The 1998 NBA season was a productive one for Gary Payton, who played for the Seattle SuperSonics. He appeared in all 82 regular-season games, averaging 19.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. He also shot 46.2 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from 3-point range.

Payton’s strong play helped lead the SuperSonics to a record of 61-21, the best in the Western Conference. In the playoffs, they advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1979 but were defeated by Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in six games.

Despite the loss, Payton had several impressive performances throughout the playoffs, including 28 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds in a Game 1 victory over Chicago in the Finals. He also had 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists in a Game 5 loss.

Off the court, Payton was named to the All-NBA First Team and the NBA All-Defensive First Team for the fourth consecutive season. He also won the NBA All-Star Game MVP award after scoring 18 points, dishing out 6 assists, and grabbing 5 rebounds in the East’s 135-114 win over the West.

Overall, the 1998 NBA season was one of Payton’s best, as he was one of the league’s most productive guards and a key player on a SuperSonics team that was among the NBA’s best