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The Seattle SuperSonics commenced their NBA tenure as a member of the Eastern Division in 1967.
Answer: False
Explanation: The franchise's inaugural seasons, from 1967 to 1970, saw them compete within the NBA's Western Division.
Sam Schulman and Eugene V. Klein were the principal figures behind the ownership consortium that secured the Seattle SuperSonics' expansion franchise.
Answer: True
Explanation: Sam Schulman and Eugene V. Klein were indeed the primary figures associated with the ownership group that successfully obtained the Seattle SuperSonics franchise.
The designation 'SuperSonics' was adopted to signify Seattle's prominent position within the global fishing industry.
Answer: False
Explanation: The name 'SuperSonics' was chosen to honor Seattle's significant aerospace industry, specifically referencing Boeing's development of the supersonic transport (SST) project.
The Seattle SuperSonics sustained a defeat in their inaugural game on October 13, 1967, against the San Francisco Warriors.
Answer: True
Explanation: Contrary to a potential victory, the Seattle SuperSonics lost their inaugural game on October 13, 1967, to the San Francisco Warriors.
Spencer Haywood's integration into the team preceded the SuperSonics' first winning season.
Answer: False
Explanation: Spencer Haywood's arrival was instrumental in the SuperSonics achieving their first winning season in 1971-1972, rather than preceding it.
The Seattle SuperSonics primarily utilized only two arenas for their home games: the Seattle Center Coliseum and the Kingdome.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Seattle SuperSonics played their home games in three primary arenas: the Seattle Center Coliseum/KeyArena, the Kingdome, and the Tacoma Dome.
Which of the following divisions did the Seattle SuperSonics NOT compete in during their NBA tenure?
Answer: Central Division
Explanation: Throughout their history, the Seattle SuperSonics competed in the Western Division, Pacific Division, and Northwest Division, but never the Central Division.
What was the primary inspiration behind the name 'SuperSonics' for the Seattle NBA team?
Answer: The city's aerospace industry, specifically Boeing's SST project
Explanation: The name 'SuperSonics' was chosen to reflect Seattle's prominent aerospace industry, particularly Boeing's supersonic transport (SST) project.
Identify the primary figures behind the initial ownership group that secured the Seattle SuperSonics franchise.
Answer: Sam Schulman and Eugene V. Klein
Explanation: Sam Schulman and Eugene V. Klein were the principal figures in the ownership group that was awarded the Seattle SuperSonics expansion franchise.
What was the outcome of the Seattle SuperSonics' inaugural NBA game on October 13, 1967?
Answer: A significant loss to the San Francisco Warriors
Explanation: The Seattle SuperSonics lost their inaugural game on October 13, 1967, against the San Francisco Warriors.
Besides the Seattle Center Coliseum/KeyArena and the Kingdome, what was the third primary home arena utilized by the SuperSonics?
Answer: The Tacoma Dome
Explanation: The Tacoma Dome served as the third primary home arena for the Seattle SuperSonics during a transitional period.
Al Bianchi coached the Seattle SuperSonics to a winning record during their inaugural season.
Answer: False
Explanation: Al Bianchi, the team's first head coach, guided the Seattle SuperSonics to a 23-59 record in their inaugural 1967-1968 season, which was not a winning record.
Lenny Wilkens joined the SuperSonics via trade and subsequently assumed the dual role of player and coach.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lenny Wilkens was acquired by the SuperSonics through a trade and later served the team in the capacity of both player and head coach.
Bill Russell was the head coach when the SuperSonics achieved their first playoff appearance in the 1974-1975 season.
Answer: True
Explanation: Bill Russell assumed the coaching duties and led the Seattle SuperSonics to their first playoff berth during the 1974-1975 season.
Dennis Johnson was honored as the Finals MVP following the SuperSonics' championship victory in the 1978-1979 season.
Answer: True
Explanation: Dennis Johnson was indeed named the NBA Finals MVP for his pivotal contributions to the Seattle SuperSonics' championship triumph in the 1978-1979 season.
Fred Brown's number was retired in 1986, acknowledging his significant role as a key player on playoff teams and a vital contributor during championship campaigns.
Answer: True
Explanation: Fred Brown's number was retired in 1986 in recognition of his substantial contributions, including his role on playoff teams and as a crucial sixth man during championship years.
Tom Chambers earned the NBA All-Star Game MVP award in 1987, leading the SuperSonics to the NBA Finals that same year.
Answer: False
Explanation: Tom Chambers was named the NBA All-Star Game MVP in 1987; however, the SuperSonics reached the Western Conference Finals, not the NBA Finals, in that season.
Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton were drafted by the SuperSonics in consecutive years, forming the nucleus of the team's 1990s success.
Answer: True
Explanation: The drafting of Shawn Kemp in 1989 and Gary Payton in 1990 in consecutive years established the core duo that propelled the SuperSonics' success throughout the 1990s.
Gary Payton was awarded the NBA Defensive Player of the Year honor in 1996.
Answer: True
Explanation: Gary Payton received the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 1996, recognizing his exceptional defensive capabilities.
Kevin Durant was selected first overall by the SuperSonics in the 2007 NBA draft and subsequently earned Rookie of the Year honors.
Answer: False
Explanation: Kevin Durant was drafted second overall by the SuperSonics in 2007 and went on to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
Lenny Wilkens' induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame was solely predicated on his playing career with the SuperSonics.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lenny Wilkens' Basketball Hall of Fame induction recognizes his extensive contributions as both a player and a coach, not solely his playing career with the SuperSonics.
Lenny Wilkens, a Hall of Famer, served concurrently as both a player and head coach for the SuperSonics.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lenny Wilkens, a distinguished Hall of Famer, indeed fulfilled dual roles as both a player and head coach for the Seattle SuperSonics.
Bill Russell and George Karl are the sole individuals associated with the SuperSonics enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame as coaches.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Bill Russell and George Karl are Hall of Fame coaches associated with the SuperSonics, Lenny Wilkens is also enshrined in the Hall of Fame as a coach.
Gary Payton was selected to the All-NBA First Team multiple times throughout the 1990s.
Answer: False
Explanation: Gary Payton received multiple All-NBA Second Team selections in the 1990s and was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1998, not multiple times in the 90s.
Gus Williams was the inaugural player to have his number retired by the Seattle SuperSonics.
Answer: True
Explanation: Gus Williams was indeed the first player to have his number retired by the Seattle SuperSonics.
Which player's arrival marked a significant turning point for the SuperSonics, contributing to their first winning season and earning multiple All-NBA First Team selections?
Answer: Spencer Haywood
Explanation: Spencer Haywood's integration into the team was pivotal, leading to the SuperSonics' first winning season and earning him multiple All-NBA First Team selections.
Who served as the head coach when the Seattle SuperSonics achieved their first playoff appearance in the 1974-1975 season?
Answer: Bill Russell
Explanation: Bill Russell was the head coach who guided the Seattle SuperSonics to their first playoff appearance in the 1974-1975 season.
Who was named the NBA Finals MVP for the Seattle SuperSonics' championship run in 1979?
Answer: Dennis Johnson
Explanation: Dennis Johnson was honored as the NBA Finals MVP for his performance during the Seattle SuperSonics' 1979 championship season.
Which pair of players, drafted in consecutive years, formed the core duo driving the SuperSonics' successful era in the 1990s?
Answer: Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton
Explanation: Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton, drafted in consecutive years, formed the foundational duo for the SuperSonics' success in the 1990s.
Which SuperSonics player earned the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 1996?
Answer: Gary Payton
Explanation: Gary Payton was recognized with the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 1996.
The SuperSonics' streak of consecutive winning seasons concluded in 2002-03, the same season in which prominent player was traded?
Answer: Gary Payton
Explanation: The SuperSonics' streak of consecutive winning seasons ended in 2002-03, coinciding with the trade of star player Gary Payton.
Kevin Durant, drafted by the SuperSonics in 2007, subsequently received which prestigious award?
Answer: NBA Rookie of the Year
Explanation: Kevin Durant, drafted by the SuperSonics in 2007, was awarded the NBA Rookie of the Year honor.
Which former SuperSonics player and coach, honored with a retired number, is also a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame?
Answer: Lenny Wilkens
Explanation: Lenny Wilkens, a Basketball Hall of Famer, had his number retired by the SuperSonics and also served as a player and coach for the team.
What significant distinction did Slick Watts achieve during the 1975-76 season?
Answer: Led the NBA in assists and was named to the All-NBA Defensive First Team
Explanation: In the 1975-76 season, Slick Watts led the NBA in assists and was selected to the All-NBA Defensive First Team.
Who was the final player to have their number retired by the Seattle SuperSonics?
Answer: Jack Sikma
Explanation: Jack Sikma was the last player to have his number retired by the Seattle SuperSonics.
During the 1993-94 season, the SuperSonics became the first number one seed in the Western Conference to be eliminated in the first round by an eighth-seeded opponent.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 1993-94 Seattle SuperSonics, despite achieving the NBA's best record, became the first number one seed in the Western Conference to be eliminated in the first round by an eighth seed.
The SuperSonics achieved a franchise-best record of 64-18 in the 1995-96 season but lost the NBA Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the 1995-96 season, the SuperSonics posted a franchise-best 64-18 record but were defeated in the NBA Finals by the Chicago Bulls, not the Los Angeles Lakers.
Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis were the principal players leading the SuperSonics to their final division title in the 2004-05 season.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis were indeed the key players who guided the SuperSonics to their last division title in the 2004-05 season.
In 1995, the SuperSonics' uniform palette evolved to incorporate red and orange accents, diverging from their original green and yellow.
Answer: True
Explanation: The SuperSonics updated their uniforms in 1995, introducing red and orange accents and moving away from their original green and yellow color scheme.
The 'I-5 Rivalry' designation refers to the intense competition between the SuperSonics and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'I-5 Rivalry' specifically denotes the competitive relationship between the Seattle SuperSonics and the Portland Trail Blazers, named after the highway connecting the two cities.
The Los Angeles Lakers were considered a significant rival due to frequent matchups stemming from their shared divisional alignment.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Los Angeles Lakers represented another significant rival for the SuperSonics, largely due to their frequent matchups stemming from their consistent placement in the same division within the Western Conference.
The SuperSonics' 1978-79 championship roster featured prominent players such as Gus Williams and John Johnson.
Answer: True
Explanation: Key contributors to the Seattle SuperSonics' 1978-79 championship team included Gus Williams and John Johnson, among others.
In the 1978-79 season, the Seattle SuperSonics compiled a record of 52 wins and 30 losses, securing their first division title.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 1978-79 Seattle SuperSonics achieved a 52-30 record, which indeed secured their first division title.
In which season did the Seattle SuperSonics secure their sole NBA championship?
Answer: 1978-1979
Explanation: The Seattle SuperSonics won their only NBA championship during the 1978-1979 season.
What unique playoff distinction did the 1993-94 Seattle SuperSonics achieve despite holding the NBA's best record?
Answer: They were the first #1 seed in the West to be eliminated in the first round by an 8th seed
Explanation: The 1993-94 SuperSonics, despite leading the league in wins, became the first number one seed in the Western Conference to be eliminated in the first round by an eighth seed.
Who did the Seattle SuperSonics face in the 1995-96 NBA Finals?
Answer: Chicago Bulls
Explanation: The Seattle SuperSonics competed against the Chicago Bulls in the 1995-96 NBA Finals.
Who were the key players leading the SuperSonics to their final division title in the 2004-05 season?
Answer: Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis
Explanation: Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis were the primary figures instrumental in the SuperSonics securing their final division title in the 2004-05 season.
What was the nature of the 'I-5 Rivalry' involving the Seattle SuperSonics?
Answer: A rivalry with the Portland Trail Blazers, named after the connecting highway.
Explanation: The 'I-5 Rivalry' refers to the intense competition between the Seattle SuperSonics and the Portland Trail Blazers, named after the major highway connecting the two cities.
What was the Seattle SuperSonics' record during the 1978-79 season, the year they achieved their championship?
Answer: 52-30
Explanation: The Seattle SuperSonics compiled a 52-30 record during the 1978-79 season, culminating in their championship victory.
Launched in 1981, the Sonics SuperChannel represented the NBA's inaugural sports subscription cable service.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Sonics SuperChannel, introduced in 1981, was indeed the first sports subscription cable service within the NBA.
Barry Ackerley acquired the Seattle SuperSonics in October 1983 from the team's inaugural head coach, Al Bianchi.
Answer: False
Explanation: Barry Ackerley purchased the Seattle SuperSonics in October 1983 from Sam Schulman, not from the team's first head coach, Al Bianchi.
The settlement agreement permitting the team's relocation to Oklahoma City mandated the ownership group to remit $75 million to Seattle.
Answer: False
Explanation: The settlement agreement stipulated that the ownership group would pay Seattle $45 million, not $75 million, as part of the relocation terms.
The settlement agreement stipulated that the relocated team would retain the 'SuperSonics' name and its historical legacy.
Answer: False
Explanation: Crucially, the settlement agreement prohibited the relocated team from using the 'SuperSonics' name and stipulated that the team's history would remain in Seattle.
Howard Schultz divested his ownership of the SuperSonics in 2006 due to an inability to secure public funding for arena enhancements.
Answer: True
Explanation: Howard Schultz sold the SuperSonics in 2006 primarily because he was unable to secure public funding for necessary arena upgrades.
The NBA Board of Governors sanctioned the relocation of the Sacramento Kings to Seattle in 2013.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2013, the NBA Board of Governors rejected the proposed relocation of the Sacramento Kings to Seattle, voting against the move.
Clay Bennett's ownership consortium acquired the Seattle SuperSonics in 2001.
Answer: False
Explanation: Clay Bennett's ownership group purchased the Seattle SuperSonics in 2006, not 2001.
Barry Ackerley acquired the Seattle SuperSonics from which previous owner in 1983?
Answer: Sam Schulman
Explanation: Barry Ackerley purchased the Seattle SuperSonics in 1983 from Sam Schulman.
What financial settlement was incorporated into the agreement allowing the SuperSonics' relocation to Oklahoma City?
Answer: Ownership paid Seattle $45 million
Explanation: The settlement agreement stipulated that the ownership group would pay Seattle $45 million as part of the relocation process.
According to the settlement terms, what transpired with the 'SuperSonics' name and historical records following the team's relocation?
Answer: The name could not be used by the relocated team, and the history remained in Seattle.
Explanation: The settlement agreement stipulated that the relocated team could not use the 'SuperSonics' name, and the franchise's history was to remain in Seattle.
Howard Schultz elected to sell the SuperSonics franchise primarily due to which circumstance?
Answer: He was unable to secure public funding for arena upgrades.
Explanation: Howard Schultz's decision to sell the SuperSonics stemmed from his unsuccessful efforts to obtain public funding for necessary arena improvements.
What was the outcome of the NBA Board of Governors' vote in May 2013 concerning the potential relocation of the Sacramento Kings to Seattle?
Answer: Rejected by a vote of 22-8
Explanation: The NBA Board of Governors voted 22-8 against approving the relocation of the Sacramento Kings to Seattle in May 2013.
Who served as general managers for the Seattle SuperSonics throughout their franchise history?
Answer: A list including Dick Vertlieb, Bob Whitsitt, and Wally Walker
Explanation: The role of general manager for the Seattle SuperSonics was held by various individuals, including Dick Vertlieb, Bob Whitsitt, and Wally Walker, among others.
The SuperSonics established an NBA record for average regular season attendance during the 1979-80 season, surpassing 25,000 spectators per game.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the SuperSonics achieved a high attendance record during the 1979-80 season, the figure was 21,725 fans per game, not exceeding 25,000.
The SuperSonics' streak of 11 consecutive seasons with a winning percentage of at least .500 concluded in the 2001-02 season.
Answer: False
Explanation: The SuperSonics' streak of 11 consecutive seasons with a winning percentage of at least .500 actually ended in the 2002-03 season, not 2001-02.
The SuperSonics' final season in Seattle, 2007-2008, was characterized by the team achieving a franchise-best record.
Answer: False
Explanation: The SuperSonics' final season in Seattle (2007-2008) concluded with a franchise-worst record of 20-62, not a franchise-best.
Gary Payton holds the franchise record for the most points scored in the regular season for the Seattle SuperSonics.
Answer: True
Explanation: Gary Payton holds the Seattle SuperSonics franchise record for most regular season points scored.
Jack Sikma holds the franchise record for the most assists for the Seattle SuperSonics.
Answer: False
Explanation: Jack Sikma is the franchise leader in total rebounds, not assists, for the Seattle SuperSonics.
Fred Brown achieved a franchise record of 58 points in a single game for the Seattle SuperSonics.
Answer: True
Explanation: Fred Brown set the Seattle SuperSonics franchise record by scoring 58 points in a single game.
Spencer Haywood holds the single-season record for the highest points per game average for the Seattle SuperSonics.
Answer: True
Explanation: Spencer Haywood holds the Seattle SuperSonics' single-season record for the highest points per game average.
Slick Watts holds the franchise record for the most steals recorded in a single season.
Answer: True
Explanation: Slick Watts holds the Seattle SuperSonics franchise record for the most steals in a single season.
The documentary 'Sonicsgate' critically examined the team's departure from Seattle and garnered a Webby Award.
Answer: True
Explanation: The documentary 'Sonicsgate: Requiem For A Team' offered a critical perspective on the SuperSonics' relocation from Seattle and received a Webby Award.
Jack Sikma holds the Seattle SuperSonics franchise record for most total rebounds.
Answer: True
Explanation: Jack Sikma holds the Seattle SuperSonics franchise record for the most total rebounds accumulated.
What NBA attendance record did the Seattle SuperSonics establish during the 1979-80 season?
Answer: Highest average regular season attendance
Explanation: During the 1979-80 season, the Seattle SuperSonics set an NBA record for the highest average regular season attendance.
What was the Seattle SuperSonics' record during their final season in Seattle, 2007-2008?
Answer: 20-62
Explanation: The Seattle SuperSonics posted a franchise-worst record of 20-62 in their final season in Seattle, 2007-2008.
Who holds the Seattle SuperSonics franchise record for the most points scored in the regular season?
Answer: Gary Payton
Explanation: Gary Payton holds the Seattle SuperSonics franchise record for most regular season points scored.
Who is recognized as the franchise leader in assists for the Seattle SuperSonics?
Answer: Gary Payton
Explanation: Gary Payton holds the franchise record for the most assists for the Seattle SuperSonics.
Which player holds the franchise record for the most total rebounds for the Seattle SuperSonics?
Answer: Jack Sikma
Explanation: Jack Sikma holds the Seattle SuperSonics franchise record for the most total rebounds.
What was the highest single-game point total achieved by a Seattle SuperSonics player?
Answer: 58 points
Explanation: Fred Brown achieved the highest single-game point total for a Seattle SuperSonics player, scoring 58 points.
Who holds the single-season record for the highest points per game average for the Seattle SuperSonics?
Answer: Spencer Haywood
Explanation: Spencer Haywood holds the Seattle SuperSonics' single-season record for the highest points per game average.