Russ gets big hand in OKC return: 'I felt like I was home'

Russell Westbrook made his return to Oklahoma City on Thursday for the first time as a member of the Houston Rockets. The Thunder's video tribute captured his 11 years in OKC.

He also received a hero's welcome from the fans at Chesapeake Energy Arena - quite a difference from Kevin Durant's return three years ago as a member of the Golden State Warriors.

Although the Rockets were blown out by 21 points, it didn't take away from a "very, very special" night for Westbrook.

"Man, some things you can't put into words, just because I've been here so long, so many great memories, great people," he told reporters, including ESPN's Tim MacMahon, after the game. "Obviously, the best fans in the world, because they come with it, and tonight they came with it.

"The organization, (GM) Sam (Presti), (owner) Mr. (Clay) Bennett, they do an amazing job of just making you feel home. And I felt like I was home."

Westbrook, who was traded to the Rockets in the offseason, spent the first 11 years of his NBA career in Oklahoma City. During that time, he made eight All-Star appearances, was named NBA MVP for the 2016-17 season, and helped the Thunder reach The Finals during the 2011-12 campaign.

In August 2016 - one month after Durant joined the Warriors in free agency - Westbrook signed a three-year, $85.7-million contract extension with Oklahoma City. A year later, the Thunder locked up Westbrook once again, inking the two-time scoring champion to a five-year, $205-million extension.

While the Westbrook-led Thunder ultimately fell short in their playoff runs, he enjoyed great individual success after recommitting to the organization for a second time. In the Brodie's last two campaigns with the franchise, he led the Association in assists per game and averaged a triple-double.

"I don't regret one thing being here in Oklahoma City," Westbrook said. "I don't regret signing back. I don't regret staying here. I don't regret anything that I did here. I feel like I left everything out on the floor every single night and did what I could for the city."

Across 821 career appearances for the Thunder, Westbrook averaged 23 points, 8.3 assists, seven boards, and 1.7 steals. In Thursday's return, he finished with a game-high 34 points on 14-of-26 shooting.