Shai Gilgeous-Alexander raised the NBA Finals MVP trophy high above his head as thousands of fans lined the streets to celebrate the Thunder’s first championship since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008.
Shirtless and soaking in chants of “M-V-P! M-V-P!” from the crowd, the 25-year-old All-NBA guard led a championship parade through a city that had waited 17 years for a moment like this.
At one point, Gilgeous-Alexander carried the Larry O’Brien Trophy to the barricades, giving fans an up-close look — and a chance to touch the hardware.
“This is y’all’s too,” SGA said to the mammoth crowd that swarmed them in the Thunder's championship parade.
Thunder players, including rookie center Chet Holmgren and veteran guard Lu Dort, sprayed champagne from the second level of the team’s open-air bus — and later from a golf cart — as confetti rained down along the parade route.
[ALSO READ: Hampered by injuries early, Chet Holmgren perseveres to become NBA champ with OKC Thunder]
Amid the triple-digit heat, All-Star forward Jalen Williams addressed the crowd at Scissortail Park, praising the fanbase that had supported the team through years of rebuilding.
“None of this is possible without you guys,” Williams said. “You’ve been through the ups and downs of the Thunder organization. We appreciate you. We love you.”
Isaiah Hartenstein, who was acquired at midseason and emerged as a key playoff contributor, was seen holding his young son during the celebration.
He said he hadn’t slept since Oklahoma City’s Game 7 win over the Indiana Pacers just a couple of days ago.
“It’s amazing. To experience it with family and with the community — it’s been really special,” the German big man said.
RAISE THE TROPHY 🏆
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) June 24, 2025
The celebration marked a milestone not only for the franchise, but also for players who had been central to its rebuild.
Among them was Aaron Wiggins, a 2021 second-round pick who recalled the early struggles of OKC when he arrived.
“There was a point where they tried to call us the black hole of the NBA,” Wiggins told the crowd. “But four years later, when they mention the Thunder — when they mention Clay Bennett, Sam Presti, Mark Daigneault and every single one of you in this arena — they’ve got to mention you as NBA champs. And that’s it.”
From “black hole” to kings of the NBA, the Thunder didn’t just celebrate a title — they put the league on notice that a new modern dynasty may be on the rise.A legendary speech from @Aaron_Wiggins_ 🗣? https://t.co/ChNywOZtMY
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) June 24, 2025
