Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Thunder championship parade turnout: 'Best city in the world'
Holding the Larry O'Brien trophy, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had plenty of highlights from the Oklahoma City Thunder's championship parade. Hot summer temperatures didn't scare folks from attending. Half a million packed themselves into downtown to see them celebrate the franchise's first title.
Gilgeous-Alexander and his Thunder teammates showed a side of themselves that hasn't been publicly seen before. A championship will bring that out of you. The usual stoic Aaron Wiggins showed off his charisma on the microphone to kick things off.
Jaylin Williams had the Scissortail Park hang onto every one of his words in an epic expletive-filled speech to close the parade off that would've had Stone Cold Steve Austin smile. Usually, NBA champions stay on their buses as they make the rounds. But Gilgeous-Alexander did the opposite.
The MVP winner walked the streets. Reaching out the championship trophy over the barricade for fans to touch, Gilgeous-Alexander showed the Thunder faithful his love for their commitment over the years as they went from a rebuild to one of the greatest teams ever.
'Best city in the world, if you guys can't tell already," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "Best city in the world.'
That's music to Thunder fans' ears. The scary part for the rest of the NBA is that this is only the beginning in OKC. Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren ensure the Thunder will remain in title conversations for the foreseeable future. Heck, they're the favorites to repeat next year.
For Gilgeous-Alexander to show Thunder fans love on the biggest day of his career shows the bond built between the team and OKC. He's quickly risen through the ranks as the greatest player in Thunder history. Sorry, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
"Best feeling in the world... Best city in the world."Nothing SGA would rather be than a champion in Oklahoma City 💯🏆 pic.twitter.com/iOQMs75ygq
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