Jalen Ross couldn’t stop smiling. The 19-year-old lifelong Thunder fan was one of thousands flooding Oklahoma City’s streets to celebrate a moment two decades in the making — an NBA championship finally brought home.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers on Sunday to win their first title. On Tuesday, Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, All-Star Jalen Williams, and the rest of the roster basked in the adoration of fans undeterred by 90-degree heat.
“It’s crazy,” Ross said. “From the days of wearing my KD jersey every day, to crying when he left, having the Russell Westbrook Fathead in the living room during the playoffs… it’s crazy to think about. But we did it.”
The parade ended at Scissortail Park, where Mayor David Holt declared a city holiday for Clay Bennett, the Thunder’s ownership head — then added days for general manager Sam Presti, coach Mark Daigneault, and every player on the roster, drawing thunderous cheers with each name.
“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, 15, from nearby Norman.
Oklahoma City’s NBA journey began in 2005-06, when the New Orleans Hornets temporarily relocated post-Katrina. The city embraced the league and rookie Chris Paul. In 2008, the Seattle SuperSonics moved, and the Thunder were born.
With Durant, Westbrook, and Harden, OKC became a contender, but heartbreak followed. It lost the 2012 Finals, saw Harden leave, and suffered a stunning 2016 collapse against Golden State — followed by Durant’s controversial departure.
Westbrook’s MVP run and triple-doubles couldn’t push it past the first round, and the team eventually rebuilt from scratch.
Now, with a young core and renewed spirit, Oklahoma City is basking in its long-awaited triumph.
“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,” said Daniel Sweet, a pastor in Norman. “It’s our story now. This team embodies what every family and community wants to be. Tough, passionate, and together no matter what.”
