The Oklahoma City Thunder are the 2025 NBA Champions, and on Tuesday, the team celebrated this momentous achievement with their city. The championship parade kicked off to the delight of their fans after OKC secured the title in a hard-fought seven-game series victory over the Indiana Pacers. This championship marks the franchise`s first since relocating from Seattle and becoming the Thunder.
Recognizing the historical significance of the event, fans showed overwhelming support, with many reportedly taking time off work and school to participate in the celebration and enthusiastically chant “OKC!” Estimates suggest that a massive crowd of at least 500,000 people gathered along the parade route in downtown Oklahoma City.
Thunder stars, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and their teammates, joined the parade through the downtown streets. Surrounded by confetti and wearing championship merchandise, many players admitted to running on little to no sleep following their big win.
Players actively engaged with the huge crowds lining the route. They frequently stepped off the parade vehicles to hand out gear, sign autographs, pose for photos, and provide fans with a close-up look at the coveted Larry O`Brien Championship Trophy. For some fortunate attendees, this even included the chance to touch the trophy.
The parade featured numerous memorable moments throughout the day:
The Trophy`s Grand Appearance
Fans had gathered early, securing prime spots along the parade route. This dedication paid off for some front-row fans who received the rare opportunity to touch the championship trophy.
The people have spoken: they want to touch Larry 🤣 @okcthunder // @Paycom pic.twitter.com/u0E4367cE4
— OKC Thunder (@okcthunder) June 4, 2024
The fans want to touch the trophy! 😂🤝
The Thunder championship parade is LIVE on NBA TV and the NBA App: https://t.co/L0uP1x21uL pic.twitter.com/83s5rF4R5b
— NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2024
Personal Interactions with the Team
Players connected directly with the fans throughout the event.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander received tremendous love and cheers from the OKC supporters.
Shai showing love to the OKC crowd! 💙
The Thunder championship parade is LIVE on NBA TV and the NBA App: https://t.co/L0uP1x21uL pic.twitter.com/XFhFwKx12o
— NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2024
For players like Alex Caruso, whose 2020 championship with the Lakers didn`t include a traditional parade due to pandemic restrictions, this celebration offered a first-hand experience of the full parade excitement.
Alex Caruso: 2020 champ, 2025 champ! 🤝
The Thunder championship parade is LIVE on NBA TV and the NBA App: https://t.co/L0uP1x21uL pic.twitter.com/QoXGmdNn4H
— NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2024
Celebratory Champagne Spray
Having reportedly faced some challenges popping champagne immediately after their Finals victory, the Thunder players demonstrated improved skills during the parade, with champagne flowing freely through downtown OKC.
The Thunder parade has turned into a champagne shower 🍾😂
The Thunder championship parade is LIVE on NBA TV and the NBA App: https://t.co/L0uP1x21uL pic.twitter.com/kF0t9Wb12Q
— NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2024
Shai`s Father Reflects
Now an NBA champion, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander`s father shared what he considered the most important aspect of his son`s accomplishment, beyond just the title.
SGA’s dad on what he’s most proud of about his son being an NBA champion: “Being a good human being.”
The Thunder championship parade is LIVE on NBA TV and the NBA App: https://t.co/L0uP1x21uL pic.twitter.com/p6yv14wT2z
— NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2024
Shai Rallies the Crowd
Wearing a Canadian flag, Gilgeous-Alexander took the microphone to address the massive crowd and build excitement for the day`s festivities.
SGA hyping up the crowd! 🇨🇦
The Thunder championship parade is LIVE on NBA TV and the NBA App: https://t.co/L0uP1x21uL pic.twitter.com/z8l716F2oA
— NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2024
Chet`s Trophy Handling Duties
Chet Holmgren was entrusted with carrying the Larry O`Brien Championship Trophy at one point, confidently assuring everyone he had it under control. However, his teammates playfully stepped in, perhaps slightly nervous about the precious hardware.
Chet was locked in on trophy duty 😂🏆
The Thunder championship parade is LIVE on NBA TV and the NBA App: https://t.co/L0uP1x21uL pic.twitter.com/Z8nK7r8iZl
— NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2024
Caruso`s Unique Championship Style
Alex Caruso made a notable entrance, wearing his championship ring from his time with the Los Angeles Lakers around his neck, signaling his prior experience. His choice of t-shirt was also distinctive, featuring a “Mount Rushmore” design consisting entirely of his own face. Caruso brought boxes of these unique shirts and tossed them out to the enthusiastic crowd.
Caruso wearing his 2020 ring as a pendant 😂🥶
The Thunder championship parade is LIVE on NBA TV and the NBA App: https://t.co/L0uP1x21uL pic.twitter.com/vB0F8t8j4m
— NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2024
Alex Caruso wearing his own Mount Rushmore shirt and tossing them to the crowd 😂
The Thunder championship parade is LIVE on NBA TV and the NBA App: https://t.co/L0uP1x21uL pic.twitter.com/Hj319bTq7k
— NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2024
Fire Department Joins the Celebration
As the parade began, players were greeted with a impressive display: a large team flag suspended between the extended ladders of Oklahoma City Fire Department trucks, adding a unique local touch to the event.
Love to see it! OKC Fire getting in on the fun 🤝 @okcthunder // @Paycom pic.twitter.com/V9z99zU08a
— OKC Thunder (@okcthunder) June 4, 2024
Jasper Hawthorne