Thunder center Nerlens Noel stretched his arms out to fill the tunnel, slapping the hands of cheering fans on each side.
He hadn't played a minute yet Thursday, he was just heading back to the locker room between warmups and the game, but just for suiting up he was greeted by an enthusiastic welcome (back) party.
Noel passed the NBA-mandated concussion protocol to rejoin the Thunder Thursday night against the Lakers, after missing three games to injury.
Noel checked in the game with 2:21 left in the first quarter to another ovation, but he didn't enter the game the same defensive force he had been when he left it.