♪
Sonics Owner Ackerley: "We are very pleased and proud to be part of this 25th year anniversary souvenir video.
All of the great fans of the Pacific Northwest have helped to make possible what the Sonics have been able
to accomplish over the last 25 years.
As we look back on all of the
accomplishments of the team in the past,
it's certainly hopeful that we can look
forward to building a great future with
this basketball team.
Our family
purchased the team in 1983, and we were
very mindful at that time of all of the
great past accomplishments that the
Sonics have achieved. We are looking
forward to hopefully returning the
world's championship to Seattle with the
help of all of the wonderful fans in the
Pacific Northwest. During this 25th
anniversary year, I hope all of the fans
can look back on the many achievements
of the team, as well as looking forward
to the future that the Sonics will
provide for this area. Again, thanks to
all of our fans for their wonderful
support. Thank you."
Sonics Chairman Klein: "I might caution you gentlemen to regard our expansion team as just that,
an expansion team. We're going to do the
very very best we can in the obtaining
of ball players for the franchise. We
cannot flatly come out and say or even
think that we're going to have a
contender for first place next year. It's
a little too difficult to reach for, but
in the ensuing years, we're sure that's
going to happen. We ask you to bear with
us during our period of trial, and gluing
a team together that will be truly
representative of Seattle and the NBA.
And we in turn will do the same for you,
the media, and for the population of Seattle.
Narrator Blackburn: And so the Seattle SuperSonics set out to build a team for their
inaugural season. Seattle Pacific College
was the site of the first Sonic rookie camp.
A small crowd was on hand to watch an
enthusiastic group of players,
showing their best moves. All under the watchful eye of Sonics head coach, Al Bianchi.
♪
Seattle made its regular season NBA
debut with a road loss at San Francisco.
On October 20th, the Sonics made their
home debut at the Seattle Coliseum
against the San Diego Rockets.  Walt
Hazzard led the Sonics in scoring with
32 points. Rod Thorn got inside the
Rockets defense for some easy buckets.
And Bob Rule pulled down a team-high 11
rebounds. But San Diego came away with a
121-114 win. The Sonics picked up
their very first win the following night,
in an overtime game at San Diego. Seattle
was on a four-game losing streak when
they took on the Chicago Bulls at the
Coliseum. Walt Hazzard took control of
the offense, and with the help of teammates Tommy Kron and Plummer Lott, Hazzard poured
in a game-high 34 points.
Center Dorie Murray grabbed the
game-high 17 rebounds, and the Sonics
came away with their first home court
victory 114-109 over the Bulls. Just
five days prior to the start of the 1968
season, Seattle sent Walt Hazzard to the
Atlanta Hawks in exchange for another
veteran guard, Lenny Wilkens. For Wilkens
and Seattle, it would be the beginning of
a long relationship. Wilkens became the
Sonics' second-leading scorer behind Bob
Rule in 1968, and Al Bianchi finished his
second season as head coach with a 30-52
record. It would also be his
final season with Seattle.
Sonics Head Coach Bianchi: "I think it's in the best interest of all. I think a change is necessary at this time,
and I think someone with a new idea, a new philosophy on the coaching might get
more out of the team than I am."
Narrator Blackburn: That someone was Lenny Wilkens.
Wilkens would assume a dual role as player coach for the Sonics. First order of business for the new
coach would be to get some quality
players that would have the Seattle
SuperSonics ready to take on the
upcoming new decade.
♪
♪
In 1970, the Sonics found themselves
playing ball with two kinds of courts
when they signed Spencer Haywood out of
the ABA.
The Sonics fought the NBA and the ABA at
the same time, spending almost as much
time in court as on the court.
♪
Haywood
saw limited playing time in the 1970-71
season as a result of injunctions, suits, and countersuits. His case went all the
way to the Supreme Court, where it was
finally settled in his and Seattle's favor.
In addition to Haywood, Sonics coach
Lenny Wilkens assembled a nice group
of talent for the 1970-71 season. Pete
Cross, Garfield Heard, and Don Kojis
joined veteran Sonics Dick Snyder, Rod Thorn, Barry Clemens, and "Leapin' Lee" Winfield on the Seattle roster.
Kojis would also serve as an assistant coach for the team.
♪
In early 1971, Wilkens made
his third NBA All-Star Game appearance
as a Sonic. He scored 21 points to lead the West to a 108-107 win over the East, and was
named the game MVP.
Seattle signed two
players out of the 1971 draft, guard Fred Brown, and center Jim McDaniels.
Brown saw limited action in his first season coming off of the bench. It was a role at which he would later accept.
McDaniels was playing in the ABA when the Sonics drafted him, and it took some more legal
ball playing in the courts to make him
an official Sonic.
Meanwhile, Spencer Haywood continued to show Sonics fans that all the time and effort spent to
obtain him was worthwhile. Haywood was
the league's fourth-leading scorer and
the hub of the Sonics offense.
♪
But, in March of 1972, in a game against
Atlanta, Haywood slipped on a wet spot on
the Coliseum floor, suffering a knee
injury that would sideline him for
the remainder of the season.
At the conclusion of the season, Tom Nissalke was named as the newest Sonics
head coach,
and Lenny Wilkens would once again be a player only.
♪
Seattle also dipped into the ABA to sign guard John Brisker, sending them back to the courts once again.
In August of 1972, the Sonics made an announcement that would rock Seattle:
Lenny Wilkens had been traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Sonics Guard Wilkens: "I really can't see myself in Cleveland."
You know, I've made my home out here, and I signed my contract thinking that I was
going to be with the Seattle SuperSonics
this year, and at this point I can't see
myself going to Cleveland. And I don't
intend to."
The Sonics office was bombarded with calls from irate fans, and a petition was started to force the Sonics
to return Wilkens from Cleveland.
The 1972-73 season saw Spencer Haywood back at full strength, on his way to averaging better than 29 points a game.
Fred Brown saw increased playing time in a brighter second season, and his scoring totals
continued to rise.
The Sonics fans couldn't wait for the night of November 12th. The Cleveland Cavaliers were in town, and so was Lenny Wilkens.
A sellout turned out to welcome
Wilkens back to Seattle.
During the team introductions, Wilkens
received a standing ovation to last a lifetime.
Wilkens went on to lead Cleveland to a 113-107 win over Seattle,
handing the Sonics their seventh
straight loss.
Spencer Haywood had been scoring in high numbers as the season went along. One night in the first week
of January of 1973, Sonics fans were
treated to a scoring masterpiece.
Kansas City was the victim, as Haywood ripped the nets for 51 points.
He also pulled down a game-high 18 rebounds.
While the Sonics excelled individually, the team suffered as a whole.
Seattle had a dismal 19-41
record, and something had to be done.
So, Tom Nissalke was relieved of his coaching duties, and assistant coach Bucky Buckwalter
would take over for the remainder of the season.
But the Sonics were still in dire need
of a jump start.
Sonics Head Coach Bill Russell: "I'm not so sure we should go all the way this year, because that would spoil you."
[laughter]
♪
Seattle found the answer in the form of former Boston Celtics star, Bill Russell.
The man with the infectious laugh and winning background was signed to a five-year contract.
One of the things he promised to do in his first year was to get the Sonics their first playoff appearance.
♪
The Sonics entered the 1973-74
season with a lot of expectation and hope.
They expected a great season, with
the hope it would get them into the playoffs.
At the helm was the tallest coach in Sonics history.
And there was a rookie guard who would soon make an impact on the league, and with Sonic fans.
Sonics Announcer Blackburn: "....up off the bench, here comes Slick Watts!
...118-96. Boy, this crowd is crazy!
Slick Watts gets his hands on the ball, and they go nutty."
"Change of pace drive. It's good!
I cannot believe that shot!"
♪
Spencer Haywood was the Sonics leading
rebounder as well as top scorer, but in a
December game against the L.A. Lakers, center Jim Fox entered the Sonic record book,
when he hauled down a team record
30 rebounds.
Sonics Announcer Blackburn: "Here is a standing ovation for Jim Fox on the new Sonic team rebound record."
[applause]
Seattle hosted its first NBA All-Star Game
in January of 1974.
Spencer Haywood scored 23 points in his home building, but Detroit's Bob Lanier captured the MVP honors.
Fred Brown continued to grow and develop as a potent scoring force for the Sonics. The third-year guard had several games scoring in the high thirties.
But on March 23rd, 1974, in a game at Golden State, Brown had one of the all-time
greatest performances in Sonic history.
Sonics Announcer Blackburn: "Sonics' Snyder will inbound. A tie ballgame. It comes in to Abdul Rahman.
Down to six seconds. Five. Abdul looking for Brown.
Brown wheels, he's got an 18-footer...
...it goes! No time left, the Sonics win the ballgame.
As Fred Brown pumps one from the corner. 58 points for Fred Brown, and what a night this has been.
Tonight's final score, Seattle 139, the Warriors 137."
Brown's 58 points remains a
Sonic high in scoring to this very day.
The 1974 NBA Draft brought center Tom
Burleson to Seattle.
At 7'2", Burleson at the time was the tallest
player ever to wear a Sonic uniform.
And the Sonics got a new team trainer in
August of 1974, when Frank Furtado joined the ball club.
The Sonics would be in good hands in the years to come.
♪
Rivalries with other teams often draw
out the best from both basketball
players and fans, and Seattle saw some
great action on 1974-75 season with
their neighbors to the south.
Sonics Announcer Blackburn: "...to Brisker...good!
Walton has it at the high post.
Turns, faces the basket. Burleson getting some help from Brown–Brown knocks the ball loose!
Down to the floor, jump ball!
In this 4th Quarter, the Sonics have had three turnovers. The Blazers have now had 18.
Ready to go...
Here they go, Walton tips the ball–Watts steals it!
No good. Follow good, Fred Brown!
[cheering]
"Slick Watts missed the shot; Fred Brown's follow tipped it in."
Dave Cowens and his Boston Celtics were
in town in February, and the game had one
of the most amazing point swings in NBA
history.
Seattle trailed by 16 points early in
the second quarter, but Tom Burleson
led a charge that gave the Sonics the
lead for good with over five minutes
left in the first half.
The Sonics went on to lead by as many as 34 points in the second half, representing a huge 50-point swing.
Celtics coach Tom Heinsohn could not
believe what he was seeing, as the Sonics
rolled on to a 121-95 win.
Seattle needed one more win to clinch their first ever playoff spot when they met Portland in March.
Sonics Announcer Blackburn: "...passes out of the corner. Haywood pumps one in the corner.
[applause]
40 points in the ballgame for Haywood. The Sonics lead by six.
Big cheers as they're flashing up on the reader board: playoffs."
Spencer Haywood scored 40 points to lead
the Sonics into the playoffs.
After eight years in the NBA, Seattle had its first taste of playoff made.
The Detroit Pistons were the opponent in a Western Conference mini-series, but the Sonics
had the home court advantage.
Sonics Announcer Blackburn: "Inside it goes to Burleson for a dunk. Made a nice reverse move out of the pass from Spencer Haywood.
We're at the two-minute mark in the ball game. The Sonic fans are getting antsy.
Archie Clark overhead shot–two at the foul line.
And now the Sonics fans are getting ready to explode. 83-73, ten-point lead, a 1:53 in the ballgame.
....over the backboard, out of bounds. The Pistons behind.
They're going to a quick outside shooting game. A low-percentage shooting game.
Burleson coming through to Clark, top of the key, from Gray.
...won't let him. Haywood under pressure, shoots. Misses. Gray gets it, lays it in.
[applause]
He got rid of the ball before the buzzer
sounded.
85-75, Seattle. :44 seconds left in the game. Clark hooks the pass to Haywood.
Haywood then under to Burleson. He has a dunk! And Tommy Burleson is showing Bob Lanier tonight a thing or two about playing center.
The Sonics won the first game, 90-77, and
they would take the Pistons two games to
one in the series.
Golden State was the next opponent in a semifinal. The Warriors led the series two games to one
going into Game Four. It was a typical
matchup between two hot teams, with Tom
Burleson and Fred Brown hitting from
inside and out. The Sonics tied the series
with a 111-94 win. They would drop the
next two games to be eliminated.
Golden State would go on to be the eventual NBA Champion for 1975.
♪
Midway through the 1975 preseason, the Sonics traded Spencer Haywood to the New York Knicks
for two-million dollars and a 1979 first-round pick.
After some last 'goodbyes,' it was time to move on.
Bill Russell led his Sonics into the 1976-77 season with a couple of hot rookie prospects. Dennis Johnson and Bobby Wilkerson joined veteran guards
Fred Brown and Slick Watts for the
upcoming season.
One of the two rookies (Wilkerson) would play just a single season with Seattle.
It was not an extraordinary season for the Sonics. They finished with a 40-42 record, and would once
again have to watch the playoffs at home.
Bill Russell felt he had done all he
could with the team, and he stepped down
as coach in the 1977 offseason.
His assistant of four years, Bob Hopkins, was named as the new Sonic head coach.
At the same time, Lenny Wilkens was named Director of Player Personnel, after
spending the previous two years as Head
Coach at Portland.
A virtual unknown by the name of Jack Sikma was Seattle's number one pick in the 1977 Draft.
That Sikma would later be dubbed "The Banger" was only due in part to his haircut.
In October, free agent guard Gus Williams
signed with the Sonics, after spending his
first two years at Golden State.
Seattle entered the 1977-78 season with some new players, and a new coach.
Tom Burleson and Bobby Wilkerson were sent to Denver, for Paul Silas, Marvin Webster, and Willie Wise.
John Johnson was obtained from Houston, and Wally Walker came north from the 1977 NBA Champion Portland Trail Blazers.
It was a great blend of size and talent.
But the Sonics just couldn't seem to get
on track in the opening weeks of the season.
With a 5-17 record late in
November, Hopkins was fired, and the
former Sonic coach was back at the helm.
♪
Lenny Wilkens quickly went to work by
changing the entire starting lineup, and
the effect on the play of the Sonics was
incredible.
The offense and the defense developed
rapidly, and within five weeks, Seattle
had hit the .500 mark. Eight weeks later, the Sonics locked up a playoff spot.
Seattle faced the Los Angeles Lakers in
the first round. Wilkens had his players
hitting on all cylinders, and the Sonics sent
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to an early
vacation in just three games. The Sonics
faced the defending champion Portland
Trail Blazers in the semifinals. Marvin
Webster was a monster around the boards
throughout the series, and Seattle
eliminated the Blazers in six games.
The Western Conference Finals featured the Denver Nuggets as the opponent, and
Seattle continued to roll with everyone
contributing.
And Sonic fans were now in a frenzy. The Sonics downed the Nuggets in six games.
Next stop, the NBA Finals.
The amazing Seattle SuperSonics were the talk among sports fans everywhere. From a dismal start, to the world championship series in one season.
And the home court advantage, too.
The Sonics were 1-3 against Coach Dick Motta's Bullets in the regular season, but now they had the momentum.
Fred Brown topped the Sonics
with 30 points, and Marvin Webster had 14 rebounds
to give Seattle a 1-nothing
lead in the series.
Landover, Maryland was the site for two games. Bullet fans were witnessing the first Finals appearance
by their team in three years, and their
cheers were directed to the likes of
Wes Unseld and Elvin Hayes.
The Sonics split their two games, and returned to Seattle with a 2-1 lead in the series.
The Kingdome was the site of Game 4 of the Finals. An NBA-record crowd of over 39,000 turned out to witness the first
NBA game ever played in the still-new
concrete structure. The Kingdome really
was like a neutral site for both teams, but listening to the fans there was no mistaking whose
home court it was. Wilkins and Motta had their players
ready, and both teams put on a thriller
from start to finish.
♪
The Bullets won in overtime 120-116.
Seattle split the next two games, and it
all came down to Game 7 at the Coliseum.
Both teams played one of the
all-time classic games, with one team
answering another team's score. Washington got some big shots when down the stretch,
and the Bullets captured an exhausting,
but well-deserved NBA Championship.
The Bullets and their fans could celebrate
their wonderful accomplishments, and Sonic
fans everywhere couldn't imagine a more
exciting championship series.
Wait 'til next year!
♪
Marvin Webster signed with New York in
the offseason, and was replaced by Tom LaGarde at center.
But Lagarde suffered
an injury that would sideline him for
most of the 1978-79 season, and the
center position was grabbed by Jack Sikma.
Seattle compiled a team-best 52-30 record for the season, and Sonic
fans turned out in record numbers to enjoy the excitement at the Sonics' new home, the Kingdome.
Seattle met the Lakers once again in the first round of the playoffs.
The Sonics held a 3-1 series lead going into Game 5 at their old Coliseum home.
The Phoenix Suns took the Sonics to Game 7 in a Kingdome showdown.
Seattle had trailed the Suns three games
to two before winning the sixth game in
Phoenix to tie the series.
It was a heart-stopper right to the end.
Sonics Announcer Blackburn: Lead is at 2.
Sikma, 31 points. Shoots...he makes it!
[crowd cheers]
113-110, Seattle leads by 3.
Sikma shoots. He hits!
114-110, the Suns, no timeout.
And Dennis Johnson steals the inbounds pass.Throws the ball near the ceiling.
And the Sonics win the Western Conference NBA Championship.
The final score–tonight's final score
the Seattle Supersonics, 114, and the Phoenix Suns, 110."
Narrator Blackburn: Now there was something very familiar about the Sonics next opponent.
But by now Seattle was quite familiar with the Bullets home court. And they split their first two games at Washington.
♪♪
♪♪
Game number 4 at the Coliseum went
into overtime.
The site of another typical Sonics-Bullets game.
Some clutch shooting by D.J. in the extra gave Seattle a 114 to 112 win, and a 3-1 lead
heading back to Washington for Game number 5.
Lenny Wilkens and his players could afford to be confident, while DIck Motta and the Bullets had their backs to the wall.
The site was Landover, Maryland, and the date was Friday, June 1st, 1979.
♪
Sonics announcer Blackburn: "And so the Bullets have run off four-straight points on the Sonics, and the fans here are chanting and yelling.
D.J. out high.
Goes to Sikma. Ball knocked away from Sikma, out of bounds at the two-minute mark.
And the Sonics will have :10 seconds to bring it in and get it a shot away.
This is get nervous time for the coaches and the fans.
It comes in to Gus Williams. Gus getting a pick, goes around it. Out on top of the key.
Gus shoots from 18. He hits!
Gus Williams, 19 points in the ball game.
And now it's 90-85, the Sonics by five.
Down to 1:50 to play,
Is it a championship day for the Sonics?
Sonics lead is back to three. And what a game this is.
It's been kind of a sloppy game
at times. Mainly because of the tough defense.
Ball goes in to Sikma. He
got fouled.
It's in between Unseld and Bobby Dandridge. The foul is against Dandridge.
And Dandridge is out of the ballgame. Dandridge for the second straight game fouls out.
Dandrige goes down with 21 points. He'll be replaced by Phil Chenier.
Jack Sikma, who was responsible for the two free throws in the overtime that were the winning margin
in Tuesday's game, 114-112 over
the Bullets, will go to the free-throw
line with one plus the penalty shot.
A minute :29 left in the game.
Perspiration dripping from his chin, as he'll try to make the Sonics into a four or five-point leader again.
The crowd yelling, the cool Sikma shoots, and misses.
And the deafening roar of the Washington crowd, here in the background, as Sikma will get the
penalty shot now. The Bullets are down by only three.
Sikma shoots–he hits. And the Bullets take a timeout. As the Bullets take a timeout, the Sonics
have the lead in what they hope will be
their first Championship game ever.
The Bullets are playing without Kevin
Grevey.
They're playing without guard Tom Henderson, who injured an arch in the
3rd Quarter. Bullets bring it in, Larry Wright, top of the key, jumper–good!
And the Bullets trail by two points, 91 to 89. As Larry Wright, the hero of the first game of the
series, with 26 points on that Sunday
afternoon–brings the Bullets back to a two-point deficit at a minute :17 left.
[crowd roaring]
Gus Williams brings it down. His voice can't be heard over the roar of the crowd.
He drives right side, puts it up on the run–it's good!
Gus Williams, and now the Bullets call
for another timeout.
The inbounds play comes to Larry Wright.
Wright with the ball, Wright from the top
of the key–feeds to Unseld. He shoots from outside the–it's good, Wesley Unseld!
And again the Bullets trail by only two points. The Bullets are going to put up backcourt pressure.
A minute :02 left in the ball game. 93-91, and what a great contest this one is.
Win or lose! Whoever wins this, what a fantastic ball game. Equally as great as
the game on Tuesday night at
the Kingdome that went into overtime. This one–
Gus around his man inside–dishes not the
D.J. from ten. D.J. fires, it's good! Dennis Johnson.
D.J. complaining he got hit on the back of
the head, as the Sonics lead by four. :40 seconds
to go. Larry Wright, downcourt with Gus Williams, reaching in, and he gets called for a reaching-in foul.
So believe it or not, Gus Williams has just
been whistled for his first foul of the
ball game. And Larry Wright, who has no
pressure on him–well, maybe some pressure–had three but made two here a week ago
Sunday–now has all the pressure in the
world on him, as the Bullets trail by four points, 95 to 91.
And Larry Wright will go to the line
with one plus the penalty shot.
Barely is a discussion or an argument about where the clock should stand. It shows :38 seconds
left on the overhead clock over the
arena here.
Larry Wright will go to the free throw
line. Wright has twelve points tonight. His
first foul shot is good. Wright
incidentally has made nineteen in a row in the
playoffs before he missed that one a
week ago, Sunday. Now the Bullets trail by
three. Wright with 13 points in this ball
game.
Here's Wright's next shot–it is good! 95 to 93. Sonics lead is again at two points,
and what a fateful play this one is coming up. :35 seconds left in the
ballgame. If the Sonics fail to score this time, the Bullets could tie it up.
Gus Williams with the ball out high. Feed over to Dennis Johnson. Look for Sikma cutting across.
Unseld gives Sikma push. Jack turns, starts to drive. Double-team, backed away. Feeds out to D.J.
Foul line jumper–D.J.! Off the rim, no good! Ball popped around, J.J. with the ball.
He started to shoot and they decide to run the clock. :14 seconds left, and Phil Chenier fouls Gus Williams.
As the Sonics nose in on what could be
their first Championship game ever, it's
down to :12 seconds. It's 95 to 93. A missed
shot by the Sonics, but John Johnson got
the rebound. And then Gus Williams
dribbling in and out, got fouled by the
Phil Chenier. And now the pressure is all on Gus Williams.
He shoots, he hits! And the Sonics lead by three. And the Sonic bench is going wild.
Assistant Coach Les Habegger is just about to do his famous phoenix version of the Habegger Hop.
96-93 Sonics, this ball game is
not over, but it's close. Gus shoots, he hits!
97-93, and the Bullets call for a
timeout.
Twelve seconds to a Championship for the
Sonics. Jake O'Donnell is telling John
Johnson to give Wesley Unseld room to
operate on the inbounds pass–fires in
Ballard, long, top of the key, no good.
Rebound, John Johnson, Sonics have it.
Seven seconds. Six, five, four–pass to Gus Williams–three, two, one,
and the SuperSonics win their first ever
NBA Championship. The ball sails high in
the air! Les Habegger does the Habegger Hop. The Sonics are ecstatic, the horns
are honking around the Pacific Northwest,
and I'm sure there is–there's a big
round of applause from the Washington
Bullets fans. For both ball clubs. Mainly
for the Washington Bullets, but for both teams. The last two games
of this series: simply outstanding ballgames.The final
score as the Seattle SuperSonics win
their first ever NBA championship,
Seattle 97, and the Washington Bullets 93.
♪♪
♪♪
♪♪
♪♪
♪♪
Opening night for Sonics 1979-80
Season was special indeed. A huge crowd
was on hand to see the Sonics receive
their Championship rings in a special
pre-game ceremony, but the loudest
cheers came when Seattle's Championship
banner was unveiled high above. The goal
for the season was simple: put another
Championship banner alongside. The Sonics picked up where they left off and
quickly piled up the wins. Tom LaGarde
was back in action, and Seattle added two
rookies to the roster: Vinnie Johnson and
jammin' James Bailey. The Sonics finished
the regular season with a club-best 56
and 26 record.
The Portland Trailblazers were the Sonics first opponent in the first round of the playoffs. Some great
play from the starters, and from the Sonics bench, gave Seattle the three-game series.
The Milwaukee Bucks proved a much more
formidable foe in the Semifinals. The
Sonics had their banner to remind them
what it was all about, but they had to
get past a guy named Lanier first. Both
teams traded leads in the fourth quarter,
and it appeared that the Bucks had Game
1 wrapped up on a Marcus Johnson
steal and slam. But Dennis Johnson took the outcome into his own hands, dropping up
the court, and launching a 40-foot
three-point shot that hit the bottom of the net.
The series was tied at three games apiece going into the seventh game
at the Coliseum. Gus Williams and Lonnie
Shelton were in top form, running the
fast-break,  hitting the open jumpers, and
on this night, the Sonics were number one.
♪
Both the Kingdome and the Coliseum were
unavailable for Games 3 & 4 of the Western Conference Finals, and so
the games would be held at the Hec Edmundson Pavilion at the University of Washington.
The Sonics had split the first two games
at Los Angeles, and got off to a fast
start in Game 3. Seattle had an 18-point lead
by halftime, and appeared to be on their
way to an easy victory, but Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
and Magic Johnson were hot in the second half, while the Sonics went stone-cold.
And the Lakers came away with a 104 to
98 win. The Lakers captured the fourth
game in Seattle as well, and wrapped up
the series in Los Angeles.
There would be no repeat for the Sonics.
♪
Narrator Calabro: Seattle entered the 1980-81 season with one of their stars out for the season,
but it wasn't because of an injury. Gus
Williams had a contract dispute with the
Sonics, and chose to sit out the season.
Meanwhile, Williams' backcourt partner
Dennis Johnson was traded to Phoenix for
guard Paul Westphal. Sonic fans saw some
great individual performances over the
course of the season.
Rookie center James Donaldson had his
moments against the NBA's best, but
the team finished with a dismal 34-48 record, and no postseason action.
Gus and the Sonics came to terms in
the offseason, and fans were glad to see
him back in a Sonics uniform. Seattle
added some new faces to the team for the
'81-'82 season, and with the likes of Phil
Smith, Danny Vranes, Mark Radford and Ray Tolbert,
the Sonics rebounded to post a 52-30 season record.
The Sonics got by Houston in a three-game series, and met San Antonio in the Semifinals.
Seattle split the first two games, but then lost the next three,
thanks to the hot shooting of the Spurs' George Gervin.
Seattle's second home game of the '82-'83 season was a rematch with San Antonio.
All-Star guard David Thompson was
obtained from Denver in the offseason,
and he quickly made an impact with the
fans. George Gervin and Artis Gilmore
kept the Spurs ahead in the final period,
while Freddie Brown kept the Sonics
within reach. As it happened so many times, the game was reduced to seconds.
Announcer Blackburn: "David Thompson has it. He puts up a long shot.
Good! At the buzzer! David Thompson at the buzzer. A three-point shot. The Sonics win!"
[crowd cheering]
Narrator Calabro: Seattle got off to one of the best starts in NBA history in the '82-'83 season.
The Sonics took on Cleveland in November, and Gus Williams and David Thompson had
command of the court from inside and out. Fred Brown knocked in a three-pointer from
downtown, and Seattle went on to a 101-94 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Sonics were 12-0 going into the
third week of the season.
In October of 1983, First Northwest Industries announced the sale of the Seattle SuperSonics
to Ackerley Communications.There was concern that the Sonics might
be sold to an out-of-town buyer, and
possibly leave Seattle, but those fears
were laid to rest.
Sonics Owner Barry Ackerley: "We really did buy the team to keep it in Seattle."
Narrator Calabro: The Sonics were Seattle's team, and Seattle was where they would remain.
January of 1984, the Sonics traveled south to play the Dallas Mavericks at the Tacoma Dome.
Mark Aguire did the damage for the Mavs, but hot shooting from Seattle's
All-Star guards kept Seattle comfortably ahead.
It was a special night for coach Lenny Wilkens, who picked up his 500th career coaching
victory with a 114 to 107 win.
Sonic fans in the '84-'85 season couldn't wait for the Chicago Bulls and rookie sensation Michael Jordan to visit Seattle.
Jordan didn't disappoint the fans on his first Seattle visit.
Basketball fans everywhere had one word for Jordan: 'electrifying.'
Sonics Head Coach Bernie Bickerstaff: "This becomes a new era in SuperSonics Basketball. I think we should alleviate
the pressure of identifying with the
championship teams, for the simple reason
that the composition of this team is
much different. And we must find our own
identity–our own comfort zone."
Narrator Calabro: After 11 years as an assistant coach with the Washington Bullets, Bernie Bickerstaff was finally a head coach.
Lenny Wilkens became the Sonics General Manager, and Seattle's number one pick, Xavier McDaniel,
joined in the introductions. It was indeed the start of a new era for the Sonics.
Seattle kicked off the '85-'86 season with a move back to the Coliseum.
The Sonics' former home would offer more
intimate surroundings for the fans, and
and the assembled crowd dribbled basketballs from the Kingdome to the Coliseum to celebrate the move.
The event also raised money for a local charity.
One wet night in early January of 1986, the Sonics met the Phoenix Suns. Players from both teams
had some difficulty trying to remain
upright on the Coliseum floor.
Upon investigation it was found that the roof was leaking. As a result, the game was cancelled
in the second quarter, and Seattle had the distinction of suffering the first rainout in NBA history.
The following day, attractive diapers were suspended from the ceiling to catch the water. The floor was deemed suitable
for play, however, and the game was
continued in the second quarter.
The Suns went on to down the Sonics, however, 107 to 104.
♪
In early April, it was determined that the Sonics were closing in on the 10-millionth Sonic fan in their 19 years of basketball.
The fans were carefully counted
as they entered the doors, and finally Sonic's had their lucky fan:
Robert Coe of Issaquah was the 10-millionth fan, and he received a number of
gifts for just walking through the right
door at the right time.
♪
The '86-'87 season featured one of the most potent scoring trios in NBA history.
Guard Dale Ellis was obtained from
Dallas, and displayed finesse touch
shooting from long range. Fourth-year
player Tom Chambers continued to improve
as an offensive force, and second year
Sonic Xavier McDaniel continued to
delight fans with his rim rattling slam
dunks. All three would average at least
23 points a game for the season.
♪
Sonics President Bob Whitsitt began his first year with the team, and he quickly set about improving the Sonic fortunes for the season, and for the future.
In February, Seattle played host to its second All-Star Game.
Sonic guard Terence Stansbury performed his Statue of Liberty
in the Slam Dunk Competition. Tom
Chambers was a late addition to the
All-Star Game, but he responded with a 34-point performance that led the West to
the overtime victory over the East, and
Chambers was awarded the All-Star MVP for his efforts.
The Sonics finished the season with a 39-43 record, and met the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs.
The Mavs had finished at the top of the Midwest Division,
and were looked upon to go far in the postseason.
The Sonics lost by a huge margin in the
first game, but from the second game on,
they became a different basketball team.
Seattle won Game 3 at Hec Edmundson
Pavilion, which was also the site of Game 4.
Announcer: "The Seattle SuperSonics–big underdogs entering this series, on the verge of upsetting Dallas.
And it's all over. It's all
over here in Seattle.
An amazing First Round upset as the Seattle SuperSonics down
the Dallas Mavericks three games to one.
Seattle wins it, 126 to 98."
Narrator Calabro: The Sonics went on to the Semifinals, and took the first two games on Houston's home court.
Seattle had a three to two lead entering Game 6 at the Coliseum, and the game went into overtime. The Sonics trailed late
in the extra period, but a Tom Chambers dunk, and a subsequent free throw, gave
Seattle a one-point lead. Ralph Sampson hit one of two free throws,
to send the game into double-overtime. A
shot by Dale Ellis is blocked by Hakeem
Olajuwon, but Ellis gets the ball and the
lay-in, and the Sonics lead by two.
The Sonics get the ball back, and center Clement Johnson is fouled, and hits one
of two free throws to increase the lead to three. The Rockets had one last chance
Announcer: "Anderson... three... it's over!"
[crowd cheering]
Narrator Calabro: It was a Cinderella season for the Seattle SuperSonics.
♪♪
♪♪
The '87-'88 season featured two top ten
rookies for the Sonics. Derrick McKey and
Olden Polynice both would have their
moments as this season progressed. In January,
the Sonics took on the eventual
world champion Detroit Pistons before a sellout crowd.
Dale Ellis scored a career-high 47, and the game went down to the wire.
Announcer Blackburn: "Laimbeer wants a three-point shot. He takes it. He hit the back of the rim. Will not go! Ball game is over, and the Sonics win.
Number seventeen in a row. They're 18-1 on their home court, and what a streak this has been."
Narrator Calabro: Xavier McDaniel was on the receiving end of one of the classic shots of the season.
Announcer Blackburn: "Grabbed away, here come the Sonics. It's three on two. McMillan to X.
Oh! Oh my goodness, what a play that was."
♪
Narrator Calabro: Derrick McKey showed his talents in the playoffs against Denver.
Announcer Blackburn: "Left side, Ellis. The ball goes out to McKey, out on the wing. Fakes it back
in to Young–McKey, double team, goes out
to X. Fakes the pass–guards him–back to
McKey on the wing. McKey on the drive goes–left-handed slam dunk, McKey! Those long legs, those long arms of is.
McKey on Schayes, one-on-one, can't get in. Goes out to X, X around the screen, drives,
on the run, a ten-footer. hits the side of the backboard. Loose ball, Chambers grabs
it out of there–whoops! Scramble for it–he comes up with it. Pass down the lane, X.
X to the basket– banks it.
Oh!
Slam dunk! Derrick McKey!
Again, those long arms of his, up over the top.
And boy, did McKey ignite the crowd with that one."
Narrator Calabro: Tom Chambers took
advantage of being an unrestricted
free agent in the offseason, and he signed a multi-year deal with Phoenix.
The Sonics welcomed Chambers back to
Seattle in December of 1988.
Announcer Calabro: "On a screen by Chambers–Kevin takes it into the lane–off balance, he gave it away to McMillan.
He taps it ahead to Threatt–there comes a three-on-one. To McKey, takes it over
Chambers, for the slam! Derrick McKey with a windmill jam!"
Narrator Calabro: In early January of '89, Cleveland Coach Lenny Wilkens had his Cavaliers in town for their only appearance
of the year. Both teams traded leads down the stretch, and when Cleveland
threw the ball away with seconds to play, the Sonics were left with one last chance.
Announcer Calabro: "All right, X on the inbounds. Gets it in to Sedale Threatt,
Here's Threatt, across the
top of the key, takes a long jumper–no good!
Derrick McKey! Derrick McKey follows with a slam dunk. Five seconds on the clock, and the Sonics are in the lead,
at 105-103. The fans here are
going nuts!"
Narrator Calabro: In February of '89, Dale Ellis made his second appearance in the long distance
shootout during the All-Star Weekend. He
was runner-up to Larry Bird the previous year,
but on this day, he would claim the title.
Seattle once again was matched with the Houston Rockets in the first round of the '89 playoffs.
The Sonics had a 3 to 2 lead entering Game 6 at Houston.
Seattle had a nine-point lead with just six minutes left in the game. But the Rockets fought back, and a three-pointer
by Sleepy Floyd tied the game with one second to go.
♪
Announcer Blackburn: "Now, McMillan will inbound. Who's it going to come to? Here's a lob pass and under to McKey.
Back of the–it is good! Derrick McKey on the inbounds pass from Nate McMillan."
Announcer Calabro: "That was incredible."
That Houston defense was up on Dale Ellis, as he came out to midcourt–they were really
conscious of Ellis for some reason, on
the perimeter. McKey goes back door, and as
they have been doing all year long–McKey looking off Nevitt, Nevitt shading Nate to his left,
he threw it off to the left-hand side and well, there was McKey.
♪
♪
Former Boston Celtics great, K.C. Jones,
joined the Sonics as an Assistant
Coach in the '89 offseason. Bickerstaff and
Jones would share the Sonics bench for one year.
The '89 draft found the Sonics taking a 19-year-old kid who had never played college ball.
Shawn Kemp became only the fourth player in NBA history to go directly from high school to the professional level.
Dale Ellis had the distinction of being
the NBA's all-time leading scorer from
three-point range. In April of 1990, he put on a clinic for
the Los Angeles Clippers, and got himself
another spot in the NBA record book.
Announcer Calabro: "He has 30 points–here he is, up to the three-point shot, to tie the NBA record!
Dale Ellis with eight three-pointers to tie the record shared by Rick Barry, John Roche, and Michael Adams.
Again, Ellis will step beyond the three-point mark. Cage with the ball–forecourt left.
Outside to McKey. Ellis, sets a screen. Pops out high. Cage with it. Giving it to Dale, Dale beyond the three-point mark.
Sets up, gives to Cage. Cage, to Ellis. Fires the three up, for history. He got it! He knocked it down!
Nine for Dale! An NBA record. 
Give him the ball! Crowd on their feet for Dale Ellis."
Shawn Kemp showed flashes of his growing talents as the season progressed, but
there was one thing he kept doing that
caught the attention of players and fans
throughout the league.
Announcer Calabro: "Rubs off Mark
Jackson on a Kemp screen, gets back–look at that jam!
...gives low to Seikaly. Into the hands of Polynice. Long lead to Threatt up–the tip–reverse slam jam!
Shawn Kemp!
Dana Barros grabs the rebound away from Simmons–push back. Gives to Johnson, over to Kemp. Oh!
What a thundering reverse! Baby cradle, right-handed jam. I think Shawn surprised himself. He's standing there pumping his fist. Oh, he wants more.
Holy smokes!"
♪
The Seattle SuperSonics entered the 1990's with a new coach.
K.C. Jones took the job when Bernie
Bickerstaff moved on to Denver.
The Sonics also had the #2 pick in the 1990 NBA Draft, and they selected
guard Gary Payton out of Oregon State.
Seattle made three major trades during
the course of the 1990-91 season. Eddie
Johnson was obtained from Phoenix for
Xavier McDaniel. Dale Ellis was sent to
Milwaukee for Ricky Pierce. And Benoit Benjamin came to Seattle from the
Clippers for Olden Polynice.
Eddie Johnson showed his talents in February against the Los Angeles Clippers. Tom Garrett tied the game at the foul line, and
the Sonics had the ball.
Announcer Calabro: "Tie ball game, 4.7 seconds remaining. Payton brings it in to Eddie Johnson. Eddie with three–fires up a three. He got it!
Eddie Johnson hit it from the top of the logo. He hit it from the 'm' in Coliseum. Folks, he turned and fired with three seconds
on the clock. 107-104, that's the game, I would think. 1.1 second remaining.
Announcer Blackburn: "For those Sonic fans who were around in the 1982-83 season, when David Thompson was in the ball club,
you might remember at the Kingdome, a game-winning shot with no time
left on the clock by David Thompson. A three-pointer from out about 45-feet. One
of the all-time, great three-point game
winning shots for the Sonics."
Narrator Calabro: April 8 was a special night for K.C. Jones. The Sonics took it to the Denver Nuggets, and
came away with a 6-point victory. That
victory was number 500 for K.C. Jones as a Head Coach.
K.C. was later presented the game ball
in a special ceremony.
The Sonics faced the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the 1991 Playoffs.
The Blazers were picked by many as the team to beat for the NBA Championship, but Seattle had other ideas.
The Sonics trailed two games to none after two tough battles in Portland, but Game 3 was in Seattle.
Announcer Calabro: "Beyond the three-point perimeter Payton, puts his back–spins away from Payton. Pull-up jumper–air ball.
Actually hit the far glass. Benjamin with the rebound, out to Payton, threads through traffic,
gives to Johnson–pull-up baseliner–yeah!
Boy, if you're a fanatic of the game of basketball,
you are in heaven right now. Here is Davis outside. Inside to Robinson–backs,
double-team. Hits the cutter, Kersey. Rejected by Benjamin!
The ball deflected to Payton, he will bring it
across with a right to left-handed dribble–
he'll take it inside, steers it out to Threatt–baseliner. Yeah!
72-71, a minute :43 left, third quarter. Threatt, pull-up j, it's blocked by Robinson. Caroms to Kersey–Kemp takes it!
Swivels and jams! Shawn with seven as he stripped it away.
Back come the Blazers, Drexler to Kersey, the touch pass...by Robinson. Out of bounds.
Sonics bring it back, leading by one, 73-72.
A minute :26 left in the third quarter. Here is Payton, outside, over to Threatt,
drops it low, Benjamin backs, turns, spins–and he comes with a crushing two-handed jam.
3:01 to go the game, 96-91, Blazers by five. Outside is Threatt, gives over to Big Ben.
He's way outside–20 feet–he'll take an
18-footer–banks it in! Big Ben banks in, 26 for Benjamin.
Outside on the left-hand side. It's Drexler, palms the ball like a grapefruit off the Duckworth pick...
...double-teamed into the corner. Drexler,
Passes outside, Williams, all alone–scampers into the lane, underhand finger roll, missed it.
McKey with the rebound. Derrick McKey, triple-teamed. McKey dribbles out of a jam.
Hands to Threatt, :54 seconds to go–Blazers by two, 97-95.
Here's Threatt now with it. Leaves it for Pierce. Sets up as if to take a three–he won't.
He'll call a timeout! Sonics call a timeout with the Blazers leading by two,
97-95. :46 seconds remaining in the ball game.
:11 on the shot clock for Sedale Threatt to bring it inbounds. Threatt, McKey, Benjamin, and Johnson with Pierce on the floor but
McKey and Pierce are stacked on the ball side.
Johnson to Benjamin off the ball. The Sonics bring it in. Seven on the shot clock.
Pierce with it, drops it low. McKey, turn around five-footer, good! Tie game. Tie game.
A timeout called by the Blazers.
Ainge, Duckworth, Drexler, Williams and
Porter on the floor. They bring the ball inbounds. Drexler has it, one-on-one on McMillan.
Tosses over to Porter, turnaround jumper, missed it, rebound followed. Williams has got it.
Outside to Clyde the Glide. :28 seconds on
the game clock, :19 on the shot clock.
Drexler with a high dribble, hedged inside. Loops it up–Duckworth with a left-handed follow off glass.
Duckworth with a tremendous tip.
Blazers lead by two, 99-97. Here is Payton, cross court to Big Ben out high on the right.
Feeds in the corner to McMillan. Back out
on the far sideline, Threatt with it. Eight seconds remaining,
to tie the game–Threatt the three, the win–he hit it! He hit it! With four seconds remaining.
in the game, Threatt has hit a three-pointer. Sonics have the lead 100-99.
Four seconds remain, and the Blazers will have the ball. What do you know about that?
Danny Ainge will bring it inbounds. Kevin Duckworth, along with Davi and Drexler. Four seconds remaining in the
ball game, and the Sonics leading the
Blazers 100-99. Ainge to bring it in. McMillan
will get up close on Danny Ainge. Danny Ainge, looking to bring it inbounds–he
threw it right to Payton!
Payton to Threatt, ahead to McMillan–game over!
Basket counts as McMillan banks it in on the lay-in. Ainge threw it right to Payton. The game is over.
The Sonics win it, 102-99. We go to Game 4. What an ending to a tremendous ball game. Outstanding contest. The Sonics
win it, 102-99. Listen to the bedlam here at the Coliseum.
Swing it near side to Johnson, down low to McKey. Backs, spins, out to Nate. Long 20-footer, no. Rebound, McKey in the corner.
No look feed, Benjamin inside–two-handed slam!
Davis backs in, double-teamed, out to Duckworth on top, back to Walter Davis, checked closely by Johnson.
Davis, pull-up jumper is cast over Eddie Johnson–he missed it.
Rebound, Benoit Benjamin. Big Ben out to McMillan cross court to E.J., pulls up inside the three-point tract,
over to McKey high on the left–stutter-step dribble to the inline–beat his man!
He roared in with a two-handed slam! Derrick McKey!
Threatt with it, out high on the right. Outside to Benjamin. Benjamin, high post, 16-footer for Ben–yes! String music, baby!
Porter, backs off, gives to Kersey, 20-footer he hoisted up, he missed it. Duckworth the rebound, ball fake–blocked from behind
by Benjamin and out of bounds. Big Ben reaches in to slap that ball out of bounds. Good play.
Up the floor to Threatt–Threatt off the Kemp pick, circles into the paint–stops, gives back to Johnson.
Fakes left, moves right–knifes into the lane. Underhands it up and in.
Johnson with twenty on a superb move to the rack.
Back come the Blazers, sideline left–Terry Porter beyond the three-point line,
drops it low to Drexler. Turns, one hands one up from ten–missed it.
Kemp directs the rebound to Payton. Benjamin into the lane all alone! Two-handed jam.
84-82 the score. Terry Porter outside, checked by Threatt. Over to Drexler, turn around pop for Clyde–got it.
Drexler, on the turnaround j. Nineteen for Drexler.
84-84 the score, 5:14 to go in the ball game. Now Threatt will bring it over,
on the wing. Kemp over to pick–Threatt runs off the pick–gives it outside to Benjamin,
beyond the three-point line, hands to Threatt, over to McMillan,
covered by Porter. Nine on the shot clock,
McMillan lobs inside–Benjamin gives back
to Nate, runs on the inline, banks one up, missed it–got his rebound–put it back up in off glass.
86-84, Sonics by two. 4:38 to go in the game. Nate McMillan with it,
Left-hand side point, gives over to Threatt, far side. Threatt, change-of-pace dribble, to the inline.
Stops–feeds outside to McMillan. Eight on the shot clock for Eddie.
Eddie. into the lane, draws the double-team. Over to Threatt for three...
rattles off. Inside rebound–poked free, Benjamin's got it! Tracks it down to the sideline.
Big Ben will reload, giving it to McKey.
Derrick, challenged by Duckworth in the
corner–spins by to the inline–pull-up
five-footer–he got it! What a play by
Derrick! Holy cow!
92-85, Seattle by seven. Here is McMillan, over to Threatt now.
Threatt, forecourt left, covered by Kersey. Threatt spins–double-teamed, left-hand side, needs help.
Outside, Johnson with it. Eddie, over to Mac–four on the shot clock. Mac to Threatt, over to E.J.
He'll put it up–he'll bank it up and miss it. Rebound Williams, outlet pass–
stolen by McMillan, easily! Stepped in front of Drexler–to Johnson, and lays it in!
Eddie Johnson on the roll to the hole.
94-85, Sonics lead by nine. A minute :26 to go in the game, and the Blazers call a timeout.
Derrick McKey will bring it inbounds.
McKey, inbounds to Threatt. Threatt doubled in backcourt by Agent Porter–picks up his dribble,
loops it the length of the floor to Eddie
Johnson. Wisely Eddie will hang on to the ball.
He'll bring it outside, cross court to Threatt, a minute :08 to go in the game.
94-85–got to handle it well.
Ten on the shot clock for Sedale. Threatt, outside with a nine-point lead, five on the shot clock, unleashes a three–it's good!
Sonics bring it up, :13 seconds remaining–Threatt across midcourt. Double-teamed.
Across the alley to Payton. Outside to Johnson. Nobody thought the Sonics could do it, but, they did it.
Threatt, pull-up jumper–missed it. Doesn't matter. Ainge with the rebound. That's the game, that is the game!
Sonics 101, Portland 89. Coming from two games back–
what a game. We've said it before, and tonight we said it again.
101-89, Seattle defeating Portland."
[crowd cheering]
♪
♪♪
♪♪
♪♪♪
Narrator Calabro: A lot of players have worn Sonic uniforms over the years,
and there have been a number of Sonic coaches calling the shots from the sidelines.
But a common thread through it all has been the ongoing support from Sonic fans everywhere.
No matter the age, no matter the era, the fans have always been the backbone of the team.
And it goes without saying, Sonic fans are the 'Super' in SuperSonics.
NBA Commissioner Stern: "Congratulations, Seattle SuperSonics, and your fans, on 25 great years.
You've given us–you've given us great memories with that Championship team.
You've got a very exciting current team. It's young, with Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton,
Benoit Benjamin, and Derrick McKey.
You've got a very exciting future, and I wish the team and all of its fans the best of luck in the 25th year."
Narrator Calabro: And if you thought the first 25 years were great, well, you ain't seen nothing yet.
♪♪
♪♪
♪♪
♪♪
