Thunder rolls through OKC, as fans turn out to celebrate NBA title

OKLAHOMA CITY — Jalen Ross couldn't stop smiling after attending the Oklahoma City Thunder's championship parade.

The 19-year-old Ross was among thousands of Oklahoma City's unwavering fans who finally got to celebrate an NBA championship, after watching the team suffer through several close calls and heartbreaking moments over the past two decades.

The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers on Sunday to finally clinch the title. On Tuesday, Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, All-Star Jalen Williams and their teammates joyfully greeted their adoring fans, who lined the downtown streets, despite the 90-degree heat (32 C).

Ross said it was well worth it.

"It's crazy," he said. "From the days of wearing my KD (Kevin Durant) jersey every day, to crying when he left, having the Russell Westbrook Fathead in the living room during the playoffs, and all the Thunder playoff shirts, programs, hats hanging up on my wall to this day — it's crazy to think about. But we did it."

The parade route ended at Scissortail Park, where mayor David Holt declared a city holiday for Clay Bennett, the head of the Thunder's ownership group, then added days for general manager Sam Presti, coach Mark Daigneault and every player on the roster.

The fans cheered loudly with each announcement.

"I just feel like they really represent us as Oklahomans, and put us — the whole state and the whole city — on their backs," said Chris Willert, a 15-year-old fan from the nearby town of Norman.

Oklahoma City first hosted an NBA team during the 2005-06 season, when the New Orleans Hornets temporarily relocated after Hurricane Katrina. Oklahoma City's fans fell in love with the team and a young point guard named Chris Paul, who would be named rookie of the year.

The Seattle SuperSonics rebranded and relocated to Oklahoma City in time for the 2008-09 season, and fans feverishly supported the new team, despite its early struggles. The Thunder became a contender, with young stars Durant, Westbrook and James Harden.

Even with all that talent, the team couldn't break through. OKC lost to the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals in 2012, and Harden left for Houston. A possible run in 2013 was derailed when Westbrook was injured during the playoffs. The 2015-16 team led the Golden State Warriors 3-1 in the Western Conference finals, before eventually losing the series in seven games.

Durant left to join the Warriors at the end of that season, closing the book on that version of the Thunder. Westbrook was the league MVP in 2017, and averaged a triple-double for three straight seasons, but the Thunder never got out of the first round in that time.

But, after rebuilding with its new set of superstars, finally, Oklahoma City has its moment. Daniel Sweet, a longtime fan and pastor at Calvary Church in Norman, said it's about resilience, loyalty and community.

"To see this team rise and win, bringing a title to Oklahoma City — it feels like all of us just won something bigger than a trophy," Sweet said. "It's our story now. This team embodies what every family and community wants to be. Tough, passionate, and together, no matter what."

Agencies via Xinhua