2007–08 Seattle SuperSonics season (original) (raw)

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NBA professional basketball team season

NBA professional basketball team season

2007–08 Seattle SuperSonics season
Head coach P. J. Carlesimo
General manager Sam Presti
Owners Clay Bennett
Arena KeyArena at Seattle Center
Results
Record 20–62 (.244)
Place Division: 5th (Northwest)Conference: 15th (Western)
Playoff finish Did not qualify
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com
Local media
Television KIRO-TV KSTW FSN Northwest
Radio KPTK
< 2006–07 2008–09 >

The 2007–08 Seattle SuperSonics season was the 41st and final season of the Seattle SuperSonics in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the franchise's final season of play in Seattle before relocating to Oklahoma City to play as the Thunder. With the hiring of new head coach P. J. Carlesimo as replacement of Bob Hill, who was fired at the end of the previous season,[1] the SuperSonics finished in 15th and last place in the Western Conference with a franchise worst 20–62 record. Seattle's first round draft pick and number two overall Kevin Durant was chosen as the Rookie of the Year at the end of the season.

As of 2023, the only remaining Sonics in the NBA are Jeff Green of the Houston Rockets and Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns, after Nick Collison retired in 2018. Collison was also the last remaining player on the Thunder roster who previously played for the Sonics team, with Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka being drafted under the SuperSonics name in 2008 before moving to Oklahoma City. Until 2019, Mark Bryant was also the last Sonics coach to remain with the franchise on the Thunder roster. General manager Sam Presti is currently the last remaining Sonics staff member to remain with the franchise on the Thunder roster as of 2020.

Following Bob Hill and Rick Sund's departures as head coach and general manager respectively,[1] President of Basketball Operations Lenny Wilkens was charged with the responsibility of finding replacements.[2] For the general manager position, Wilkens hired Sam Presti[3] and months later P. J. Carlesimo was appointed as head coach of the Sonics.[4] Wilkens quit a day later.[5]Presti's first order of business involved a trade with the Boston Celtics on draft day that sent Ray Allen and the SuperSonics' second round pick Glen Davis to Boston in exchange for the Celtics' first round pick Jeff Green, Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West.[6] Weeks later the free agent period began, and the SuperSonics' front office needed to reach a decision regarding Rashard Lewis' future, since Lewis opted out of his final two years and became one of the most prized free agents in the offseason.[7] The team finally agreed to a sign and trade deal with the Orlando Magic.[8] The other trade the Sonics made during the offseason brought 12-year veteran Kurt Thomas from the Phoenix Suns.[9]

The SuperSonics began preparations for the regular season on July 7, kicking off Summer League games in Las Vegas.[10] The team finished with a 2–6 overall record, with rookies Kevin Durant and Jeff Green leading the team in scoring in the majority of the matches.[11][12]

At the 2007 Draft Lottery the SuperSonics got the second overall pick behind the Portland Trail Blazers,[13] matching their highest overall selection in franchise history.[14] With their first round pick the SuperSonics selected Kevin Durant from Texas and forwards Carl Landry and Glen Davis in the second round. Davis and Landry were traded on draft day to the Boston Celtics and the Houston Rockets[15] respectively.

Round Pick Player Position Nationality College/Team
1 2 Kevin Durant SF United States Texas
2 32 Carl Landry PF United States Purdue
2 35 Glen Davis (traded to Boston) PF United States LSU

The SuperSonics kicked off a ten-game pre-season on October 9, with a 98–104 loss visiting the Sacramento Kings. Following a victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers in their next match three days later, the SuperSonics went on a 5-game losing streak before closing the exhibition tour with a victory against the Phoenix Suns in Vancouver, Canada.

2007 pre-season game log
Pre-season: 2–6 (home: 1–2; road: 1–4) Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists LocationAttendance Record 1 October 9 @ Sacramento L 98–104 Damien Wilkins (18) Nick Collison (9) Delonte West (6) ARCO Arena13,284 0–1 2 October 12 @ Cleveland W 96–90 Chris Wilcox (20) Nick Collison (11) Earl Watson (6) Quicken Loans Arena15,878 1–1 3 October 13 @ Indiana L 87–97 Kevin Durant (21) Mouhamed Sene (15) Four players (4) Conseco Fieldhouse10,796 1–2 4 October 18 @ L. A. Lakers L 106–126 Kevin Durant (19) Robert Swift (8) Luke Ridnour (8) Bakersfield, California6,016 1–3 5 October 20 Houston L 94–117 Kevin Durant (25) Kurt Thomas (12) Delonte West (7) KeyArena10,854 1–4 6 October 23 Golden State L 122–126 (OT) Damien Wilkins (27) Chris Wilcox (12) Earl Watson (14) KeyArena9,861 1–5 7 October 24 @ Portland L 107–109 Nick Collison (17) Chris Wilcox (7) Luke Ridnour (8) Rose Garden11,342 1–6 8 October 26 Phoenix W 109–107 Chris Wilcox (27) Nick Collison (11) Delonte West (9) General Motors Place17,704 2–6
2007–08 season schedule

2007–08 Seattle SuperSonics roster

Players Coaches
Pos. No. Name Height Weight DOB From PF 4 Collison, Nick 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 255 lb (116 kg) 1980-10-26 Kansas SF 12 Dupree, Ronald 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 209 lb (95 kg) 1981-01-26 LSU SG 35 Durant, Kevin 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 1988-09-29 Texas C 16 Elson, Francisco 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) 235 lb (107 kg) 1976-02-28 California SG 15 Gelabale, Mickaël 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 1983-05-22 France SF 22 Green, Jeff 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 235 lb (107 kg) 1986-08-28 Georgetown SF 44 Griffin, Adrian 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 230 lb (104 kg) 1974-07-04 Seton Hall PF 42 Marshall, Donyell 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 245 lb (111 kg) 1973-05-18 Connecticut C 27 Petro, Johan 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) 247 lb (112 kg) 1986-01-27 France PG 8 Ridnour, Luke 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 1981-02-13 Oregon C 18 Sene, Mouhamed 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) 230 lb (104 kg) 1986-05-12 Senegal C 31 Swift, Robert 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) 245 lb (111 kg) 1985-12-03 Bakersfield HS (CA) PG 25 Watson, Earl 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1979-06-12 UCLA PF 54 Wilcox, Chris 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 235 lb (107 kg) 1982-09-03 Maryland SF 21 Wilkins, Damien 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 225 lb (102 kg) 1980-01-11 Georgia Head coach P. J. Carlesimo Assistant coach(es) Scott Brooks Mark Bryant Ralph Lewis Paul Westhead Legend (DP) Unsigned draft pick**(FA)** Free agent**(S)** Suspended**(DL)** On assignment to D-League affiliateInjured Injured Roster Last transaction: April 26, 2008

Kevin Durant and Jeff Green's regular season debuts were in doubt, since each player had to deal with sprained ankle injuries during the pre-season.[16] Durant managed to return in time for the season opener on Halloween night, scoring 18 points in a loss against the Denver Nuggets.[17] After their home opener (a loss against the Phoenix Suns), chances for the team to remain in Seattle took a heavy blow, as Sonics' owner Clay Bennett made public his desire to relocate the team to Oklahoma City.[18] The SuperSonics remained on a losing streak that reached 8 games,[19] their worst start in franchise history,[20] and remained the only team in the league without a win before defeating the Miami Heat, followed by a Durant game-winner two days later to get past the Atlanta Hawks.[21] The SuperSonics finished the month of November snapping a 6-game losing streak[19] with their first home victory in a game against the Indiana Pacers, with Durant scoring a career-high 35 points.[22] Before the win against the Pacers, the Sonics where 0–7 at home.[19]

The Sonics registered their best record of the season in December,[19] struggling with injuries to Luke Ridnour, Delonte West and Kurt Thomas adding to the absence of center Robert Swift.[23][24] Kevin Durant matched again his career-high 35 points in a win against the Milwaukee Bucks,[25] one of their four victories at home that month. After a 2–3 road trip that ended with a loss against the Utah Jazz in which the Sonics were held to one of their lowest scoring outputs in the season,[19] the team returned to the KeyArena to close the year with a 5-game homestand.

After a loss against the Philadelphia 76ers in the last game of 2007, the Sonics went on their longest losing streak of the season,[19] dropping their first 13 games of January in a combined franchise worst 14-game losing streak.[26] During the first games of the month, the team were without the services of their second best scorer Chris Wilcox[27] and point guard Luke Ridnour, who were sidelined with injuries.[28] The Sonics halted the streak by defeating the defending champions San Antonio Spurs and proceeded to win their next two games at home.

After managing to win only 2 of their 16 games in January, the SuperSonics finished February with a 4–8 record and snapped an 8-game losing streak of road games with a victory against the Sacramento Kings, obtaining their first road win since mid-December.[19] Robert Swift returned from his injuries and played his first game since November 11 in a loss against the Chicago Bulls,[29] but would be sidelined for the remainder of the season after two more appearances.[30]The SuperSonics reached the All-Star break with a 13–38 record,[19] 10 games behind their worst record in franchise history at the time.[31] Rookies Kevin Durant and Jeff Green participated in the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge against the second-year players.[32]Near the trade deadline, the Sonics sent Kurt Thomas to the San Antonio Spurs for Brent Barry, Francisco Elson and a 2009 second round draft pick.[33] Barry was waived the next day.[34] The Sonics made one more move before the deadline, that sent Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a three-team deal with the Chicago Bulls.[35]

The Sonics finished the month of March with their worse record in the regular season, winning only two games, with losing streaks of 11 and 3 games.[19] At this point the Sonics had a 17–57 record and were six games away from their franchise worst 23–59. On March 16, the Denver Nuggets dealt the Sonics their worst loss in franchise history,[36] with a 116–168 score. It was the most points the Nuggets' scored since a January 11, 1984, game against the San Antonio Spurs.[37] Nearing the end of the month, injuries plagued the roster. Mickaël Gelabale tore his ACL during a practice and was out for the remainder of the season.[38] Chris Wilcox re-injured his pinky finger, an injury that ultimately made him miss the remainder of the season,[39] and Nick Collison and Francisco Elson were also sidelined with other injuries.[40]

In April, the Sonics stretched their March losing streak to five games before winning in a double overtime match against the Denver Nuggets. After losing another three straight games, the Sonics played their last home game in Seattle, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 99–95 and closing the regular season with a road victory against the Golden State Warriors. The SuperSonics finished the season with a 20–62 overall record, their worst in franchise history.

Northwest Divisionvte W L PCT GB Home Road Div
y-Utah Jazz 54 28 .659 – 37–4 17–24 13–3
x-Denver Nuggets 50 32 .610 4 33–8 17–24 10–6
Portland Trail Blazers 41 41 .500 13 28–13 13–28 10–6
Minnesota Timberwolves 22 60 .268 32 15–26 7–34 3–13
Seattle SuperSonics 20 62 .244 34 13–28 7–34 6–10
# Western Conferencevte
Team W L PCT GB
1 c-Los Angeles Lakers 57 25 .695 –
2 y-New Orleans Hornets 56 26 .683 1
3 x-San Antonio Spurs 56 26 .683 1
4 y-Utah Jazz 54 28 .659 3
5 x-Houston Rockets 55 27 .671 2
6 x-Phoenix Suns 55 27 .671 2
7 x-Dallas Mavericks 51 31 .622 6
8 x-Denver Nuggets 50 32 .610 7
9 Golden State Warriors 48 34 .585 9
10 Portland Trail Blazers 41 41 .500 16
11 Sacramento Kings 38 44 .463 19
12 Los Angeles Clippers 23 59 .280 34
13 Minnesota Timberwolves 22 60 .268 35
14 Memphis Grizzlies 22 60 .268 35
15 Seattle SuperSonics 20 62 .244 37

Record vs. opponents

[edit]

2007-08 NBA Records
Team ATL BOS CHA CHI CLE DAL DEN DET GSW HOU IND LAC LAL MEM MIA MIL MIN NJN NOH NYK ORL PHI PHO POR SAC SAS SEA TOR UTA WAS
Atlanta – 0–3 2–2 2–2 1–2 1–1 1–1 0–4 1–1 0–2 1–2 1–1 1–1 2–0 3–1 2–2 2–0 1–3 0–2 4–0 2–2 3–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–2 1–1 2–2
Boston 3–0 – 3–1 4–0 2–2 2–0 1–1 2–1 1–1 2–0 3–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 4–0 4–0 2–0 4–0 1–1 4–0 1–2 3–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 3–1 1–1 0–3
Charlotte 2–2 1–3 – 1–3 1–3 0–2 1–1 0–3 1–1 0–2 3–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 3–1 1–2 2–0 1–3 0–2 1–2 1–3 1–2 0–2 2–0 0–2 0–2 2–0 2–2 1–1 1–3
Chicago 2–2 0–4 3–1 – 3–1 0–2 1–1 3–1 1–1 0–2 2–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 2–1 3–1 1–1 1–2 0–2 2–2 0–4 1–3 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 2–0 1–2 1–1 1–2
Cleveland 2–1 2–2 3–1 1–3 – 1–1 0–2 1–3 1–1 0–2 4–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 3–0 1–3 2–0 1–3 0–2 2–1 1–3 2–1 0–2 2–0 2–0 1–1 1–1 3–1 1–1 2–2
Dallas 1–1 0–2 2–0 2–0 1–1 – 1–2 1–1 3–1 3–1 1–1 4–0 1–3 4–0 2–0 1–1 3–0 1–1 2–2 2–0 2–0 1–1 2–1 2–2 2–1 1–3 3–1 1–1 2–2 0–2
Denver 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–1 – 0–2 3–1 2–2 1–1 3–1 0–3 4–0 2–0 1–1 4–0 2–0 1–2 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–2 2–2 2–1 2–2 3–1 2–0 1–3 2–0
Detroit 4–0 1–2 3–0 1–3 3–1 1–1 2–0 – 2–0 1–1 4–0 2–0 1–1 2–0 4–0 3–1 2–0 3–0 2–0 2–2 2–2 2–2 2–0 1–1 0–2 2–0 2–0 3–1 0–2 2–1
Golden State 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–3 1–3 0–2 – 2–2 1–1 3–1 2–2 4–0 2–0 2–0 3–1 1–1 1–2 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 2–2 3–1 2–1 2–1 2–0 0–3 2–0
Houston 2–0 0–2 2–0 2–0 2–0 1–3 2–2 1–1 2–2 – 2–0 3–0 2–1 3–1 1–1 2–0 3–0 2–0 2–2 2–0 1–1 0–2 2–2 4–0 2–2 2–2 4–0 1–1 1–2 2–0
Indiana 2–1 0–3 1–3 2–2 0–4 1–1 1–1 0–4 1–1 0–2 – 1–1 0–2 1–1 3–1 3–1 1–1 2–2 1–1 4–0 1–2 3–0 0–2 2–0 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–3 1–1 2–2
L.A. Clippers 1–1 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 0–4 1–3 0–2 1–3 0–3 1–1 – 0–4 3–1 1–1 1–1 1–3 2–0 0–4 2–0 0–2 0–2 1–3 0–3 3–1 0–3 2–1 1–1 1–3 0–2
L.A. Lakers 1–1 0–2 1–1 2–0 0–2 3–1 3–0 1–1 2–2 1–2 2–0 4–0 – 2–1 2–0 1–1 3–0 1–1 2–2 2–0 1–1 2–0 3–1 2–2 3–1 2–2 4–0 2–0 3–1 2–0
Memphis 0–2 0–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 0–4 0–4 0–2 0–4 1–3 1–1 1–3 1–2 – 2–0 0–2 2–2 2–0 0–4 2–0 1–1 0–2 0–3 0–3 2–2 1–3 3–1 0–2 0–3 1–1
Miami 1–3 0–4 1–3 1–2 0–3 0–2 0–2 0–4 0–2 1–1 1–3 1–1 0–2 0–2 – 2–2 1–1 1–2 0–2 1–3 0–4 0–3 1–1 0–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 0–4 1–1 0–4
Milwaukee 2–2 0–4 2–1 1–3 3–1 1–1 1–1 1–3 0–2 0–2 1–3 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 – 1–1 0–4 0–2 1–3 1–3 1–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 1–1 1–2 0–2 2–2
Minnesota 0–2 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 0–3 0–4 0–2 1–3 0–3 1–1 3–1 0–3 2–2 1–1 1–1 – 1–1 1–3 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–2 0–4 2–1 0–4 1–3 0–2 2–2 0–2
New Jersey 3–1 0–4 3–1 2–1 3–1 1–1 0–2 0–3 1–1 0–2 2–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 2–1 4–0 1–1 – 0–2 1–3 1–3 2–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 0–2 2–0 1–3 1–1 2–1
New Orleans 2–0 1–1 2–0 2–0 2–0 2–2 2–1 0–2 2–1 2–2 1–1 4–0 2–2 4–0 2–0 2–0 3–1 2–0 – 2–0 1–1 2–0 4–0 2–2 1–2 2–2 3–0 1–1 1–3 0–2
New York 0–4 0–4 2–1 2–2 1–2 0–2 1–1 2–2 1–1 0–2 0–4 0–2 0–2 0–2 3–1 3–1 1–1 3–1 0–2 – 1–3 1–3 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 1–3 1–1 2–1
Orlando 2–2 2–1 3–1 4–0 3–1 0–2 1–1 2–2 1–1 1–1 2–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 4–0 3–1 1–1 3–1 1–1 3–1 – 3–1 0–2 2–0 1–1 0–2 2–0 2–1 0–2 3–1
Philadelphia 1–3 1–3 2–1 3–1 1–2 1–1 1–1 2–2 0–2 2–0 0–3 2–0 0–2 2–0 3–0 2–1 1–1 2–2 0–2 3–1 1–3 – 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–3 0–2 2–2
Phoenix 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 2–0 1–2 2–2 0–2 2–2 2–2 2–0 3–1 1–3 3–0 1–1 2–0 2–2 2–0 0–4 2–0 2–0 1–1 – 3–0 4–0 3–1 4–0 2–0 1–2 2–0
Portland 2–0 0–2 0–2 2–0 0–2 2–2 2–2 1–1 2–2 0–4 0–2 3–0 2–2 3–0 2–0 2–0 4–0 1–1 2–2 2–0 0–2 1–1 0–3 – 1–3 0–3 2–2 1–1 3–1 1–1
Sacramento 1–1 0–2 2–0 1–1 0–2 1–2 1–2 2–0 1–3 2–2 1–1 1–3 1–3 2–2 1–1 2–0 1–2 2–0 2–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 0–4 3–1 – 1–3 3–1 1–1 2–2 0–2
San Antonio 2–0 0–2 2–0 2–0 1–1 3–1 2–2 0–2 1–2 2–2 2–0 3–0 2–2 3–1 2–0 2–0 4–0 2–0 2–2 2–0 2–0 1–1 1–3 3–0 3–1 – 2–1 1–1 2–2 2–0
Seattle 1–1 0–2 0–2 0–2 1–1 1–3 1–3 0–2 1–2 0–4 1–1 1–2 0–4 1–3 1–1 1–1 3–1 0–2 0–3 2–0 0–2 0–2 0–4 2–2 1–3 1–2 – 1–1 0–4 0–2
Toronto 2–1 1–3 2–2 2–1 1–3 1–1 0–2 1–3 0–2 1–1 3–1 1–1 0–2 2–0 4–0 2–1 2–0 3–1 1–1 3–1 1–2 3–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 – 0–2 1–3
Utah 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–2 3–1 2–0 3–0 2–1 1–1 3–1 1–3 3–0 1–1 2–0 2–2 1–1 3–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 2–1 1–3 2–2 2–2 4–0 2–0 – 2–0
Washington 2–2 3–0 3–1 2–1 2–2 2–0 0–2 1–2 0–2 0–2 2–2 2–0 0–2 1–1 4–0 2–2 2–0 1–2 2–0 1–2 1–3 2–2 0–2 1–1 2–0 0–2 2–0 3–1 0–2 —
2007–08 game logTotal: 20–62 (Home: 13–28; Road: 7–34)
October: 0–1 (home: 0–0; road: 0–1) Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists LocationAttendance Record 1 October 31 @ Denver L 103–120 Damien Wilkins (21) Nick Collison (11) Earl Watson (7) Pepsi Center19,380 0–1
November : 3–13 (home: 1–7; road: 2–6) Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists LocationAttendance Record 2 November 1 Phoenix L 99–106 Kevin Durant (27) Chris Wilcox (11) Earl Watson (8) KeyArena17,072 0–2 3 November 4 @ L. A. Clippers L 101–115 Kevin Durant (24) Nick Collison (10) Damien Wilkins (6) Staples Center17,376 0–3 4 November 6 @ Sacramento L 98–104 Wally Szczerbiak (32) Chris Wilcox (10) Earl Watson (8) ARCO Arena14,908 0–4 5 November 7 Memphis L 98–105 Chris Wilcox (21) Chris WilcoxNick Collison(8) Earl Watson (8) KeyArena10,761 0–5 6 November 9 Utah L 101–103 Kevin Durant (20) Nick Collison (12) Earl Watson (11) KeyArena15,980 0–6 7 November 11 Detroit L 103–107 Kevin Durant (19) Chris Wilcox (9) Luke Ridnour (7) KeyArena16,379 0–7 8 November 13 @ Orlando L 76–103 Nick Collison (15) Jeff Green (7) Delonte WestEarl Watson(4) Amway Arena16,101 0–8 9 November 14 @ Miami W 104–95 Chris Wilcox (20) Nick Collison (11) Delonte WestEarl Watson(6) American Airlines Arena19,600 1–8 10 November 16 @ Atlanta W 126–123 (2OT) Damien Wilkins (41) Nick Collison (14) Earl Watson (9) Philips Arena13,534 2–8 11 November 17 @ Charlotte L 84–100 Chris Wilcox (24) Chris Wilcox (9) Earl Watson (5) Charlotte Bobcats Arena13,697 2–9 12 November 19 @ Memphis L 108–125 Delonte West (17) Jeff Green (14) Damien Wilkins (6) FedExForum10,863 2–10 13 November 23 New Jersey L 93–98 Delonte West (17) Jeff Green (14) Kurt ThomasEarl WatsonNick Collison(3) KeyArena14,424 2–11 14 November 25 San Antonio L 101–116 Wally Szczerbiak (27) Kurt Thomas (7) Delonte West (5) KeyArena14,186 2–12 15 November 27 @ L. A. Lakers L 99–106 Kevin Durant (25) Kurt Thomas (13) Earl Watson (6) Staples Center18,997 2–13 16 November 28 Orlando L 94–110 Kevin Durant (22) Kurt Thomas (14) Kevin DurantEarl Watson(4) KeyArena12,398 2–14 17 November 30 Indiana W 95–93 Kevin Durant (35) Kurt Thomas (18) Earl Watson (11) KeyArena14,786 3–14
December : 6–8 (home: 4–4; road: 2–4) Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists LocationAttendance Record 18 December 2 Golden State L 96–109 Chris WilcoxEarl Watson(16) Chris Wilcox (11) Earl Watson (5) KeyArena11,461 3–15 19 December 5 L. A. Clippers W 95–88 Nick Collison (18) Nick Collison (17) Earl Watson (6) KeyArena10,961 4–15 20 December 7 Milwaukee W 104–98 Kevin Durant (35) Chris Wilcox (13) Earl Watson (9) KeyArena13,142 5–15 21 December 9 @ New Orleans L 88–91 Kevin Durant (23) Nick CollisonChris Wilcox(12) Earl Watson (8) New Orleans Arena10,773 5–16 22 December 11 @ Chicago L 96–123 Kevin Durant (16) Jeff Green (6) Earl Watson (6) United Center21,772 5–17 23 December 12 @ New York W 117–110 Kevin Durant (30) Kurt Thomas (8) Kevin DurantEarl Watson(4) Madison Square Garden17,637 6–17 24 December 14 @ Minnesota W 99–88 Chris Wilcox (19) Chris Wilcox (11) Earl Watson (8) Target Center16,523 7–17 25 December 15 @ Utah L 75–96 Wally Szczerbiak (24) Nick Collison (9) Earl Watson (5) EnergySolutions Arena19,911 7–18 26 December 19 New Orleans L 93–107 Kevin Durant (18) Nick Collison (9) Kevin DurantJeff Green(5) KeyArena11,968 7–19 27 December 21 Toronto W 123–115 Kevin Durant (27) Nick Collison (10) Earl Watson (7) KeyArena13,661 8–19 28 December 25 @ Portland L 79–89 Kevin Durant (23) Nick Collison (14) Earl Watson (11) Rose Garden20,527 8–20 29 December 27 Boston L 96–104 Kevin Durant (25) Kurt Thomas (14) Delonte West (8) KeyArena17,072 8–21 30 December 29 Minnesota W 109–90 Jeff GreenWally Szczerbiak(18) Kurt Thomas (15) Delonte West (7) KeyArena14,038 9–21 31 December 31 Philadelphia L 90–98 Earl Watson (18) Kurt Thomas (13) Earl Watson (7) KeyArena10,595 9–22
January : 2–13 (home: 2–5; road: 0–8) Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists LocationAttendance Record 32 January 3 @ Phoenix L 96–104 Kevin Durant (28) Nick Collison (15) Earl Watson (8) US Airways Center18,422 9–23 33 January 6 @ Washington L 86–108 Kevin Durant (19) Nick Collison (17) Kurt ThomasDelonte West(4) Verizon Center17,816 9–24 34 January 8 @ Cleveland L 79–95 Kevin Durant (24) Nick Collison (14) Earl Watson (6) Quicken Loans Arena20,409 9–25 35 January 9 @ New Jersey L 88–99 Johan Petro (22) Nick Collison (13) Delonte West (5) Izod Center14,101 9–26 36 January 11 Dallas L 70–90 Wally Szczerbiak (17) Kurt Thomas (15) Kevin Durant (6) KeyArena12,522 9–27 37 January 14 L. A. Lakers L 121–123 (OT) Nick Collison (24) Nick Collison (18) Luke Ridnour (11) KeyArena13,452 9–28 38 January 16 @ New Orleans L 92–123 Kevin Durant (20) Kevin DurantJohan Petro(7) Earl Watson (11) New Orleans Arena9,882 9–29 39 January 18 @ Memphis L 100–124 Kevin Durant (22) Kurt Thomas (8) Earl Watson (8) FedExForum13,451 9–30 40 January 19 @ Dallas L 96–111 Wally Szczerbiak (26) Nick Collison (12) Earl Watson (6) American Airlines Center20,386 9–31 41 January 21 @ Houston L 89–96 Jeff GreenWally Szczerbiak(15) Kurt Thomas (11) Earl Watson (9) Toyota Center15,264 9–32 42 January 23 Houston L 107–109 Kevin Durant (25) Nick Collison (14) Luke Ridnour (8) KeyArena12,342 9–33 43 January 25 Atlanta L 90–99 Chris Wilcox (18) Chris Wilcox (7) Luke Ridnour (4) KeyArena13,647 9–34 44 January 27 Sacramento L 101–103 Kevin Durant (19) Kurt Thomas (10) Earl Watson (8) KeyArena13,409 9–35 45 January 29 San Antonio W 88–85 Kevin Durant (26) Nick CollisonChris Wilcox(10) Kevin DurantLuke Ridnour(5) KeyArena13,295 10–35 46 January 31 Cleveland W 101–95 Kevin Durant (24) Chris Wilcox (13) Earl Watson (12) KeyArena13,109 11–35
February : 4–8 (home: 3–5; road: 1–3) Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists LocationAttendance Record 47 February 2 New York W 86–85 Kevin Durant (21) Nick Collison (12) Earl Watson (8) KeyArena12,783 12–35 48 February 4 Chicago L 108–118 Wally Szczerbiak (21) Nick Collison (9) Earl Watson (8) KeyArena10,935 12–36 49 February 6 @ Sacramento W 105–92 Earl Watson (23) Earl WatsonChris Wilcox (10) Earl Watson (10) ARCO Arena13,136 13–36 50 February 8 @ Phoenix L 99–103 Chris Wilcox (22) Chris Wilcox (15) Earl Watson (5) US Airways Center18,422 13–37 51 February 13 Utah L 93–112 Kevin Durant (19) Kurt Thomas (13) Earl Watson (14) KeyArena10,618 13–38 52 February 19 Memphis W 108–101 Earl Watson (26) Nick CollisonJeff Green (9) Earl Watson (9) KeyArena11,391 14–38 53 February 21 @ Portland L 88–92 Kevin Durant (20) Nick Collison (14) Earl Watson (9) Rose Garden20,168 14–39 54 February 22 Portland W 99–87 Kevin Durant (17) Jeff Green (9) Earl Watson (4) KeyArena16,640 15–39 55 February 24 L. A. Lakers L 91–111 Mickaël Gelabale (21) Johan Petro (10) Earl Watson (8) KeyArena17,072 15–40 56 February 26 @ Golden State L 99–105 Kevin DurantJeff Green (21) Nick Collison (13) Luke Ridnour (15) Oracle Arena19,412 15–41 57 February 27 Denver L 96–138 Kevin DurantMickaël Gelabale (16) Johan Petro (8) Mickaël Gelabale (6) KeyArena13,627 15–42 58 February 29 Miami L 93–103 Chris Wilcox (30) Nick CollisonJeff Green (11) Luke Ridnour (5) KeyArena12,542 15–43
March : 2–14 (home: 1–5; road: 1–9) Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists LocationAttendance Record 59 March 2 @ Minnesota W 111–108 (OT) Kevin Durant (25) Chris Wilcox (15) Earl Watson (9) Target Center11,508 16–43 60 March 4 @ Detroit L 97–100 Earl Watson (23) Johan PetroChris Wilcox (10) Earl Watson (7) The Palace of Auburn Hills22,076 16–44 61 March 5 @ Milwaukee L 106–118 Kevin Durant (23) Johan Petro (15) Earl Watson (8) Bradley Center15,010 16–45 62 March 7 @ Philadelphia L 83–117 Chris Wilcox (20) Nick CollisonJohan Petro (5) Earl Watson (5) Wachovia Center17,762 16–46 63 March 9 @ Toronto L 106–114 Chris Wilcox (28) Chris Wilcox (10) Luke Ridnour (9) KeyArena19,800 16–47 64 March 11 @ Indiana L 107–114 Kevin Durant (27) Nick Collison (8) Luke Ridnour (8) Conseco Fieldhouse11,216 16–48 65 March 12 @ Boston L 82–111 Kevin Durant (16) Johan Petro (10) Earl Watson (7) TD Banknorth Garden18,624 16–49 66 March 14 Minnesota L 116–121 Kevin Durant (24) Nick Collison (8) Earl Watson (10) KeyArena14,035 16–50 67 March 16 @ Denver L 116–168 Kevin Durant (23) Chris Wilcox (12) Earl Watson (7) Pepsi Center19,155 16–51 68 March 19 Phoenix L 105–130 Jeff Green (19) Nick Collison (12) Four players (3) KeyArena17,072 16–52 69 March 21 @ L. A. Lakers L 101–115 Kevin DurantEarl Watson (20) Johan Petro (11) Earl Watson (7) Staples Center18,997 16–53 70 March 22 @ Utah W 97–84 Kevin DurantJeff Green (23) Nick Collison (13) Earl Watson (5) EnergySolutions Arena19,911 16–54 71 March 24 Portland W 104–99 Kevin Durant (23) Nick Collison (11) Luke Ridnour (9) KeyArena11,292 17–54 72 March 26 Washington L 99–104 Kevin Durant (32) Nick Collison (21) Earl Watson (6) KeyArena10,497 17–55 73 March 28 Charlotte L 93–96 Kevin Durant (18) Nick Collison (10) Earl Watson (6) KeyArena13,592 17–56 74 March 30 Sacramento L 107–120 Kevin Durant (25) Nick Collison (8) Earl Watson (12) KeyArena10,862 17–57
April : 3–5 (home: 2–2; road: 1–3) Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists LocationAttendance Record 75 April 2 L. A. Clippers L 84–102 Kevin Durant (30) Nick Collison (17) Luke Ridnour (6) KeyArena10,392 17–58 76 April 4 Houston L 66–79 Nick Collison (15) Johan Petro (15) Three players (4) KeyArena14,170 17–59 77 April 6 Denver W 151–147 (2OT) Kevin Durant (37) Nick Collison (14) Earl Watson (11) KeyArena13,104 18–59 78 April 8 @ Dallas L 83–99 Earl Watson (22) Jeff Green (8) Earl Watson (8) American Airlines Center20,228 18–60 79 April 9 @ Houston L 80–103 Kevin Durant (26) Nick Collison (15) Earl Watson (8) Toyota Center18,370 18–61 80 April 11 @ San Antonio L 74–95 Kevin Durant (20) Nick Collison (14) Luke Ridnour (4) AT&T Center18,797 18–62 81 April 13 Dallas W 99–95 Earl Watson (21) Nick Collison (11) Earl Watson (10) KeyArena16,272 19–62 82 April 16 @ Golden State W 126–121 Kevin Durant (42) Nick CollisonKevin Durant (13) Earl Watson (12) Oracle Arena19,596 20–62
2007–08 season schedule

Relocation to Oklahoma City

[edit]

On September 21, 2007, majority owner Clay Bennett applied for arbitration by a federal judge on the issue of whether the team could break its lease on the KeyArena in 2008.[41] Bennett initially set a deadline for October 31, 2007, for the City of Seattle to reach an agreement regarding a new facility,[42] and two days past that date Bennett informed the NBA commissioner David Stern of his intentions to relocate the team to Oklahoma City.[18] Seattle had filed a lawsuit on September 23, 2007, in an attempt to keep the Sonics from leaving before the end of their lease in 2010.[43]

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer made a new offer on a KeyArena expansion on March. Ballmer proposed to pay half of the US$300 million required for the expansion and set an April 10, 2008, deadline for the City of Seattle to accept the offer.[44] After the deal fell through, all hopes rested on the lawsuit set for June 2008.[45]

On April 18, 2008, the NBA Board of Governors approved the team's relocation to Oklahoma City by a 28–2 vote. Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks and Paul Allen of the Portland Trail Blazers were the only ones against the move.[46] On July 2, 2008, the City of Seattle and the Sonics' ownership reached a settlement that allowed the franchise to move to Oklahoma City.[47] According to the settlement, Bennett and his group would pay 45millionimmediatelytotheCitytobreaktheKeyArenalease,thenanadditional45 million immediately to the City to break the KeyArena lease, then an additional 45millionimmediatelytotheCitytobreaktheKeyArenalease,thenanadditional30 million if Seattle failed to get a new team within five years. In addition, items associated with the SuperSonics' history in Seattle, including trophies, banners, and retired jerseys, stayed in the city and were placed in the Museum of History and Industry.[48]

Legend

GP Games played GS Games started MPG Minutes per game
FG% Field-goal percentage 3P% 3-point field-goal percentage FT% Free-throw percentage
RPG Rebounds per game APG Assists per game SPG Steals per game
BPG Blocks per game PPG Points per game
Player GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
Nick Collison 78 35 28.5 .502 .000 .737 9.4 1.4 .6 0.8 9.8
Ronald Dupree [1] 4 0 4.5 .333 1.000 2.0 .3 .3 .0 1.0
Kevin Durant 80 80 34.6 .430 .288 .873 4.4 2.4 1.0 .9 20.3
Francisco Elson [1] 22 2 12.7 .341 .000 .462 3.0 .4 .3 .3 3.0
Mickael Gelabale 39 0 11.9 .439 .432 .778 1.5 .8 .3 .2 4.3
Eddie Gill [1] 1 0 5.0 .000 .000 .0 1.0 .0 .0 .0
Jeff Green 80 52 28.2 .427 .276 .744 4.7 1.5 .6 .6 10.5
Adrian Griffin [1] 13 0 6.5 .375 1.000 1.7 .4 .4 .1 1.1
Donyell Marshall [1] 15 0 12.3 .352 .233 .923 3.1 .3 .3 .5 3.8
Ira Newble [1] 2 0 8.5 .286 .000 .0 .5 .0 .0 2.0
Johan Petro 72 28 18.2 .419 .000 .736 5.1 .4 .5 .6 6.0
Luke Ridnour 61 5 20.0 .399 .296 .857 1.5 4.0 .6 .2 6.4
Mouhamed Sene 13 0 4.8 .458 .471 1.2 .1 .0 .5 2.3
Robert Swift 8 4 12.3 .353 1.000 2.3 .1 .6 .8 1.8
Wally Szczerbiak [1] 50 1 23.6 .460 .428 .843 2.7 1.4 .3 .1 13.1
Kurt Thomas [1] 42 39 25.2 .513 .696 8.8 1.3 .8 1.0 7.5
Earl Watson 78 73 29.1 .454 .371 .766 2.9 6.8 .9 .1 10.7
Delonte West [1] 35 5 20.8 .388 .339 .667 2.7 3.2 .9 .3 6.8
Chris Wilcox 62 55 28.0 .524 .000 .645 7.0 1.2 .7 .6 13.4
Damien Wilkins 76 31 24.3 .403 .323 .736 3.2 2.0 .8 .3 9.2
Mike Wilks [1] 3 0 7.3 .556 .000 1.000 .3 1.7 .3 .0 4.0
June 28, 2007[6] To Seattle SuperSonicsJeff GreenWally SzczerbiakDelonte West To Boston CelticsRay AllenGlen Davis
July 11, 2007(Sign and trade)[8] To Seattle SuperSonics2009 second round pick To Orlando MagicRashard Lewis
July 20, 2007[9] To Seattle SuperSonicsKurt Thomas2008 and 2010 first round selections To Phoenix Suns2009 second round selection
February 21, 2008[35] To Seattle SuperSonicsAdrian Griffin (from Chicago)Donyell Marshall (from Cleveland)Ira Newble (from Cleveland) To Cleveland CavaliersWally SzczerbiakDelonte West

Notes and references

[edit]

  1. ^ a b Associated Press (April 25, 2007). SuperSonics fire Hill as coach, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
  2. ^ Associated Press (April 28, 2007). Team president Wilkens charged with hiring new coach, ESPN.com. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
  3. ^ Bell, Gregg. Associated Press (June 7, 2007). Sonics hire Sam Presti as new GM, USA Today. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
  4. ^ Associated Press (July 3, 2007). Report: Spurs assistant Carlesimo to be named Sonics coach, ESPN.com. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
  5. ^ Wilkens quits as vice chairman of Seattle SuperSonics, Reuters, July 7, 2007. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
  6. ^ a b Stringer, Peter. Playing Chips, Ainge Swings Deal for Allen Archived February 1, 2013, at the Wayback Machine. Celtics.com. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
  7. ^ ESPN.com news services (July 1, 2007). Sonics management talks about team's future with Lewis, agent, ESPN.com. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
  8. ^ a b DuPree, David (July 12, 2007). Magic, Pistons score big as free-agent signings start, USA Today. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
  9. ^ a b Seattle acquires Thomas, draft picks, from Phoenix, Reuters, July 20, 2007. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
  10. ^ Beck, Howard.Two Heralded Rookies Get First Taste of N.B.A. Basketball, The New York Times, July 8, 2007. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
  11. ^ 2007 Vegas Summer League Schedule, ESPN.com, July 16, 2007. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
  12. ^ 2007 Rocky Mountain Revue Schedule, ESPN.com, July 21, 2007. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
  13. ^ Associated Press (May 21, 2007). Blazers nab top spot in the draft, The Argus-Press. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
  14. ^ Oklahoma City Thunder Draft Picks, Basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
  15. ^ Associated Press (June 29, 2007). Rockets draft Oregon's Brooks; pick up Landry in trade, ESPN.com. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
  16. ^ Associated Press (October 27, 2007). Durant questionable for Sonics' opener; Green sprains left ankle, ESPN.com. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  17. ^ Graham, Pat. Associated Press. Nuggets bottle up Durant, beat Sonics, USA Today, November 1, 2007. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  18. ^ a b Associated Press (November 3, 2007). Owner seeks NBA approval to move Sonics to Oklahoma, USA Today. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  19. ^ a b c d e f g h i 2007–08 Seattle SuperSonics Schedule and Results, Basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  20. ^ Associated Press (November 14, 2007). Magic Throttle Sonics, Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  21. ^ Associated Press (November 16, 2007). Wilkins scores 41, but Durant's 3-pointer clinches Sonics' double-OT win, ESPN.com. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  22. ^ Associated Press (November 30, 2007). Durant scores career-high 35 to lead Sonics over Pacers, 95–93, The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  23. ^ Stevens, Jayda. Still Mending Archived March 3, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, December 10, 2007. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  24. ^ Allen, Percy Swift at a standstill, The Seattle Times, December 23, 2007. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  25. ^ Associated Press (December 7, 2007). Durant scores 35 as Sonics beat Bucks, 104–98, The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  26. ^ Booth, Tim. Associated Press (January 27, 2008). Sonics drop a heartbreaker to Kings, 103–101, The Seattle Times. Retrieved Jun 26, 2012.
  27. ^ 2007–08 Seattle SuperSonics Roster and Statistics, Basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  28. ^ Allen, Percy. Sonics vs. Lakers | Wilcox, Ridnour could reignite offense, The Seattle Times, January 14, 2008. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  29. ^ Associated Press (February 4, 2008). Smith returns to starting lineup, leads Bulls past Sonics, ESPN.com. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  30. ^ Robert Swift 2007–08 Game Log, Basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  31. ^ Oklahoma City Thunder Franchise Index, Basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  32. ^ Durant, Green and Roy to play in Rookie Challenge game Archived March 3, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, The Seattle Times, January 30, 2008. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  33. ^ Allen, Percy. Sonics trade Kurt Thomas to Spurs, The Seattle Times, February 20, 2008. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
  34. ^ a b Evans, Jayda. No Bones in Seattle Archived March 3, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, The Seattle Times, February 21, 2008. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  35. ^ a b Allen, Percy. Sonics trade Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West to Cavs, The Seattle Times, February 21, 2008. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  36. ^ Willis, Paul. Denver delivers the Sonics' worst loss, The Seattle Times, March 17, 2008. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  37. ^ Associated Press (March 16, 2008). Nuggets set NBA season high in scoring with 168–116 rout of SuperSonics, The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  38. ^ Associated Press (March 20, 2008). Sonics' reserve Mickael Gelabale out for season with torn ACL, The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  39. ^ Allen, Percy (March 27, 2008). Sonics' Chris Wilcox to miss rest of season, The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  40. ^ Allen, Percy (March 21, 2008). Injuries to Wilcox, Gelabale clip Sonics lineup, The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  41. ^ "NBA Sonics seek arbitration to escape Seattle lease". AFP. September 21, 2007. Archived from the original on June 22, 2008. Retrieved March 26, 2008.
  42. ^ ESPN.com News services (August 13, 2007). New owners intend to move Sonics if deal can't get done, ESPN.com. Retrieved June 27, 2012.
  43. ^ Johns, Greg (September 24, 2007). "City sues Sonics to enforce arena lease". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved April 22, 2008.
  44. ^ Brunner, Jim; Thomas, Ralph (March 11, 2008). Ballmer's Sonics offer runs out soon, The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 27, 2012.
  45. ^ Brunner, Jim (April 8, 2008). Ballmer's proposal to expand KeyArena is dead, The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 27, 2012.
  46. ^ Allen, Percy (April 18, 2008). NBA approves Sonics' move to Oklahoma City, The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 27, 2012.
  47. ^ Pian Chan, Sharon; Brunner, Jim (July 2, 2008). Sonics, city reach settlement Archived 2009-05-01 at the Wayback Machine, The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 27, 2012.
  48. ^ Associated Press (August 21, 2008). Details of settlement between Bennett, Seattle revealed, ESPN.com. Retrieved June 27, 2012.
  49. ^ NBA Rookies of the Month, Basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  50. ^ Kevin Durant Named T-Mobile Rookie of the Year Archived April 29, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, NBA.com, May 1, 2008. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  51. ^ Associated Press (February 29, 2008). Swift to have surgery to repair torn lateral meniscus in right knee, ESPN.com. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  52. ^ Associated Press (March 20, 2008). Sonics’ Mickael Gelabale Out for Season With a Torn ACL, NBA.com. Retrieved June 27, 2012.
  53. ^ Allen, Percy. Point guard Eddie Gill picked to fill out lineup, The Seattle Times, March 25, 2008. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  54. ^ Allen, Percy. Sonics sign Mike Wilks to 10-day contract, The Seattle Times, February 29, 2008. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  55. ^ Evans, Jayda. Newble waived, Swift to have surgery Archived February 13, 2015, at the Wayback Machine, The Seattle Times, February 29, 2008. Retrieved June 26, 2012.