Head coach George Karl Record 61–21 (.744) | General manager Wally Walker | |
Arena KeyArena at Seattle Center Place Division: 1st (Pacific)
Conference: 2nd (Western) Playoff finish West Semifinals
(eliminated 1-4) | ||
The 1997–98 Seattle SuperSonics season was the 30th season of the Seattle SuperSonics in the National Basketball Association (NBA). In the offseason, the Sonics acquired All-Star forward Vin Baker from the Milwaukee Bucks in a three team trade, while re-acquiring Dale Ellis from the Denver Nuggets and signing free agents Jerome Kersey and Greg Anthony. In his first year with the Sonics, Baker averaged 19.2 points per game and was selected for the 1998 NBA All-Star Game along with Gary Payton. The Sonics finished first place in the Pacific Division with a 61–21. In the first round of the playoffs, the Sonics struggled as they trailed 2–1 to the 7th-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves, but managed to win the series in five games. However, they would lose in five games to the Los Angeles Lakers in the semifinals after taking Game 1.
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Following the season, George Karl left to coach the Milwaukee Bucks as his "favorite player" Nate McMillan retired. Also following the season, Sam Perkins signed as a free agent with the Indiana Pacers, Kersey signed with the San Antonio Spurs, Anthony signed with the Portland Trail Blazers, and Jim McIlvaine was traded to the New Jersey Nets.
West First Round
(2) Seattle SuperSonics vs. (7) Minnesota Timberwolves Last Playoff Meeting: This is the first meeting between the SuperSonics and Timberwolves.
West Conference Semifinals
(2) Seattle SuperSonics vs. (3) Los Angeles Lakers Last Playoff Meeting: 1995 Western Conference First Round (Los Angeles won 3-1)