On Sunday, point guard Chris Paul returned to Chesapeake Energy Arena for the first time since he played for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
His Phoenix Suns visited to take on the Thunder in the first of what is a three-game road trip for Phoenix.
“I’m happy to be back here but actually kind of mad at the same time because the fans won’t be here,” Paul said to reporters in a Zoom press conference before the game.
Chesapeake Energy Arena is one of just three NBA stadiums that has not allowed fans in for games this season.
Paul went on to say that the fans were the most special part of playing in Oklahoma City.
“That was one of the biggest things that made not only my first two years in the league but last season special was the fans here in Oklahoma City,” he said.
. @cp3 on returning to OKC:
"I'm happy to be back here but actually kind of mad at the same time because the fans won't be here." pic.twitter.com/annB0f9DxW
— Carson Cunningham (@KOCOCarson) May 2, 2021
In Paul’s first two seasons in the NBA, the New Orleans Hornets played home games in Oklahoma City after Hurricane Katrina destroyed their city.
Oklahoma City became Paul’s true home last season, when he was traded to the Thunder from the Houston Rockets.
He has raved about his time with the Thunder and keeps in contact with old teammates including guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“I got a chance to see Shai last night,” he said. “It was definitely a special season last year.”
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