OKLAHOMA CITY — Jalen Ross couldn’t hide his excitement this week at the Oklahoma City Thunder’s long-awaited championship parade. At 19, Ross was among the throngs of dedicated fans celebrating the team’s triumph after years of near-misses and heartbreaks.
The Thunder secured the NBA title with a victory over the Indiana Pacers last Sunday. By Tuesday, Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, All-Star Jalen Williams, and the rest of the squad were joyfully parading before their enthusiastic supporters, who braved the scorching 90-degree heat to see their champions.
Ross reflected on the journey, recalling the days spent in his Kevin Durant jersey and the heartache when Durant left the team, the Westbrook Fathead that adorned his living room during playoff runs, and the memorabilia that still decorates his walls. Ross summed it up succinctly: “It’s crazy, but we did it.”
The parade concluded at Scissortail Park, where the city’s mayor, David Holt, announced a special city holiday in honor of team ownership head Clay Bennett, and extended the gesture to include general manager Sam Presti, coach Mark Daigneault, and every player on the roster. The crowd’s cheers echoed for each name.
Chris Willert, a 15-year-old fan from nearby Norman, expressed immense pride, saying, “I really feel like they represent us as Oklahomans, carrying the city and the state on their backs.”
Oklahoma City’s journey with an NBA team began in the 2005-06 season when Hurricane Katrina forced the temporary relocation of the New Orleans Hornets. The city quickly embraced the team and its promising rookie, Chris Paul. By the start of the 2008-09 season, the Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City, giving rise to the Thunder.
Despite early struggles, fans remained fervent, supporting a young team headlined by Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. Even with this wealth of talent, breaking through remained elusive. The team reached the NBA Finals in 2012 but fell to the Miami Heat. Harden was soon on his way to Houston, and subsequent playoff opportunities were marred by injuries and stunning come-from-behind defeats.
Durant’s departure to the Golden State Warriors in 2016 marked a turning point. While Westbrook earned MVP honors in 2017, and averaged a triple-double for three seasons, the team continued to struggle in the postseason.
Now, armed with a new generation of stars, Oklahoma City has achieved basketball greatness. Daniel Sweet, a devoted fan and pastor at Calvary Church in Norman, emphasized the deeper meaning of the team’s success. “It’s about resilience, loyalty, and community. Seeing them rise and win a title feels like a shared triumph,” he explained. “This team tells a story we all relate to — one of toughness, passion, and unity in the face of adversity.”