The 1995-96 Seattle SuperSonics had a remarkable season, finishing with a franchise-best 64-18 record. This performance was guided by head coach George Karl and the dynamic duo of Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp. Payton, known for his defensive prowess, earned the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, while Kemp was a dominant force in the paint, averaging 19.6 points and 11.4 rebounds per game.
Seattle’s success was built on a well-rounded roster that included Detlef Schrempf, Hersey Hawkins, and Sam Perkins, providing depth and versatility. The team excelled on both ends of the floor, ranking second in the league in offensive rating and eighth in defensive rating. Their fast-paced and aggressive style of play made them a formidable opponent throughout the season.
In the playoffs, the SuperSonics defeated the Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, and Utah Jazz to advance to the NBA Finals, marking their first appearance there since 1979. However, they faced the Chicago Bulls, who were having a historic season of their own, winning 72 games. Despite a valiant effort, the Sonics were overpowered by Michael Jordan and the Bulls, losing the series in six games.
The 1995-96 season remains a highlight in the history of the Seattle SuperSonics, showcasing a team that combined talent, tenacity, and teamwork to become one of the most memorable squads of its era.
- Regular Season Record: 64-18
- Playoff Result: Western Conference First Round: 3-1, Western Conference Semifinals: 4-0, Western Conference Finals: 4-3, NBA Finals: 2-4
Seattle SuperSonics Roster and Stats for 1995-96 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Shawn Kemp | 79 | 19.6 | 11.4 | 2.2 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 41.7 | 20 | 20.9 | 10.4 | 1.5 | 1.2 | 2.0 | 0.0 |
| Gary Payton | 81 | 19.3 | 4.2 | 7.5 | 2.9 | 0.2 | 32.8 | 21 | 20.7 | 5.1 | 6.8 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 41.0 |
| Detlef Schrempf | 63 | 17.1 | 5.2 | 4.4 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 40.8 | 21 | 16.0 | 5.0 | 3.2 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 36.8 |
| Hersey Hawkins | 82 | 15.6 | 3.6 | 2.7 | 1.8 | 0.2 | 38.4 | 21 | 12.3 | 3.0 | 2.2 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 34.4 |
| Sam Perkins | 82 | 11.8 | 4.5 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 35.5 | 21 | 12.3 | 4.3 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 36.8 |
| Vincent Askew | 69 | 8.4 | 3.2 | 2.4 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 33.7 | 19 | 3.7 | 2.2 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 26.1 |
| Ervin Johnson | 81 | 5.5 | 5.3 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 1.6 | 33.2 | 18 | 3.1 | 3.9 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 0.0 |
| Frank Brickowski | 63 | 5.4 | 2.4 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 40.5 | 21 | 2.0 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 27.3 |
| Nate McMillan | 55 | 5.0 | 3.8 | 3.6 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 38.0 | 19 | 4.4 | 3.7 | 2.7 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 47.5 |
| David Wingate | 60 | 3.7 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 44.1 | 13 | 1.5 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 50.0 |
| Sherell Ford | 28 | 3.2 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 16.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Eric Snow | 43 | 2.7 | 1.0 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 20.0 | 10 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Steve Scheffler | 35 | 1.7 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 20.0 | 8 | 0.0 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Seattle SuperSonics in the 1996 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Seattle SuperSonics
In the first round of the 1996 NBA Playoffs, the Seattle SuperSonics faced a daunting challenge against the Sacramento Kings, but they swept the series 3-0. Led by dynamic duo Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp, Seattle showcased their formidable defense and high-flying offense, setting the tone for a deep playoff run that would eventually take them to the NBA Finals. This dominant performance was a testament to their status as one of the top teams in the league that season.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 26, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 97-85 | |
| Apr 28, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 90-81 | |
| Apr 30, 1996 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 96-89 | |
| May 02, 1996 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 101-87 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Seattle SuperSonics
In the 1996 NBA Playoffs, the Seattle SuperSonics faced the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference Semifinals, showcasing their defensive prowess and depth. Led by Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp, the Sonics outmaneuvered the Rockets in a competitive series, ultimately clinching it in four games to one. This victory propelled Seattle into the Western Conference Finals, underscoring their determination to make a deep playoff run.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 04, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 108-75 | |
| May 06, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 105-101 | |
| May 10, 1996 | @ Houston Rockets | W 115-112 | |
| May 12, 1996 | @ Houston Rockets | W 114-107 |
1996 Conference Championship vs. Seattle SuperSonics
In the 1996 NBA Playoffs, the Seattle SuperSonics showcased their dominance in the Western Conference Finals by defeating the Utah Jazz in a hard-fought seven-game series. Led by dynamic duo Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp, the Sonics demonstrated exceptional defensive prowess and high-flying athleticism, ultimately securing their first NBA Finals appearance since 1979. Their victory in the conference finals set the stage for a memorable showdown against the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Finals.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 18, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 102-72 | |
| May 20, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 91-87 | |
| May 24, 1996 | @ Utah Jazz | L 96-76 | |
| May 26, 1996 | @ Utah Jazz | W 88-86 | |
| May 28, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 98-95 | |
| May 30, 1996 | @ Utah Jazz | L 118-83 | |
| Jun 02, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 90-86 |
1996 NBA Finals vs. Chicago Bulls
In the 1996 NBA Finals, the Seattle SuperSonics faced off against the Chicago Bulls in a highly anticipated matchup. Despite a valiant effort, led by stars Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp, the Sonics ultimately fell to the Bulls in six games. Chicago, powered by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, secured the championship, but Seattle's formidable defense and spirited play left a lasting impression on the series.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 05, 1996 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 107-90 | |
| Jun 07, 1996 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 92-88 | |
| Jun 09, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 108-86 | |
| Jun 12, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 107-86 | |
| Jun 14, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 89-78 | |
| Jun 16, 1996 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 87-75 |
Seattle SuperSonics 1995-96 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 1995-96 season for the Seattle SuperSonics.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 03, 1995 | @ Utah Jazz | L 112-94 | |
| Nov 04, 1995 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 103-89 | |
| Nov 07, 1995 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 127-108 | |
| Nov 08, 1995 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 122-117 | |
| Nov 10, 1995 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 100-97 | |
| Nov 11, 1995 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 117-81 | |
| Nov 14, 1995 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 115-107 | |
| Nov 15, 1995 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 94-87 | |
| Nov 17, 1995 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 98-96 | |
| Nov 18, 1995 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 118-104 | |
| Nov 21, 1995 | @ Toronto Raptors | L 102-97 | |
| Nov 22, 1995 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 106-97 | |
| Nov 24, 1995 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 112-100 | |
| Nov 26, 1995 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 97-92 | |
| Nov 28, 1995 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 102-101 | |
| Dec 01, 1995 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 110-99 | |
| Dec 05, 1995 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 119-89 | |
| Dec 08, 1995 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 120-103 | |
| Dec 09, 1995 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 106-97 | |
| Dec 12, 1995 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 112-101 | |
| Dec 13, 1995 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 88-83 | |
| Dec 15, 1995 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 108-101 | |
| Dec 19, 1995 | @ Vancouver Grizzlies | L 94-93 | |
| Dec 21, 1995 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 92-68 | |
| Dec 23, 1995 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 118-100 | |
| Dec 27, 1995 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 99-83 | |
| Dec 29, 1995 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 124-85 | |
| Dec 30, 1995 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 123-112 | |
| Jan 02, 1996 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 111-88 | |
| Jan 04, 1996 | @ Miami Heat | W 84-81 | |
| Jan 05, 1996 | @ Orlando Magic | L 115-93 | |
| Jan 09, 1996 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 97-92 | |
| Jan 10, 1996 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 113-87 | |
| Jan 12, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 113-81 | |
| Jan 15, 1996 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 104-95 | |
| Jan 16, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 99-90 | |
| Jan 19, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 100-97 | |
| Jan 21, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 108-101 | |
| Jan 24, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 86-79 | |
| Jan 26, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 94-93 | |
| Jan 27, 1996 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 96-87 | |
| Jan 29, 1996 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 92-88 | |
| Jan 30, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 97-88 | |
| Feb 01, 1996 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 103-100 | |
| Feb 03, 1996 | @ Houston Rockets | W 104-103 | |
| Feb 06, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 99-94 | |
| Feb 13, 1996 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 102-98 | |
| Feb 14, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 130-93 | |
| Feb 16, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 117-99 | |
| Feb 18, 1996 | @ Vancouver Grizzlies | W 118-109 | |
| Feb 19, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 102-94 | |
| Feb 22, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 106-90 | |
| Feb 24, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 104-91 | |
| Feb 25, 1996 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 106-101 | |
| Feb 28, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 94-80 | |
| Mar 01, 1996 | @ Boston Celtics | W 106-96 | |
| Mar 02, 1996 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 103-92 | |
| Mar 05, 1996 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 107-101 | |
| Mar 06, 1996 | @ Washington Bullets | L 99-88 | |
| Mar 08, 1996 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 132-112 | |
| Mar 10, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 106-105 | |
| Mar 13, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 100-99 | |
| Mar 15, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 120-97 | |
| Mar 18, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 104-101 | |
| Mar 19, 1996 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 94-71 | |
| Mar 21, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 104-93 | |
| Mar 23, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 129-89 | |
| Mar 24, 1996 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 112-110 | |
| Mar 26, 1996 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 114-102 | |
| Mar 27, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 132-95 | |
| Mar 30, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 100-98 | |
| Apr 02, 1996 | @ Utah Jazz | W 100-91 | |
| Apr 03, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 118-103 | |
| Apr 05, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 130-121 | |
| Apr 06, 1996 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 95-92 | |
| Apr 08, 1996 | @ New York Knicks | W 108-98 | |
| Apr 10, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 108-89 | |
| Apr 13, 1996 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 84-81 | |
| Apr 15, 1996 | @ Houston Rockets | W 112-106 | |
| Apr 17, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 96-90 | |
| Apr 19, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 94-86 | |
| Apr 21, 1996 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 99-88 |