Damian Lillard's Portland Trail Blazers have been one of the most disappointing teams this season, much to the delight of some bitter Oklahoma City Thunder fans. Though the Blazers' struggles are no reflection of Lillard's play on the court, at least one OKC fan thought it necessary to call out the All Star point guard while bragging about the Thunder's current standing in the Western Conference, relative to where Portland is ranked.
In response to a tweet about how the Thunder could lose every game from here on out and likely still finish with a better record than the Blazers, the fan tweeted at Lillard, "Imma need to see some more of that waving." Of course, that's in reference to the way Lillard waved goodbye to OKC after burying them in Game 5 of their first round series a year ago.
Dame took the high road in his reply, but also made sure to note how much real estate he still holds in the heads of OKC Thunder fans.
"The fact that y’all can’t let this go just shows how bad it hurt your heart. You’re having a great season."
The Blazers' 118-106 loss to the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night has them sitting at 26-33 as they prepare for a three-game road trip beginning Thursday night in Indiana. As it stands, they are three games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth seed in the Western Conference. The Thunder, meanwhile, rank sixth in the conference with a record of 36-22.
Russell Westbrook Debuts OKC “Tribute” Colorway Of The Jordan Why Not? Zer0.3
Closer look at Westbrook’s kicks from his return to OKC.
Russell Westbrook spent the first 11 seasons of his NBA career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Jordan Brand made sure he came correct for his return on Thursday night.
Westbrook’s OKC-inspired “Tribute” Jordan Why Not? Zer0.3 is highlighted by orange and blue detailing that includes some of his stats over the years as well as a “Thank You” message to the Thunder organization and fans.
“Man, some things you can’t put into words, just because I’ve been here so long, so many great memories, great people,” Westbrook said after Thursday’s loss to the Thunder, per ESPN. “Obviously, the best fans in the world, because they come with it, and tonight they came with it.
“The organization, Sam [Presti], Mr. [Clay] Bennett, they do an amazing job of just making you feel home. And I felt like I was home.”
Take a look at some on-foot photos of the kicks in the IG post embedded below, and click here to watch Westbrook’s awesome tribute video.
Russell Westbrook Welcomed Back To OKC With Awesome Tribute Watch
Check out OKC's incredible tribute to Russell Westbrook.
Russell Westbrook made his return to Chesapeake Energy Arena on Thursday night for the first time as a member of the Houston Rockets and he was greeted with a roaring, standing ovation from everyone in the building. Westbrook, who spent his first 11 seasons in Oklahoma City, was also honored with a chilling, two-minute tribute video that played before the Rockets' starting lineup was introduced.
From his thunderous dunks and clutch moments to his off-court playfulness and charitable efforts, it was the perfect montage to welcome Russ back to OKC. Check out the tribute video in the tweet embedded below.
The raucous crowd had Westbrook firing on all cylinders from the jump, as "MVP" chants filled the arena prior to tip-off. It was a hero's welcome and Westbrook applauded the organization and the fans for their efforts on Thursday night.
"Man, some things you can't put into words, just because I've been here so long, so many great memories, great people," Westbrook said, per ESPN. "Obviously, the best fans in the world, because they come with it, and tonight they came with it.
"The organization, Sam [Presti], Mr. [Clay] Bennett, they do an amazing job of just making you feel home. And I felt like I was home."
Westbrook led all scorers with 34 points, but it was the Thunder who took control of the game from the start en route to their 113-92 victory. Though the outcome wasn't what Houston was hoping for, James Harden had to admit it was an incredible atmosphere in OKC last night.
"That was dope. Obviously, we got smacked, but it was a dope environment," said Harden. "Oklahoma City, as usual, showed mad love to Russell and everything he's done for those 11 years he was here. Obviously, an unbelievable fan base, and it was just a beautiful thing to see."