Thunder Players Offer 'Thanks' To Devoted Fan Base - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports |

The Oklahoma City Thunder returned from Miami Friday afternoon. They touched down just before 2 o'clock and immediately boarded buses that took the team to their huge welcome home.

Police estimated about 5,000 people made it out for the big welcome home. The fans were not the only ones saying "thank you" for a great season, the players got their chance to hit the stage and give a shout out to the "best fans in the NBA".

"I want to say thank you for all the support that you guys give us year in and year out. Every single game," said James Harden. "Just the support. I don't think any other NBA team has the support that we have and it means a lot to us."

6/22/2012 Related Story: Thousands Flock To OKC Airport To Welcome Home Thunder

"Even when we couldn't see our coaches, we came together as a group that built us closer, that built that bond every single day," said Kevin Durant. "I love these guys, we're all like brothers."

There's already been speculation about who might not return for the next season but from what everyone said on stage, it sounded like they wanted to be here to compete again and win the NBA championship.

"Know that in this off season, each and every one of us is going to get better to try to do what we can to win the championship next year," said Kendrick Perkins. "Thank you all!"

The fans said the team keeps getting better every year so they are more encouraged thank ever that the OKC Thunder will win it all next season.