Clippers' Russell Westbrook on Standing Ovation: Thunder Have Best Fans in the World
Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook received a standing ovation from his old hometown fans in Oklahoma City after he checked into the game for the first time during a road matchup against the Thunder on Thursday.
Afterward, Westbrook commented on the love OKC fans have shown him since returning to the Thunder's home arena as an opposing player.
"Best [fans] in the world," Westbrook said, per Andrew Greif of the Los Angeles Times.
"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."
Westbrook played with OKC from 2008-2019. During that time, he made eight All-Star and eight All-NBA teams. Westbrook also won two scoring titles and led the NBA in assists twice. He also averaged a triple-double in each of his final three seasons in OKC.
Needless to say, Westbrook will forever be a franchise legend.
Fans have recognized his impact on the franchise since he was traded to the Houston Rockets in 2019. They notably cheered him and gave him a standing ovation in January 2020, when Westbrook came back to Oklahoma City.
That trend hasn't changed nearly four years later.
As for the game, the Thunder broke the Clippers' nine-game winning streak with a 134-115 win. Westbrook finished with 15 points, 13 rebounds and four assists.
