Tag: Mike D’Antoni

Russell Westbrook, Thunder pay respects in emotional return visit

In his first return to Oklahoma City, Thunder fans gave a hero’s welcome to Rockets guard Russell Westbrook. He was clearly touched.

After playing 11 years with the Thunder, Russell Westbrook said he expected it to be emotional when he returned to Oklahoma City on Thursday for the first time as a member of the Houston Rockets.

He was right.

The Thunder organization had a tribute video ready for Thursday’s team introductions to celebrate Westbrook’s time there, and the team’s fans greeted him with an extended ovation. For his part, the normally stoic Westbrook — who often claims to have no friends on the basketball court — smiled throughout and was clearly very moved by the gestures.

A future Hall of Famer, Westbrook was a an eight-time NBA All-Star, a two-time scoring champion, and the 2017 MVP during his 11 years with the Thunder. He became especially beloved after standing by the franchise in the tumultuous time immediately after the departure of fellow superstar Kevin Durant in 2016 free agency to rival Golden State.

On Thursday, Thunder fans reciprocated that loyalty ⁠— even with the 31-year-old Westbrook now wearing a Rockets jersey after the July 2019 trade that sent him to Houston in exchange for Chris Paul and draft picks.

Just before Thursday’s game, Houston head coach Mike D’Antoni referred to the homecoming as an “important moment” for his starting point guard, adding that Westbrook “has to be bubbling inside.”

Westbrook entered the arena wearing a shirt with the words “Zero Regrets” and “Thank You Oklahoma” on the front, and a listing of his accomplishments with the Thunder on the back.

On the court, Westbrook wore shoes in Oklahoma City’s blue and orange colors with the words “Thank You.”

A day earlier, Thunder GM Sam Presti set the appropriate tone with an extended statement reflecting on Westbrook’s legacy.

Russell Westbrook gave the Thunder and the Oklahoma community everything he had for over a decade. He arrived when his career and the organization were literally starting from zero. Russell was a catalyst for a lot of incredible moments and memories for our fans, but it is his relentlessness, longevity, and commitment that define his legacy in Oklahoma City. It’s going to be a unique moment when he steps back on the Chesapeake floor, a chance for people to recognize someone that will always figure prominently into the history of our city.

During those 11 seasons with the Thunder, Westbrook averaged 23.0 points, 8.4 assists, and 7.0 rebounds per game.

In 31 games played in the 2019-20 campaign for the Rockets (25-11), Westbrook entered Thursday’s matchup averaging 24.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in 35.3 minutes per game.

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