Russell Westbrook honored, embraced by Thunder and fans in OKC return
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder had never played a tribute video for the return of a former player. But Russell Westbrook is certainly unique.
The video played before the Houston Rockets’ starting lineup was introduced Thursday night at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Deafening cheers and a familiar chant drowned out the introductions of the other Rockets starters.
“MVP! MVP! MVP!” the fans roared after Westbrook sprinted from the Rockets’ bench to the opposite sideline, gestured toward the crowd and then held one finger in the air as his Houston teammates surrounded him near the free throw line.
The cheers from the sellout crowd began even before the tribute video, which featured a variety of Westbrook highlights, fiery on-court celebrations, clips of his community involvement, memorable Instagram posts and famous quotes from his remarkable run as the Thunder’s point guard.
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