As long as Russell Westbrook remains an NBA player, he’ll always receive a warm welcome from the OKC crowd.
That continued to be the case in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 134-115 win over the LA Clippers on Thursday. Even though he last played for the Thunder in 2019, the future Hall-of-Famer continues to be adored by OKC fans.
When he checked into the game, Westbrook received a loud ovation from a very active crowd. The 35-year-old had 15 points, 13 rebounds and four assists in 30 minutes off the bench.
Russell Westbrook runs to the scorer’s table and this place goes wild pic.twitter.com/WXdrMmfe6L
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) December 22, 2023
A pretty loud cheer for Russell Westbrook as he officially checks in pic.twitter.com/expARyVoBP
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) December 22, 2023
When asked about his reception, Westbrook spoke fondly of the Thunder’s crowd and called them the best fans in the world when he talked to local reporters after the game.
“Best (fans) in the world. It’s like home for me to be honest. I grew up here and they welcomed me and my family with open arms,” Westbrook said. “They gave me everything they had every night, and I did the same and I’m grateful.”
Westbrook postgame on the reception he still receives in OKC:
"Best [fans] in the world. It’s like home for me to be honest. I grew up here and they welcomed me and my family with open arms. They gave me everything they had every night and I did the same and I’m grateful." https://t.co/1WemQHcnji
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) December 22, 2023
The relationship between Westbrook and Thunder fans is a special one. After playing in OKC for the first 11 seasons of his career, the bond he built with the fan base will be everlasting.
