Paul George returned to Oklahoma City for the first time since being traded by the Thunder but was met with effusive cheers, despite being the first to ask for a trade this past summer.

Following a tribute video showing his work with the community, the crowd responded with more cheers than boos during the lineup introductions, showering the now-Los Angeles Clippers guard with love.

“It just made me feel appreciated of being here,” George said, according to Mark Medina of USA TODAY Sports. “I enjoyed my time here.”

“I will always view this as one of the best organizations that I could have ever played for. They set the bar in many ways from community, again front office, the way they run things, the way they handle things, they just set the bar in so many ways it was a great imprint. A lasting impression on me that I know in a mid-market what’s capable and what’s possible.”

George shot it poorly on his return to Chesapeake Energy Arena, making only 6-of-17 from the floor for 18 points, while committing five turnovers on Sunday's 118-112 loss.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the key piece that was part of the George trade along with Danilo Gallinari and an NBA-record five first-rounders, shined with 32 points and five assists, combining for 60 points with spark plug Dennis Schroder coming off the bench.

OKC appreciated George upon his return, but the Thunder had no plans of letting the Kawhi Leonard-less Clippers lineup get away with a win at home, improving to 15-14 and still on the hunt for a playoff spot after climbing to seventh place in the West.