Thunder celebrates NBA title with Shai and the fans: “We love them”

alofoke
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, shirtless, was the center of attention at the NBA championship parade, waving the Finals MVP trophy from behind a float. The crowd, gathered in Oklahoma City to celebrate the Thunder’s first championship, chanted “MVP, MVP” as the temperature reached levels close to three digits. Gilgeous-Alexander, who started the day with a white t-shirt and his Canadian flag tied around his waist, carried the Larry O’Brien Trophy to the barrier so that the fans could touch the coveted trophy. According to AccuWeather, the heat index during the parade reached 101 degrees due to the humidity. Despite the heat, the celebration of the Thunder and the thousands of fans gathered in Midtown since Tuesday morning did not stop. Lu Dort and Chet Holmgren sprayed the attendees with champagne, first from the team’s double-decker bus and then from a golf cart.

It’s very hot here, so I’ll be brief and concise. Without you, none of this would be possible. You have been with us through the ups and downs of the Thunder organization. We appreciate you and we love you.

Jalen Williams
Isaiah Hartenstein, who claimed not to have slept for 36 hours, shared the excitement of the victory with his family and the community.
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gestures to the crowd as the team celebrates its first NBA Finals title win with a parade through downtown Oklahoma City on Tuesday.
Bryan Terry/USA TODAY NETWORK
The celebration included a stage for the closing ceremony at Scissortail Park. Thunder fans gathered near the stage, and Gilgeous-Alexander once again immersed himself in the crowd, carrying the trophy for photos and allowing close contact with the NBA championship prize. Aaron Wiggins fired up the crowd with a short speech that recalled the franchise’s humble beginnings, which drafted him at pick 55 and won 24 games during his rookie season.

There was a time when they tried to call us the black hole of the NBA. But four years later, when they mention the Thunder organization, when they mention Clay Bennett, Sam Presti, Mark Daigneault and each of you in this arena, they will have to mention them as NBA champions! And that’s it!

Aaron Wiggins
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