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Quizzes > Sports

Seattle trivia questions: How well do you know the Supersonics?

Quick, free Seattle quiz to test your Supersonics knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Joseph BotschUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration showing basketball trivia quiz Seattle Supersonics theme on teal background.

This Seattle Supersonics quiz helps you check your knowledge of the team, from the 1979 championship to standout players and moments. Get quick questions and instant feedback to see where you shine. After you finish, try NBA trivia questions, explore more NBA trivia, or switch sports with Seattle Seahawks trivia.

What year were the Seattle Supersonics founded?
1965
1971
1969
1967
The Seattle Supersonics joined the NBA as an expansion team in 1967, bringing a Pacific Northwest franchise into the league. They began play at the Seattle Center Coliseum that same year. Over the next four decades, the Sonics became one of the league's most storied small-market teams.
What were the primary team colors of the Seattle Supersonics?
Blue and Gold
Green and Gold
Green and Black
Green and Blue
The Seattle Supersonics' distinctive green and gold color scheme became synonymous with the team's identity for decades. These colors adorned their jerseys from the franchise's inception until relocation. They also influenced fan apparel and local culture around Seattle basketball.
What was the name of the Seattle Supersonics' home arena for most of their tenure?
KeyArena
Tacoma Dome
Kingdome
The Forum
KeyArena, originally known as the Seattle Center Coliseum, served as the primary home for the Supersonics from 1967 through the 2007 - 08 season. It hosted their championship run in 1979 and many playoff campaigns. After renovations in 1995, it was rechristened KeyArena reflecting corporate sponsorship.
Which mascot represented the Seattle Supersonics?
Stormy
Squatch
Boomer
Slamson
Squatch was introduced as the Sonics' primary mascot in the late 1990s, embodying a Pacific Northwest Sasquatch character. The team previously had a lion mascot named Slamson in the 1980s. Squatch remained with the franchise through the relocation to Oklahoma City.
In which year did the Seattle Supersonics win their only NBA Championship?
1977
1979
1983
1980
The Sonics captured their lone NBA title in 1979, defeating the Washington Bullets four games to one in the Finals. Coached by Lenny Wilkens, they featured stars such as Dennis Johnson and Jack Sikma. The victory remains a high point in Seattle sports history.
Who coached the Seattle Supersonics to their 1979 NBA Championship?
Nate McMillan
Paul Westhead
Lenny Wilkens
George Karl
Lenny Wilkens led the Sonics to their only NBA title in 1979, earning Coach of the Year honors as well. He was later inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and coach. Wilkens remains one of the winningest coaches in NBA history.
In which conference did the Seattle Supersonics compete during their NBA tenure?
Eastern Conference
Western Conference
Pacific Conference
Northwest Conference
Throughout their history, the Seattle Supersonics were members of the NBA's Western Conference. They competed in the Pacific Division for most seasons, facing rivals like the Lakers and Trail Blazers. The West proved highly competitive, highlighted by the Sonics' 1979 title and 1996 conference finals run.
What memorable nickname was point guard Gary Payton known by during his time with the Supersonics?
Big Smooth
The Truth
Dr. J
The Glove
Gary Payton earned the nickname "The Glove" for his tenacious on?ball defense with the Supersonics. He became one of the best defensive guards ever, winning the Defensive Player of the Year award in 1996 - 97. Payton's intensity and quick hands made the nickname memorable.
Which team did the Supersonics defeat to win their only NBA Championship?
Boston Celtics
Philadelphia 76ers
Washington Bullets
Los Angeles Lakers
In the 1979 NBA Finals, the Seattle Supersonics defeated the Washington Bullets in five games, capturing their first and only championship. The Sonics were led by guard Dennis Johnson and center Jack Sikma, while coach Lenny Wilkens earned Coach of the Year. The series victory remains a major highlight of Seattle's sports legacy.
How many NBA Finals appearances did the Seattle Supersonics make?
4
2
1
3
Despite many deep playoff runs, the Seattle Supersonics appeared in just one NBA Finals series, winning the title in 1979. They reached the Western Conference Finals multiple times but never returned to the Finals stage. The sole finals trip underscores how special that championship season was.
Which player was selected by the Supersonics as the second overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft?
Shawn Kemp
Chris Mullin
Derrick Coleman
Gary Payton
In the 1990 NBA Draft, the Seattle Supersonics selected Gary Payton with the second overall pick out of Oregon State. Payton went on to become one of the greatest defensive guards in league history and was a nine-time All-Star. His selection marked a turning point for the franchise in the 1990s.
What was the team's best regular-season record, achieved during the 1995-96 season?
64-18
62-20
58-24
60-22
During the 1995-96 season, the Supersonics finished with a franchise-best 64-18 record. Coached by George Karl, they led the NBA in wins but fell short in the Western Conference Finals. That team featured Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, and Detlef Schrempf - known as Seattle's "Big Three."
Which sharpshooter was traded by the Sonics to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2007?
Brandon Roy
Detlef Schrempf
Ray Allen
Pete Maravich
In August 2007, Seattle traded All-Star guard Ray Allen to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of a multi-team deal. Allen had spent the first four seasons of his career in Seattle, earning All-NBA honors and setting franchise three-point records. The trade marked the end of an era for the Sonics.
In what year did the Supersonics relocate to become the Oklahoma City Thunder?
2008
2004
2006
2010
Following the 2007-08 NBA season, the Supersonics franchise was relocated to Oklahoma City and rebranded as the Thunder. The move was finalized in July 2008 after a purchase by an Oklahoma City ownership group. Seattle has not had an NBA team since.
What name did the franchise adopt after moving from Seattle?
Oklahoma City Thunder
Portland Thunder
Seattle Storm
Tacoma Supersonics
After relocation in 2008, the former Seattle Supersonics were renamed the Oklahoma City Thunder. The new name pays homage to the region's stormy weather while creating a fresh identity. The Thunder have since become a successful franchise in their own right.
Which coach holds the record for the most regular-season wins in Seattle Supersonics history?
Nate McMillan
Tom Nissalke
George Karl
Lenny Wilkens
Lenny Wilkens coached the Sonics from 1977 to 1985, compiling 427 regular-season wins - the franchise record. He led them to the 1979 championship and was a two-time Coach of the Year. Wilkens is also in the Hall of Fame as both player and coach.
Who was the general manager responsible for drafting Shawn Kemp in 1989?
Gary Wright
Kenny Gallo
Bob Whitsitt
Sam Schulman
Bob Whitsitt became the Sonics' general manager in 1989 and famously selected Shawn Kemp with the 17th pick that year. Kemp developed into a six-time All-Star and key figure in Seattle's 1990s success. Whitsitt's roster moves defined the franchise's golden era.
In what year did the Sonics adopt the skateboarding-inspired "skate" alternate logo?
1992
1998
2001
1995
The Supersonics introduced the skateboard-inspired "skate" alternate logo in 1995 as part of a uniform redesign. The edgy look reflected the mid-'90s street culture and remained popular with fans. It appeared on throwback jerseys even after the team moved.
Which year did the Seattle Supersonics host the NBA All-Star Game?
1984
1974
2004
1994
KeyArena hosted the 1974 NBA All-Star Game, marking Seattle's first major NBA showcase. Stars like Dave Cowens and Bob Lanier participated, and the event spotlighted the Sonics' growing fan base. Seattle has never hosted the All-Star Game since.
What was the original name of KeyArena when the Sonics began playing there?
Fisher Pavilion
Pacific Coliseum
Seattle Dome
Seattle Center Coliseum
When the Sonics started in 1967, their home court was called the Seattle Center Coliseum. It was later extensively renovated and renamed KeyArena in 1995. The venue hosted everything from NBA Finals games to concerts over four decades.
Who was the first Seattle Supersonics player selected to an NBA All-Star Game?
Bob Rule
Fred Brown
Spencer Haywood
Lenny Wilkens
Lenny Wilkens became the first Sonic to make the NBA All-Star Game in 1971 after several breakout seasons. He averaged over 20 points and led the young franchise in its early years. Wilkens later returned as the team's coach, guiding them to their lone title.
Which trio was known as the Sonics' "Big Three" during their mid-1990s playoff runs?
Shawn Kemp, Rashard Lewis, Brent Barry
Detlef Schrempf, Fred Brown, Jack Sikma
Gary Payton, Ray Allen, Earl Watson
Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, Detlef Schrempf
During the mid-1990s, the Sonics' success was driven by their "Big Three" of Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, and Detlef Schrempf. Their inside-outside play led Seattle to multiple conference finals appearances. This trio remains one of the most celebrated lineups in franchise history.
Which Supersonics player is the only one to have won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award?
Gary Payton
Jack Sikma
Nate McMillan
Shawn Kemp
Gary Payton won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 1996 - 97, the only guard ever to earn that honor. His elite perimeter defense earned him nine All-Defensive Team selections. Payton's unique achievement stands out in league history.
Who led the ownership group that purchased and eventually relocated the Supersonics in 2006?
Howard Schultz
Sam Schulman
Clay Bennett
Joe Lacob
Oklahoma City businessman Clay Bennett headed the ownership group that bought the Seattle franchise in 2006. After failed arena negotiations in Seattle, Bennett's group moved the team to Oklahoma City in 2008. His purchase remains one of the most controversial relocations in NBA history.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand the team's history -

    Trace the Seattle Supersonics' founding, key milestones, and relocation to grasp the full timeline behind the team.

  2. Recall standout players and stats -

    Identify legendary Supersonics figures, their career highlights, and statistical achievements that defined the franchise.

  3. Analyze pivotal games and moments -

    Examine the most memorable matchups, playoff runs, and turning points that make up essential Seattle Supersonics trivia.

  4. Apply knowledge in a fast-paced quiz -

    Use your mastery of Seattle trivia questions to tackle challenging prompts and test your recall under time pressure.

  5. Evaluate the team's legacy -

    Assess the cultural and community impact of the Supersonics in Seattle and the broader NBA landscape.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Foundation and Inaugural Season Highlights -

    The Seattle Supersonics debuted in the 1967 - 68 NBA season, claiming their first win on October 17, 1967 (NBA.com Archives). Use the mnemonic "67 to get Heaven" to remember the expansion year and inaugural triumph. According to University of Washington sports records, the Sonics quickly built a devoted fan base at Seattle Center Arena.

  2. KeyArena's Home Court Advantage -

    KeyArena, later renamed Climate Pledge Arena, hosted over 1,200 Sonics games, delivering a 58% home-win rate (Basketball-Reference.com). Think "K-E-Y" for "Killing Every Yard" to recall the arena's formidable atmosphere. Studies in Sports Management Journals credit the arena's loud crowds with boosting player morale during tight playoff battles.

  3. The Payton-Kemp "Sonic Boom" Dynamic -

    Point Guard Gary Payton and Power Forward Shawn Kemp formed the explosive "Sonic Boom" duo from 1990 - 1997, combining for an average of 38.2 points and 14.3 rebounds per game (Basketball-Reference.com). Recall "G2K-Sonic90s" as a quick code for the era when Defensive Player of the Year Payton and athletic Kemp dominated the paint. The Seattle Times archives highlight their iconic alley-oop plays as emblematic of the team's style.

  4. 1978 NBA Finals Run -

    The 1977 - 78 Sonics reached their first NBA Finals, ultimately falling 4 - 3 to the Washington Bullets in a seven-game series (NBA.com Historical). Use "78 Finals" flashcards to recall the dramatic battle that defined Seattle's championship pursuit. Basketball historians note this Finals appearance as the franchise's pinnacle achievement.

  5. Relocation and Lasting Legacy -

    In 2008, financial and arena disputes led the Supersonics to relocate to Oklahoma City, becoming the Thunder (Seattle Times). The acronym "OK-08-Sonics" can help recall the relocation year and new identity. University of Washington journals discuss how the Sonics' storied history fuels ongoing efforts to bring NBA basketball back to Seattle.

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