattle finished the regular season with a 47-35 overall record, securing the fourth seed in the Western Conference playoffs. The team’s success was built on a stifling defense and balanced scoring, featuring key players like Jack Sikma, Gus Williams, Fred Brown, and Dennis Johnson. Sikma, in particular, emerged as a dominant force, averaging 15.6 points and 12.4 rebounds per game.
In the playoffs, the SuperSonics showcased their resilience and tactical prowess. They defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round and the defending NBA champion Portland Trail Blazers in the semifinals. Seattle reached the NBA Finals after overcoming the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals. In the Finals, they faced the Washington Bullets in a tightly contested seven-game series. Despite a valiant effort, the SuperSonics fell short, losing to the Bullets 4-3. Nevertheless, the 1977-78 season marked a turning point for the franchise, setting the stage for future success and establishing the SuperSonics as a formidable force in the NBA.
- Regular Season Record: 47-35
- Playoff Result: Western Conference First Round: 2-1, Western Conference Semifinals: 4-2, Western Conference Finals: 4-2, NBA Finals: 3-4
Seattle SuperSonics Roster and Stats for 1977-78 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Gus Williams | 79 | 18.1 | 3.2 | 3.7 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 22 | 18.3 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 |
| Fred Brown | 72 | 16.6 | 2.6 | 3.3 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 22 | 17.3 | 2.1 | 2.4 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Marvin Webster | 82 | 14.0 | 12.6 | 2.5 | 0.3 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 22 | 16.1 | 13.1 | 2.6 | 0.3 | 2.6 | 0.0 |
| Dennis Johnson | 81 | 12.7 | 3.6 | 2.8 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 22 | 16.1 | 4.6 | 3.3 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 |
| Mike Green | 9 | 11.9 | 6.1 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| John Johnson | 76 | 10.7 | 4.0 | 2.7 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 22 | 10.1 | 4.5 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.0 |
| Jack Sikma | 82 | 10.7 | 8.3 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 22 | 13.7 | 8.1 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.0 |
| Bruce Seals | 73 | 7.8 | 3.1 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 9 | 3.0 | 2.2 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 |
| Slick Watts | 32 | 7.8 | 2.5 | 4.1 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Wally Walker | 68 | 6.5 | 3.0 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 20 | 4.7 | 1.9 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.0 |
| Paul Silas | 82 | 5.8 | 8.1 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 22 | 4.9 | 8.5 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.0 |
| Joe Hassett | 49 | 3.9 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 8 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Al Fleming | 20 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 5 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Willie Wise | 2 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Dean Tolson | 1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
Seattle SuperSonics in the 1978 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Seattle SuperSonics
In the 1978 NBA Playoffs, the Seattle SuperSonics faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round. The SuperSonics, led by head coach Lenny Wilkens, showcased their defensive prowess and teamwork, overcoming the Lakers in a three-game series (2-1) to advance. This victory marked the beginning of an impressive playoff run that would eventually lead them to the NBA Finals.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 12, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 102-90 | |
| Apr 14, 1978 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 105-99 | |
| Apr 16, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 111-102 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Portland Trail Blazers
In the 1978 NBA Playoffs, the Seattle SuperSonics, under the guidance of coach Lenny Wilkens, made a remarkable run in the second round by defeating the defending champion Portland Trail Blazers. The Sonics showcased a resilient team effort, led by standout performances from Gus Williams and Dennis Johnson, ultimately winning the series in six games. This victory propelled Seattle into the Western Conference Finals, marking a significant moment in the franchise's history.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 18, 1978 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 104-95 | |
| Apr 21, 1978 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 96-93 | |
| Apr 23, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 99-84 | |
| Apr 26, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 100-98 | |
| Apr 30, 1978 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 113-89 | |
| May 01, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 105-94 |
1978 Conference Championship vs. Denver Nuggets
In the 1978 NBA Playoffs, the Seattle SuperSonics made an impressive run to the Western Conference Finals, where they faced the Denver Nuggets. Captained by the strategic prowess of coach Lenny Wilkens and led on the court by the dynamic duo of Gus Williams and Dennis Johnson, the SuperSonics showcased their defensive tenacity and depth. Ultimately, they defeated the Nuggets in six games, propelling them to their first NBA Finals appearance and setting the stage for their emergence as a formidable force in the league.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 05, 1978 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 116-107 | |
| May 07, 1978 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 121-111 | |
| May 10, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 105-91 | |
| May 12, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 100-94 | |
| May 14, 1978 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 123-114 | |
| May 17, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 123-108 |
1978 NBA Finals vs. Seattle SuperSonics
In the 1978 NBA Finals, the Seattle SuperSonics made their first appearance on the grand stage, facing off against the Washington Bullets. Despite a strong showing, the Sonics were narrowly defeated in a thrilling seven-game series, with the Bullets clinching the title in Game 7. This marked the beginning of a competitive era for Seattle, setting the stage for their championship victory the following year.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 21, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 106-102 | |
| May 25, 1978 | @ Washington Bullets | L 106-98 | |
| May 28, 1978 | @ Washington Bullets | W 93-92 | |
| May 30, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 120-116 | |
| Jun 02, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 98-94 | |
| Jun 04, 1978 | @ Washington Bullets | L 117-82 | |
| Jun 07, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 105-99 |
Seattle SuperSonics 1977-78 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 1977-78 season for the Seattle SuperSonics.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 19, 1977 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 116-84 | |
| Oct 21, 1977 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 106-99 | |
| Oct 23, 1977 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 112-94 | |
| Oct 25, 1977 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 93-86 | |
| Oct 26, 1977 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 97-92 | |
| Oct 29, 1977 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 101-97 | |
| Oct 30, 1977 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 108-95 | |
| Nov 01, 1977 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 102-99 | |
| Nov 02, 1977 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 106-104 | |
| Nov 04, 1977 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 95-92 | |
| Nov 05, 1977 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 116-94 | |
| Nov 06, 1977 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 99-83 | |
| Nov 11, 1977 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 117-111 | |
| Nov 13, 1977 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 117-83 | |
| Nov 15, 1977 | @ Washington Bullets | L 111-109 | |
| Nov 16, 1977 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 101-96 | |
| Nov 17, 1977 | @ New Orleans Jazz | L 127-116 | |
| Nov 20, 1977 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 115-108 | |
| Nov 23, 1977 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 113-89 | |
| Nov 25, 1977 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 106-89 | |
| Nov 27, 1977 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 99-96 | |
| Nov 29, 1977 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 115-99 | |
| Nov 30, 1977 | @ Kansas City Kings | W 86-84 | |
| Dec 02, 1977 | @ Boston Celtics | W 111-89 | |
| Dec 03, 1977 | @ Buffalo Braves | W 102-95 | |
| Dec 05, 1977 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 99-88 | |
| Dec 09, 1977 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 136-123 | |
| Dec 11, 1977 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 116-84 | |
| Dec 13, 1977 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 116-104 | |
| Dec 14, 1977 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 102-92 | |
| Dec 16, 1977 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 98-90 | |
| Dec 18, 1977 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 111-109 | |
| Dec 20, 1977 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 93-88 | |
| Dec 22, 1977 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 132-99 | |
| Dec 25, 1977 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 111-96 | |
| Dec 27, 1977 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 131-105 | |
| Dec 30, 1977 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 121-110 | |
| Jan 01, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 114-96 | |
| Jan 04, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 116-110 | |
| Jan 08, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 99-91 | |
| Jan 11, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 106-100 | |
| Jan 13, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 104-98 | |
| Jan 15, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 108-102 | |
| Jan 17, 1978 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 119-113 | |
| Jan 18, 1978 | @ Houston Rockets | W 106-104 | |
| Jan 22, 1978 | @ Boston Celtics | W 103-92 | |
| Jan 25, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 128-125 | |
| Jan 27, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 95-90 | |
| Jan 29, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 103-101 | |
| Feb 08, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 106-100 | |
| Feb 10, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 126-123 | |
| Feb 12, 1978 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 109-99 | |
| Feb 14, 1978 | @ Buffalo Braves | L 101-100 | |
| Feb 16, 1978 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 101-92 | |
| Feb 17, 1978 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 106-98 | |
| Feb 19, 1978 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 108-103 | |
| Feb 21, 1978 | @ New York Knicks | L 122-120 | |
| Feb 22, 1978 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 94-83 | |
| Feb 25, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 118-104 | |
| Feb 26, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 99-97 | |
| Feb 28, 1978 | @ Kansas City Kings | W 114-107 | |
| Mar 03, 1978 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 115-111 | |
| Mar 04, 1978 | @ New Orleans Jazz | L 113-104 | |
| Mar 05, 1978 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 101-94 | |
| Mar 08, 1978 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 95-94 | |
| Mar 11, 1978 | @ Houston Rockets | W 93-91 | |
| Mar 14, 1978 | @ Washington Bullets | L 120-115 | |
| Mar 16, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 123-98 | |
| Mar 17, 1978 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 105-98 | |
| Mar 19, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 116-98 | |
| Mar 21, 1978 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 102-96 | |
| Mar 22, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 97-92 | |
| Mar 24, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 104-102 | |
| Mar 26, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 112-101 | |
| Mar 28, 1978 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 112-100 | |
| Mar 29, 1978 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 121-116 | |
| Mar 31, 1978 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 111-109 | |
| Apr 02, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 101-86 | |
| Apr 05, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 113-100 | |
| Apr 07, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 95-83 | |
| Apr 08, 1978 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 102-87 | |
| Apr 09, 1978 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 111-105 |