Clippers’ Russell Westbrook gave Thunder fans the ultimate praise during heartfelt message

Westbrook continues to receive a standing ovation from fans in Oklahoma City, even though his last game wearing a Thunder jersey came in 2018-19. It was a great scene, and it's hard not to respect and appreciate what Westbrook did during his 11 seasons with the team. 

Not only did he average 23 points, 8.4 assists, and 7.0 rebounds over 821 regular-season career games, but he also averaged a triple-double in each of his final three seasons with the Thunder. This accomplishment will almost certainly never be replicated, and it's apparent fans have all the love in the world for Russ.

After Westbrook and the Clippers ultimately had their nine-game winning streak snapped by the Thunder, the 35-year-old guard addressed the reception he received by offering the highest praise imaginable for a fanbase.

"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," Westbrook said of the fans in Oklahoma City, per Los Angeles Times reporter Andrew Greif.

It's never been anything but love between Westbrook and the Thunder fanbase. And for a group that still shows this much love to a player who hasn't played for their team in five years, it's hard not to give a tip of the cap and agree with him that Oklahoma City deserves some recognition as one of the league's best, and specifically most loyal, fanbases.