Oklahoma City Thunder: Top 5 moments from the 2019-20 season so far

1. Westbrook’s return to Loud City

Thunder fans got the best of both worlds on Jan. 9 when the franchise’s most decorated player returned to Oklahoma City.

Russell Westbrook returned to Loud City for the first time since the trade that sent him to the Houston Rockets and brought back Chris Paul and a package of draft picks.

Westbrook came onto the court in Chesapeake Bay Arena the way he always he used to for tipoff — visiting the Thunder’s employees at the scorer’s table before his sprint to the corner of the court to fire up the crowd.

“I don’t regret one thing being here in Oklahoma City,” said Westbrook after the game, reflecting on his decisions made throughout his time in the city that drafted.

He had a dominant game in front of his old fans — and the Thunder still got the last laugh.

The team honored the two-time MVP with a tribute video before the game:

Westbrook followed the emotional introduction with an offensive explosion.

He finished with 34 points, five assists and two rebounds.

However, the Thunder defense forced seven turnovers from Westbrook alone and won the game handily 113-92.

Newly acquired Danilo Gallinari stole the homecoming party.

Gallinari finished with 23 points, 11 rebounds and four assists.

The reunion allowed Thunder fans to appreciate what they’d lost while taking in their team’s newfound potential.

“The energy was amazing — our first nationally televised game and Russ being back,” Paul told reporters after the game.

“It’s a very, very special thing that meant a lot to me, honestly,” Westbrook said.

“Coming back here, just making me feel that I was very, very appreciated.”