OKC preps for parade, fans savor sweet NBA victory
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Oklahoma City crews started working to prep the downtown area for Tuesday’s parade honoring NBA Champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Banners were being hung from the Omni Hotel and workers were putting up barricades to block off streets along the parade route.
Fans from all across the state woke up Monday morning, reliving the dream of the night before after the Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
"My throat’s already going out," said Evan Touch, a Thunder fan who was inside the arena for the final game.
Outside the stadium, thousands of excited fans crowded restaurants and bars across the city. They watched as the team made their Big League City dreams come true.
"I mean there's really no words to describe it," said Cole Tompkins, Thunder fan.
For many fans, the victory was more than a decade in the making.
"I've been watching since we were the Hornets of Oklahoma City. It's a very, very cool thing for the city. It feels amazing,” said Stevie Josey. “Anybody that's been here for a while has dealt with the highs, the lows of the Thunder. This is so cool. We are so thankful. This is amazing." These loyal Thunder followers will have one more chance to make memories with the team during Tuesday’s parade winding through downtown.
"Am I going to go? Of course I'm going to go,” said Tompkins. “I was here watching them all throughout the finals. You have to go."