title: 1990–91 Seattle SuperSonics season
text: # 1990–91 Seattle SuperSonics season
  
  The 1990–91 NBA season was the 23rd season for the Seattle SuperSonics in the National Basketball Association. Head coach Bernie Bickerstaff was replaced by his former assistant K. C. Jones, and went on to occupy the desk of vice-president of Basketball Operations for Seattle, resigning months later to accept a job as General Manager of the Denver Nuggets. The Draft Lottery gave the SuperSonics the No. 2 pick, which was used to select future All-Star point guard Gary Payton out of Oregon State in the 1990 NBA draft.
  
  Substantial changes were made on the roster, first by trading Sonics referent Xavier McDaniel to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Eddie Johnson during the first months of competition. Following the All-Star break, the team traded Dale Ellis, whose off-the-court problems were the focus of much unwanted attention, to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Ricky Pierce, and sent center Olden Polynice to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Benoit Benjamin. The Sonics held a 22–23 record at the All-Star break, and would finish with a 41–41 record like the previous season, this time being able to reach the playoffs as the #8 seed in the Western Conference, where they lost in the Western Conference First Round to the top-seeded Portland Trail Blazers in five games.
  
  Johnson averaged 17.4 points per game with the team after the trade, while Derrick McKey averaged 15.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, and second-year forward Shawn Kemp showed improvement, averaging 15.0 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. In addition, Sedale Threatt contributed 12.7 points and 1.4 steals per game, while Payton provided with 7.2 points, 6.4 assists and 2.0 steals per game, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, and Michael Cage averaged 6.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Following the season, Threatt was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
  
  ## Offseason
  
  ### Draft picks
  
  Of the 3 players Seattle picked in the draft only Gary Payton would stay with the team, since Jud Buechler was traded to the New Jersey Nets and Abdul Shamsid-Deen went to Europe to play for the French team Paris Basket Racing.
  
  | Round | Pick | Player | Position | Nationality | College |
  | - | - | - | - | - | - |
  | 1 | 2 | Gary Payton | PG | United States | Oregon State |
  | 2 | 38 | Jud Buechler | SF/SG | United States | Arizona |
  | 2 | 53 | Abdul Shamsid-Deen | C | United States | Providence |
  
  ## Regular season
  
  ### Season standings
  
  | Pacific Divisionvte | W | L | PCT | GB | Home | Road | Div |
  | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
  | y-Portland Trail Blazers | 63 | 19 | .768 | — | 36–5 | 27–14 | 18-10 |
  | x-Los Angeles Lakers | 58 | 24 | .707 | 5 | 33–8 | 25-16 | 19-9 |
  | x-Phoenix Suns | 55 | 27 | .671 | 8 | 32–9 | 23-18 | 17–11 |
  | x-Golden State Warriors | 44 | 38 | .537 | 19 | 30–11 | 14–27 | 13–15 |
  | x-Seattle SuperSonics | 41 | 41 | .500 | 22 | 28-13 | 13–28 | 12-16 |
  | Los Angeles Clippers | 31 | 51 | .378 | 32 | 23–18 | 8-33 | 10-18 |
  | Sacramento Kings | 25 | 57 | .305 | 38 | 24-17 | 1–40 | 9–19 |
  
      y – clinched division title
      x – clinched playoff spot
  
  | # | Western Conferencevte | Western Conferencevte | Western Conferencevte | Western Conferencevte | Western Conferencevte |
  | - | - | - | - | - | - |
  | # | Team | W | L | PCT | GB |
  | 1 | z-Portland Trail Blazers | 63 | 19 | .768 | – |
  | 2 | y-San Antonio Spurs | 55 | 27 | .671 | 8 |
  | 3 | x-Los Angeles Lakers | 58 | 24 | .707 | 5 |
  | 4 | x-Phoenix Suns | 55 | 27 | .671 | 8 |
  | 5 | x-Utah Jazz | 54 | 28 | .659 | 9 |
  | 6 | x-Houston Rockets | 52 | 30 | .634 | 11 |
  | 7 | x-Golden State Warriors | 44 | 38 | .537 | 19 |
  | 8 | x-Seattle SuperSonics | 41 | 41 | .500 | 22 |
  | 9 | Los Angeles Clippers | 31 | 51 | .378 | 32 |
  | 10 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 29 | 53 | .354 | 34 |
  | 11 | Dallas Mavericks | 28 | 54 | .341 | 35 |
  | 12 | Sacramento Kings | 25 | 57 | .305 | 38 |
  | 13 | Denver Nuggets | 20 | 62 | .244 | 43 |
  
      z – clinched division title
      y – clinched division title
      x – clinched playoff spot
  
  ### Record vs. opponents
  
  1990–91 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 | UTA | WAS |
  | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
  | Atlanta | – | 3–1 | 1–4 | 1–4 | 3–2 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 0–5 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 4–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 4–0 | 2–3 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 0–4 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–2 |
  | Boston | 1–3 | – | 3–1 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 4–1 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 4–1 | 5–0 | 1–1 | 2–3 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 5–1 |
  | Charlotte | 4–1 | 1–3 | – | 0–5 | 1–4 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–4 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–5 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 2–3 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 0–4 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 2–2 |
  | Chicago | 4–1 | 2–2 | 5–0 | – | 5–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 3–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 4–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 4–0 | 4–1 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 4–0 | 2–0 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 3–1 |
  | Cleveland | 2–3 | 1–3 | 4–1 | 0–5 | – | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–3 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–4 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 2–3 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–3 |
  | Dallas | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | – | 3–1 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 2–0 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–4 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 1–4 | 1–1 | 0–4 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 1–4 | 2–2 | 0–5 | 2–0 |
  | Denver | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–3 | – | 0–2 | 1–3 | 0–5 | 0–2 | 0–4 | 0–4 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 3–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–3 | 0–2 | 0–4 | 0–4 | 3–1 | 1–4 | 0–4 | 1–3 | 1–1 |
  | Detroit | 5–0 | 2–2 | 4–1 | 2–3 | 3–2 | 2–0 | 2–0 | – | 1–1 | 2–0 | 3–2 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 3–1 | 2–3 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 3–1 |
  | Golden State | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 1–1 | – | 2–2 | 1–1 | 3–2 | 2–3 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 1–3 | 2–3 | 2–3 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 0–2 |
  | Houston | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 5–0 | 0–2 | 2–2 | – | 1–1 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 5–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 3–2 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 0–4 | 3–1 | 2–3 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 1–1 |
  | Indiana | 1–4 | 2–2 | 5–0 | 1–4 | 4–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 2–3 | 1–1 | 1–1 | – | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 2–3 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 |
  | L.A. Clippers | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 4–0 | 0–2 | 2–3 | 2–2 | 1–1 | – | 0–4 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 2–3 | 1–3 | 3–2 | 2–2 | 2–3 | 1–3 | 0–2 |
  | L.A. Lakers | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 4–0 | 2–0 | 3–2 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 4–0 | – | 2–0 | 0–2 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 4–0 | 1–1 | 3–2 | 2–3 | 4–0 | 3–1 | 3–2 | 2–2 | 2–0 |
  | Miami | 0–4 | 1–4 | 2–2 | 0–4 | 1–3 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 0–2 | – | 0–4 | 0–2 | 3–3 | 1–4 | 1–1 | 1–4 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 3–2 |
  | Milwaukee | 3–2 | 2–2 | 3–2 | 1–4 | 3–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 3–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 3–2 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 4–0 | – | 1–1 | 2–2 | 4–0 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 3–1 |
  | Minnesota | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 4–1 | 2–3 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 0–5 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 2–0 | 1–1 | – | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 0–4 | 0–4 | 3–1 | 0–4 | 2–2 | 1–4 | 1–1 |
  | New Jersey | 1–3 | 1–4 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 3–3 | 2–2 | 1–1 | – | 0–5 | 1–1 | 2–3 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–3 |
  | New York | 1–3 | 0–5 | 4–0 | 0–4 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 4–1 | 0–4 | 1–1 | 5–0 | – | 0–2 | 5–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 3–2 |
  | Orlando | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 4–1 | 3–2 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 2–3 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 0–4 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 2–0 | – | 0–2 | 2–2 | 0–4 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 1–4 | 1–1 |
  | Philadelphia | 4–0 | 3–2 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 4–1 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 3–2 | 1–5 | 2–0 | – | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 3–2 |
  | Phoenix | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 4–0 | 4–0 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 3–2 | 2–3 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 4–0 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 1–1 | – | 3–2 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 3–2 | 2–2 | 2–0 |
  | Portland | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 4–0 | 1–1 | 3–2 | 4–0 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 3–2 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 4–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 4–0 | 1–1 | 2–3 | – | 3–2 | 2–2 | 4–0 | 3–1 | 2–0 |
  | Sacramento | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 3–2 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 2–3 | 0–4 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 2–3 | – | 1–3 | 1–4 | 1–3 | 2–0 |
  | San Antonio | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 4–1 | 4–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 3–2 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 4–0 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 2–2 | 3–1 | – | 3–1 | 2–3 | 2–0 |
  | Seattle | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 4–0 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 3–2 | 2–3 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 2–3 | 0–4 | 4–1 | 1–3 | – | 1–3 | 2–0 |
  | Utah | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 5–0 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 3–1 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 4–1 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 4–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 3–1 | 3–2 | 3–1 | – | 2–0 |
  | Washington | 2–2 | 1–5 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 3–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 2–3 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 3–2 | 2–3 | 1–1 | 2–3 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | — |
  
  ### Game log
  
  1990–91 game log Total: 41–41 (home: 28–13; road: 13–28) :
  
  November: 4–7 (home: 3–4; road: 1–3)
  
  GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceRecord
  
  1
  
  November 3
  
  Houston Rockets
  
  W 118-106
  
  X. McDaniel (24)
  
  S. Kemp (10)
  
  X. McDaniel, S. Threatt (7)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 13,922
  
  1–0
  
  2
  
  November 6
  
  Detroit Pistons
  
  W 100-92
  
  X. McDaniel (24)
  
  S. Kemp (13)
  
  G. Payton (6)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 13,078
  
  2–0
  
  3
  
  November 9
  
  @ Denver Nuggets
  
  W 135-129
  
  X. McDaniel (27)
  
  D. McKey (14)
  
  G. Payton (10)
  
  McNichols Sports Arena 10,571
  
  3–0
  
  4
  
  November 10
  
  Golden State Warriors
  
  L 100-117
  
  X. McDaniel (26)
  
  X. McDaniel, D. McKey (9)
  
  G. Payton (9)
  
  Tacoma Dome 13,130
  
  3–1
  
  5
  
  November 13
  
  New York Knicks
  
  L 100-116 (OT)
  
  S. Threatt (24)
  
  X. McDaniel (10)
  
  G. Payton (7)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 12,352
  
  3–2
  
  6
  
  November 17
  
  Chicago Bulls
  
  L 95-116
  
  X. McDaniel (17)
  
  M. Cage (7)
  
  G. Payton (5)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 14,692
  
  3–3
  
  7
  
  November 18
  
  @ Los Angeles Clippers
  
  L 65-78
  
  S. Kemp (11)
  
  M. Cage (10)
  
  G. Payton (5)
  
  Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena 10,980
  
  3–4
  
  8
  
  November 20
  
  New Jersey Nets
  
  W 105-88
  
  X. McDaniel (35)
  
  S. Kemp (8)
  
  G. Payton (9)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 10,466
  
  4–4
  
  9
  
  November 23
  
  @ Utah Jazz
  
  L 96-97
  
  X. McDaniel (33)
  
  D. McKey (11)
  
  S. Threatt (12)
  
  Salt Palace 12,616
  
  4–5
  
  10
  
  November 27
  
  San Antonio Spurs
  
  L 111-124
  
  Q. Dailey (29)
  
  M. Cage (8)
  
  G. Payton (8)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 13,293
  
  4–6
  
  11
  
  November 29
  
  @ Phoenix
  
  L 110-128
  
  D. McKey (26)
  
  S. Kemp (11)
  
  G. Payton (6)
  
  Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum 14,487
  
  4–7 :
  
  December
  
  : 8–8 (home: 4–1; road: 4–7)
  
  GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceRecord
  
  12
  
  December 1
  
  Portland Trail Blazers
  
  L 124-130 (3 OT)
  
  X. McDaniel (41)
  
  M. Cage (15)
  
  G. Payton (8)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 14,674
  
  4–8
  
  13
  
  December 3
  
  @ Boston Celtics
  
  L 102-135
  
  S. Threatt (20)
  
  O. Polynice (9)
  
  D. Barros (6)
  
  Boston Garden 14,890
  
  4–9
  
  14
  
  December 4
  
  @ New Jersey Nets
  
  L 102-106
  
  S. Threatt (20)
  
  M. Cage (14)
  
  G. Payton (9)
  
  Brendan Byrne Arena 7,029
  
  4–10
  
  15
  
  December 6
  
  @ Miami Heat
  
  W 105-103
  
  S. Threatt (18)
  
  S. Kemp (8)
  
  S. Threatt (11)
  
  Miami Arena 15,008
  
  5–10
  
  16
  
  December 7
  
  @ Orlando Magic
  
  L 100-106
  
  D. McKey (24)
  
  M. Cage (9)
  
  G. Payton (7)
  
  Orlando Arena 15,077
  
  5–11
  
  17
  
  December 9
  
  @ Milwaukee Bucks
  
  L 99-105
  
  S. Kemp (31)
  
  S. Kemp, D. McKey (10)
  
  N. McMillan, G. Payton (6)
  
  Bradley Center 14,327
  
  5–12
  
  18
  
  December 12
  
  Indiana Pacers
  
  W 99-90
  
  S. Kemp, D. McKey (18)
  
  S. Kemp (11)
  
  N. McMillan (9)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 10,729
  
  6–12
  
  19
  
  December 13
  
  @ Golden State Warriors
  
  L 106-129
  
  D. Barros (24)
  
  O. Polynice (7)
  
  D. Barros, D. Ellis (4)
  
  Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Arena 15,025
  
  6–13
  
  20
  
  December 15
  
  Dallas Mavericks
  
  W 106-105
  
  S. Kemp (22)
  
  M. Cage (8)
  
  N. McMillan (10)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 10,009
  
  7–13
  
  21
  
  December 18
  
  Orlando Magic
  
  W 122-105
  
  D. McKey (33)
  
  S. Kemp (11)
  
  N. McMillan (14)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 1,568
  
  8–13
  
  22
  
  December 20
  
  @ Sacramento Kings
  
  W 110-75
  
  D. Ellis (22)
  
  S. Kemp (10)
  
  G. Payton (12)
  
  ARCO Arena 17,014
  
  9–13
  
  23
  
  December 22
  
  Sacramento Kings
  
  W 121-93
  
  E. Johnson (25)
  
  O. Polynice (11)
  
  N. McMillan (9)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 10,315
  
  10–13
  
  24
  
  December 26
  
  @ Cleveland Cavaliers
  
  W 99-97
  
  S. Kemp (19)
  
  M. Cage (8)
  
  G. Payton (7)
  
  Coliseum at Richfield 14,839
  
  11–13
  
  25
  
  December 27
  
  @ Washington Bullets
  
  W 125-120
  
  E. Johnson (22)
  
  S. Kemp (12)
  
  G. Payton (11)
  
  Capital Centre 2,413
  
  12–13
  
  26
  
  December 29
  
  @ Chicago Bulls
  
  L 91-116
  
  D. McKey (22)
  
  S. Kemp (7)
  
  G. Payton (6)
  
  Chicago Stadium 18,676
  
  12–14
  
  27
  
  December 30
  
  @ Minnesota Timberwolves
  
  L 106-126
  
  D. Ellis (25)
  
  S. Kemp (11)
  
  G. Payton (6)
  
  Target Center 19,006
  
  12–15 :
  
  January
  
  : 8–7 (home: 7–1; road: 1–6)
  
  GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceRecord
  
  28
  
  January 3
  
  Philadelphia 76ers
  
  W 127-99
  
  D. McKey (24)
  
  M. Cage (12)
  
  G. Payton (11)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 13,048
  
  13-15
  
  29
  
  January 4
  
  Miami Heat
  
  W 112-86
  
  S. Threatt (30)
  
  M. Cage (13)
  
  G. Payton (12)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 12,074
  
  14-15
  
  30
  
  January 6
  
  @ Portland Trail Blazers
  
  L 111-114
  
  S. Kemp (25)
  
  S. Kemp (9)
  
  G. Payton (7)
  
  Memorial Coliseum 12,884
  
  14-16
  
  31
  
  January 8
  
  Los Angeles Lakers
  
  W 96-88
  
  D. McKey (29)
  
  O. Polynice (11)
  
  N. McMillan (10)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 14,441
  
  15-16
  
  32
  
  January 10
  
  Golden State Warriors
  
  L 103-113
  
  D. McKey (19)
  
  S. Kemp, O. Polynice (12)
  
  N. McMillan (7)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 10,813
  
  15-17
  
  33
  
  January 12
  
  @ Sacramento Kings
  
  L 85-101
  
  D. McKey (20)
  
  O. Polynice (14)
  
  G. Payton (9)
  
  ARCO Arena 17,014
  
  15-18
  
  34
  
  January 15
  
  Denver Nuggets
  
  W 146-99
  
  D. Barros, D. Ellis (22)
  
  S. Kemp (12)
  
  N. McMillan (9)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 9,618
  
  16-18
  
  35
  
  January 18
  
  @ Los Angeles Lakers
  
  L 96-105
  
  D. McKey (24)
  
  S. Kemp (8)
  
  G. Payton (11)
  
  Great Western Forum 17,505
  
  16-19
  
  36
  
  January 19
  
  Washington Bullets
  
  W 111-89
  
  O. Polynice (27)
  
  S. Kemp (13)
  
  N. McMillan (8)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 13,369
  
  17-19
  
  37
  
  January 22
  
  Milwaukee Bucks
  
  W 132-101
  
  E. Johnson (29)
  
  M. Cage (9)
  
  G. Payton (9)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 9,469
  
  18-19
  
  38
  
  January 25
  
  @ Phoenix Suns
  
  L 113-128
  
  E. Johnson (25)
  
  S. Kemp (13)
  
  N. McMillan (7)
  
  Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum 14,487
  
  18-20
  
  39
  
  January 26
  
  Atlanta Hawks
  
  W 103-102
  
  D. McKey (23)
  
  D. McKey (8)
  
  N. McMillan, G. Payton (9)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 12,792
  
  19-20
  
  40
  
  January 28
  
  @ San Antonio Spurs
  
  L 107-119
  
  E. Johnson (21)
  
  D. McKey (14)
  
  G. Payton (11)
  
  HemisFair Arena 15,908
  
  19-21
  
  41
  
  January 29
  
  @ Dallas Mavericks
  
  L 112-117
  
  D. McKey (24)
  
  O. Polynice (6)
  
  N. McMillan (8)
  
  Reunion Arena 15,820
  
  19-22
  
  42
  
  January 31
  
  @ Houston Rockets
  
  W 97-94
  
  S. Threatt (18)
  
  S. Kemp (17)
  
  D. McKey, D. McKey (6)
  
  The Summit 14,659
  
  20-22 :
  
  February
  
  : 6–6 (home: 3–2; road: 3–4)
  
  GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceRecord
  
  43
  
  February 2
  
  @ Indiana Pacers
  
  L 100-106
  
  G. Payton (19)
  
  D. McKey (7)
  
  G. Payton (5)
  
  Market Square Arena 13,064
  
  20–23
  
  44
  
  February 4
  
  @ Charlotte Hornets
  
  W 100-93
  
  E. Johnson (34)
  
  M. Cage (18)
  
  G. Payton (9)
  
  Charlotte Coliseum 23,901
  
  21–23
  
  45
  
  February 6
  
  Los Angeles Clippers
  
  W 107-104
  
  E. Johnson (27)
  
  S. Kemp (7)
  
  G. Payton (9)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 12,021
  
  22–23
  
  46
  
  February 12
  
  Boston Celtics
  
  L 111-114
  
  E. Johnson (29)
  
  M. Cage (10)
  
  G. Payton (13)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 14,594
  
  22–24
  
  47
  
  February 14
  
  @ Orlando Magic
  
  W 102-90
  
  D. McKey (21)
  
  D. McKey, O. Polynice (9)
  
  N. McMillan (7)
  
  Orlando Arena 15,077
  
  23–24
  
  48
  
  February 16
  
  @ Atlanta Hawks
  
  L 113-122
  
  D. McKey (30)
  
  O. Polynice (9)
  
  S. Threatt (9)
  
  Omni Coliseum 15,924
  
  23–25
  
  49
  
  February 18
  
  @ Detroit Pistons
  
  L 83-85
  
  E. Johnson (20)
  
  S. Kemp (13)
  
  N. McMillan (7)
  
  The Palace of Auburn Hills 21,454
  
  23–26
  
  50
  
  February 19
  
  @ Philadelphia 76ers
  
  L 104-107 (OT)
  
  R. Pierce (18)
  
  S. Kemp (12)
  
  G. Payton (7)
  
  The Spectrum 15,248
  
  23–27
  
  51
  
  February 21
  
  @ New York Knicks
  
  W 120-101
  
  R. Pierce (26)
  
  S. Kemp (13)
  
  N. McMillan, G. Payton, S. Threatt (5)
  
  Madison Square Garden 12,515
  
  24–27
  
  52
  
  February 23
  
  Phoenix Suns
  
  L 110-120
  
  S. Kemp (25)
  
  S. Kemp (11)
  
  G. Payton (11)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 14,692
  
  24–28
  
  53
  
  February 24
  
  Utah Jazz
  
  W 103-91
  
  S. Threatt (30)
  
  M. Cage (14)
  
  G. Payton (16)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 12,080
  
  25–28
  
  54
  
  February 26
  
  Los Angeles Clippers
  
  W 93-81
  
  S. Threatt (31)
  
  S. Kemp (15)
  
  N. McMillan (9)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 11,305
  
  26–28 :
  
  March
  
  : 8–9 (home: 5–4; road: 3–5)
  
  GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceRecord
  
  55
  
  March 1
  
  Charlotte Hornets
  
  W 122-105
  
  R. Pierce (25)
  
  B. Benjamin (13)
  
  N. McMillan (9)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 13,320
  
  27-28
  
  56
  
  March 2
  
  Sacramento Kings
  
  W 120-106
  
  E. Johnson (31)
  
  B. Benjamin (16)
  
  N. McMillan, G. Payton (8)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 12,182
  
  28-28
  
  57
  
  March 4
  
  @ Golden State Warriors
  
  W 105-99
  
  S. Threatt (24)
  
  B. Benjamin (11)
  
  G. Payton (10)
  
  Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Arena 15,025
  
  29-28
  
  58
  
  March 5
  
  Cleveland Cavaliers
  
  L 111-113 (OT)
  
  E. Johnson (28)
  
  B. Benjamin, S. Kemp (13)
  
  N. McMillan, G. Payton (7)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 10,623
  
  29-29
  
  59
  
  March 7
  
  @ Minnesota Timberwolves
  
  W 91-86
  
  R. Pierce (25)
  
  N. McMillan (11)
  
  N. McMillan (8)
  
  Target Center 19,006
  
  30-29
  
  60
  
  March 9
  
  @ San Antonio Spurs
  
  L 99-112
  
  E. Johnson (19)
  
  E. Johnson (7)
  
  D. Barros (5)
  
  HemisFair Arena 15,908
  
  30-30
  
  61
  
  March 12
  
  @ Houston Rockets
  
  L 91-93
  
  S. Kemp (23)
  
  S. Kemp (16)
  
  D. McKey (6)
  
  The Summit 15,508
  
  30-31
  
  62
  
  March 13
  
  @ Dallas Mavericks
  
  L 96-98
  
  S. Kemp (24)
  
  S. Kemp (13)
  
  S. Threatt (9)
  
  Reunion Arena 15,813
  
  30-32
  
  63
  
  March 15
  
  Minnesota Timberwolves
  
  L 96-100 (OT)
  
  D. McKey (20)
  
  B. Benjamin (10)
  
  G. Payton (4)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 11,497
  
  30-33
  
  64
  
  March 16
  
  Utah Jazz
  
  L 98-104 (OT)
  
  E. Johnson (19)
  
  D. McKey (9)
  
  G. Payton (5)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 15,535
  
  30-34
  
  65
  
  March 20
  
  Los Angeles Lakers
  
  W 114-106
  
  B. Benjamin (28)
  
  D. McKey (10)
  
  G. Payton (12)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 14,392
  
  31-34
  
  66
  
  March 22
  
  @ Phoenix Suns
  
  W 111-105
  
  E. Johnson (34)
  
  B. Benjamin (14)
  
  N. McMillan, G. Payton (8)
  
  Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum 14,487
  
  32-34
  
  67
  
  March 24
  
  @ Los Angeles Lakers
  
  L 96-113
  
  S. Kemp (21)
  
  B. Benjamin, M. Cage (7)
  
  S. Threatt (7)
  
  Great Western Forum 17,505
  
  32-35
  
  68
  
  March 26
  
  @ Portland Trail Blazers
  
  L 113-126
  
  R. Pierce (21)
  
  M. Cage (8)
  
  R. Pierce, S. Threatt (4)
  
  Memorial Coliseum 12,884
  
  32-36
  
  69
  
  March 27
  
  Portland Trail Blazers
  
  L 107-112
  
  R. Pierce (24)
  
  S. Kemp (10)
  
  G. Payton (6)
  
  Tacoma Dome 18,167
  
  32-37
  
  70
  
  March 29
  
  Minnesota Timberwolves
  
  W 117-107
  
  E. Johnson, R. Pierce (24)
  
  N. McMillan (7)
  
  G. Payton (7)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 12,968
  
  33-37
  
  71
  
  March 30
  
  Dallas Mavericks
  
  W 115-102
  
  S. Kemp (23)
  
  B. Benjamin (7)
  
  S. Kemp, S. Threatt (4)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 11,756
  
  34-37 :
  
  April
  
  : 7–4 (home: 6–1; road: 1–3)
  
  GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceRecord
  
  72
  
  April 3
  
  Sacramento Kings
  
  W 106-91
  
  E. Johnson, S. Kemp (20)
  
  S. Kemp (14)
  
  N. McMillan, S. Threatt (6)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 11,987
  
  35-37
  
  73
  
  April 5
  
  @ Los Angeles Clippers
  
  L 90-109
  
  E. Johnson (19)
  
  S. Kemp (12)
  
  N. McMillan (4)
  
  Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena 12,932
  
  35-38
  
  74
  
  April 7
  
  W 124-117
  
  @ Denver Nuggets
  
  E. Johnson (31)
  
  S. Kemp (10)
  
  D. McKey (4)
  
  McNichols Sports Arena 13,779
  
  36-38
  
  75
  
  April 8
  
  Denver Nuggets
  
  W 118-112
  
  B. Benjamin, E. Johnson, R. Pierce (19)
  
  B. Benjamin, S. Kemp (10)
  
  N. McMillan, G. Payton (8)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 12,811
  
  37-38
  
  76
  
  April 10
  
  Los Angeles Clippers
  
  W 140-108
  
  B. Benjamin (22)
  
  B. Benjamin (11)
  
  S. Threatt (9)
  
  Tacoma Dome 5,714
  
  38-38
  
  77
  
  April 12
  
  San Antonio Spurs
  
  W 100-99
  
  R. Pierce (21)
  
  B. Benjamin, S. Kemp (8)
  
  G. Payton (7)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 13,340
  
  39-38
  
  78
  
  April 13
  
  Orlando Magic
  
  W 105-96
  
  S. Kemp (21)
  
  S. Kemp (7)
  
  D. Barros (7)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 13,073
  
  40-38
  
  79
  
  April 15
  
  Houston Rockets
  
  L 93-97
  
  E. Johnson (22)
  
  M. Cage (8)
  
  S. Threatt (7)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 13,760
  
  40-39
  
  80
  
  April 18
  
  @ Utah Jazz
  
  L 103-130
  
  E. Johnson (17)
  
  B. Benjamin (8)
  
  S. Threatt (6)
  
  Salt Palace 12,616
  
  40-40
  
  81
  
  April 19
  
  Phoenix Suns
  
  W 104-93
  
  R. Pierce (23)
  
  B. Benjamin (10)
  
  N. McMillan (7)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 12,591
  
  41-40
  
  82
  
  April 21
  
  @ Los Angeles Lakers
  
  L 100-103
  
  E. Johnson (18)
  
  B. Benjamin (12)
  
  N. McMillan (8)
  
  Great Western Forum 17,505
  
  41-41 :
  
  1990–91 season schedule :
  
  ## Playoffs
  
  1991 playoff game log :
  
  First round: 2–3 (home: 2–0; road: 0–3)
  
  GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceSeries
  
  1
  
  April 26
  
  @ Portland
  
  L 102–110
  
  Eddie Johnson (33)
  
  Benoit Benjamin (9)
  
  Gary Payton (8)
  
  Memorial Coliseum 12,884
  
  0–1
  
  2
  
  April 28
  
  @ Portland
  
  L 106–115
  
  Eddie Johnson (28)
  
  Cage, Kemp (11)
  
  McMillan, Payton (6)
  
  Memorial Coliseum 12,884
  
  0–2
  
  3
  
  April 30
  
  Portland
  
  W 102–99
  
  Sedale Threatt (29)
  
  Shawn Kemp (9)
  
  Nate McMillan (6)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 14,476
  
  1–2
  
  4
  
  May 2
  
  Portland
  
  W 101–89
  
  Eddie Johnson (34)
  
  Benjamin, McKey (9)
  
  Gary Payton (7)
  
  Seattle Center Coliseum 13,367
  
  2–2
  
  5
  
  May 4
  
  @ Portland
  
  L 107–119
  
  Johnson, Kemp (17)
  
  Benoit Benjamin (6)
  
  Gary Payton (7)
  
  Memorial Coliseum 12,884
  
  2–3 :
  
  1991 schedule :
  
  ## Player statistics
  
  ### Season
  
  | Player | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
  | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
  | Dana Barros | 66 | 0 | 11.4 | .495 | .395 | .918 | 1.1 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 6.3 |
  | Benoit Benjamin* | 31 | 27 | 29.0 | .502 | .000 | .690 | 8.2 | 1.5 | 0.9 | 1.7 | 12.9 |
  | Michael Cage | 82 | 55 | 26.1 | .508 | .000 | .625 | 6.8 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 6.4 |
  | Dave Corzine | 28 | 0 | 5.3 | .447 | .000 | .591 | 1.2 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 1.7 |
  | Quintin Dailey | 30 | 0 | 10.0 | .471 | .000 | .613 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 6.1 |
  | Dale Ellis* | 30 | 24 | 26.7 | .463 | .303 | .738 | 3.1 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 15.0 |
  | Eddie Johnson* | 66 | 27 | 26.9 | .486 | .333 | .912 | 3.4 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 17.4 |
  | Shawn Kemp | 81 | 66 | 30.1 | .508 | .167 | .661 | 8.4 | 1.8 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 15.0 |
  | Xavier McDaniel* | 15 | 15 | 35.3 | .479 | .000 | .710 | 5.4 | 2.5 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 21.8 |
  | Derrick McKey | 73 | 55 | 34.3 | .517 | .211 | .845 | 5.8 | 2.3 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 15.3 |
  | Nate McMillan | 78 | 0 | 18.4 | .433 | .354 | .613 | 3.2 | 4.8 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 4.3 |
  | Scott Meents | 13 | 0 | 4.1 | .250 | 1.000 | .500 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 1.3 |
  | Gary Payton | 82 | 82 | 27.4 | .450 | .077 | .711 | 3.0 | 6.4 | 2.0 | 0.2 | 7.2 |
  | Ricky Pierce* | 32 | 2 | 26.3 | .463 | .391 | .925 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 17.5 |
  | Olden Polynice* | 48 | 0 | 20.0 | .545 | .000 | .588 | 5.6 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 8.3 |
  | Sedale Threatt | 80 | 57 | 25.8 | .519 | .286 | .792 | 1.2 | 3.4 | 1.4 | 0.1 | 12.7 |
  
  *Statistics with the Seattle SuperSonics.
  
  ### Playoffs
  
  | Player | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
  | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
  | Dana Barros | 3 | 0 | 8.3 | .692 | .400 | .750 | 1.3 | 1.7 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 7.7 |
  | Benoit Benjamin | 5 | 5 | 32.6 | .488 | .000 | .906 | 6.6 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 13.8 |
  | Michael Cage | 5 | 0 | 16.0 | .429 | .000 | .765 | 16.0 | 4.2 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 5.0 |
  | Dave Corzine | 2 | 0 | 6.0 | .667 | .000 | 1.000 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.5 |
  | Eddie Johnson | 5 | 5 | 34.2 | .517 | .267 | .828 | 4.2 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 24.0 |
  | Shawn Kemp | 5 | 5 | 29.8 | .386 | .000 | .815 | 7.2 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 13.2 |
  | Derrick McKey | 4 | 0 | 28.5 | .571 | .000 | .545 | 5.8 | 2.0 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 9.5 |
  | Nate McMillan | 5 | 0 | 19.0 | .261 | .000 | .500 | 3.6 | 4.4 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 2.8 |
  | Scott Meents | 2 | 0 | 4.0 | .500 | .000 | .000 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 2.0 |
  | Gary Payton | 5 | 5 | 27.0 | .407 | .000 | 1.000 | 2.6 | 6.4 | 1.6 | 0.2 | 4.8 |
  | Ricky Pierce | 5 | 0 | 22.4 | .333 | .300 | .941 | 2.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 11.4 |
  | Sedale Threatt | 5 | 5 | 27.2 | .536 | .364 | .900 | 1.6 | 3.4 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 14.6 |
  
  ## Awards and records
  
  ### Awards
  
  * Gary Payton was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
  
  ### Records
  
  * Ricky Pierce finished the season with a franchise record .925 in free throw percentage.
  
  ## Transactions
  
  ### Overview
  
  | Players Added Via draft Gary Payton Via free agency Dave Corzine Via trade Benoit Benjamin Eddie Johnson Ricky Pierce | Players Lost Via free agency Steve Johnson Via trade Dale Ellis Avery Johnson Xavier McDaniel Olden Polynice |
  | - | - |
  
  ### Trades
  
  | June 27, 1990 | To Seattle SuperSonicsNets' agreement not to draft Dennis Scott or Gary Payton with their No. 1 pick.Conditional 2nd round picks for 1993 and 1995 | To New Jersey NetsJud BuechlerTo Orlando MagicSonics' agreement not to draft Dennis Scott with their No. 2 pick. |
  | - | - | - |
  | October 24, 1990 | To Seattle SuperSonicsConditional 1997 second round pick | To Denver NuggetsAvery Johnson |
  | December 7, 1990 | To Seattle SuperSonicsEddie JohnsonConditional 1991 and 1994 first-round picks | To Phoenix SunsXavier McDaniel |
  | February 15, 1991 | To Seattle SuperSonicsRicky Pierce | To Milwaukee BucksDale Ellis |
  | February 20, 1991 | To Seattle SuperSonicsBenoit Benjamin | To Los Angeles ClippersOlden PolyniceConditional 1991 and 1994 first-round picks |
  
  ### Free agents
  
  Player Transactions Citation:
  
  