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 their team suffered through several close calls and heartbreaking moments the past two decades.
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers on Sunday to 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 90-degree heat.
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 for 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 nearby 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.
