Thunder revival 'beautiful' for ex-OKC stars Russell Westbrook, James Harden & Paul George

James Harden has made plenty of returns to Oklahoma City since he got traded away in 2012.

Twenty-five returns, to be exact. But as Harden suited up for the Los Angeles Clippers in a 134-115 loss to the OKC Thunder on Thursday at Paycom Center, this return felt different.

There's a revamped energy surrounding OKC (18-8), which has skyrocketed to the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference standings. And Harden took notice.

"This reminded me of when I was here in the beginning of the Thunder Up days," Harden said. "And it's beautiful. It's been a long time as far as the rebuilding process, but I think it's exciting. These fans deserve some good basketball.

"It's exciting to see them, how well they're playing and the support that they have behind them."

Harden wasn't the only player who got to reminisce for the Clippers, who are a Steven Adams trade away from having to change their name to the Thunder Hall of Famers.

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Paul George says OKC 'embraced me with open arms'

Paul George also made a return to OKC. The veteran forward missed Los Angeles' game against Dallas on Wednesday (illness) and was questionable for Thursday, but he received a warm welcome when he got introduced in the starting lineup.

After spending the first seven years of his career with the Indiana Pacers, George got traded to OKC in 2017. And while he only spent two seasons with the Thunder, he developed a strong connection with the community.

"I didn't know what to expect when I landed here," George said of his OKC arrival in 2017. "I dove right in, and they embraced me with open arms. ... My family appreciated the community and the support here.

"I felt the community really did everything they could to make this home for us. From my end, we appreciated it."

George also recognized the strides made by OKC, which recorded fewer than 25 wins in two of the first three seasons after his departure in 2019.

The Thunder is surging this season thanks in part to Chet Holmgren. The 7-foot-1 center racked up 23 points, seven assists and six rebounds against a Los Angeles team that had no answer for his unique blend of size and skill.

"He's a talent," George said. "We didn't quite figure it out because he's not necessarily a big. He can play and move like a guard and a wing, so he gave us some problems."

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Russell Westbrook 'forever grateful' for time in OKC

Finally, the crowd at Paycom Center saved its loudest round of applause for last.

Russell Westbrook checked into the game with 6:35 left in the first quarter. And as the OKC crowd reached deafening levels, the veteran guard held his right hand in the air to show his appreciation.

It was far from the first return to OKC for Westbrook, who spent the first 11 years of his career with the team. It actually marked his fifth time back.

But much like George and Harden, it's a feeling that never gets old.

"It's like home for me," Westbrook said. "I grew up here. They welcomed me and my family with open arms. They gave me everything they had every night, and I did the same. I'm grateful and gracious for their appreciation of the way I play basketball and the way I compete.

"They embraced the good, the bad and the ugly about me. I'm forever grateful for that."

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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder revival is 'beautiful' for James Harden, Russell Westbrook