Record-breaking steals by a team in a single NBA game

Bench players Craig Ehlo and Greg Graham made a significant impact on the game, recording four steals each in just a combined 19 minutes on the court. Gary Payton, the first point guard to win NBA Defensive Player of the Year in the previous season, also contributed with three steals, along with teammates Sam Perkins and Eric Snow.

The Sonics broke the record previously held by the Golden State Warriors (25 steals in 1975 and 1989). Seattle and Golden State are the only teams to record at least 25 steals in a game since steals began being compiled in the 1973-74 season.

SuperSonics (Jan. 15, 1997) | Win vs. Raptors (122-78)

Warriors (March 25, 1975) | Win vs. Lakers (139-122)

Warriors (Feb. 15, 1989) | Win vs. Spurs (133-96)

Six teams tied – Warriors (1975), Suns (1977), 76ers (1978), Trail Blazers (1984), Hornets (1989) and Bucks (1992)

Less than a month after setting the regular season record with 25 steals in 1975 (March 25, 1975 vs. Lakers), the Warriors set the playoff record with 22 steals in a 123-96 win over the Sonics in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

That record stands entering the 2024-25 season, with only three other teams ever reaching 20 steals in a playoff game.

Warriors (April 14, 1975) | Win vs. Sonics (123-96) | Game 1, West Semis

Warriors (May 2, 1976) | Win vs. Suns (128-103) | Game 1, West Finals

76ers (May 13, 1999) | Win vs. Magic (97-85) | Game 3, First Round

: Bucks (April 25, 2015) | Win vs. Bulls (92-90) | Game 4, First Round