Thunder Parade Draws 500,000 Fans as Jaylin Williams’ Girlfriend Documents OKC’s Championship Celebration

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Jaylin Williams and the rest of the Oklahoma City Thunder have been soaking in the moment after capturing the franchise’s first NBA championship since relocating to Oklahoma City. When OKC hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy on June 22, they did more than end a 17-year championship drought since moving from Seattle. They proved that a young, hungry franchise could reach the summit in today’s NBA landscape.

After a grueling seven-game series against the Indiana Pacers, highlighted by Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominant performance throughout the series and clutch plays from Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City secured its first NBA title since 1979, when the franchise was still known as the Seattle SuperSonics.

The Thunder’s 103-91 victory in Game 7 at Paycom Center sent the city into euphoria and set the stage for one of the most memorable championship celebrations in recent NBA history.

Jaylin Williams’ Girlfriend Alanna Harris Documents Thunder’s Historic Parade

On June 24, under a scorching Oklahoma sky, an estimated 500,000 fans gathered along the parade route to witness the Thunder’s victory parade from Midtown to Scissortail Park.

The celebration began at 10:30 AM, with confetti cannons blasting streams of thunder blue and orange into the air as floats carrying the championship team glided past the roaring crowds.

Mayor David Holt declared a citywide holiday in honor of the franchise’s first championship since relocating in 2008, while coach Mark Daigneault waved the Larry O’Brien Trophy triumphantly alongside his championship roster. The scene was unlike anything Oklahoma City had ever experienced, with fans camping out since dawn to secure prime viewing spots along the nearly two-mile route.

The parade’s most memorable moment came when Jaylin Williams took the microphone and delivered a speech that perfectly captured the team’s underdog mentality.

“They said we were too young. They said Oklahoma shouldn’t have a team. But guess what? We’re the f–ing champs!” Jaylin declared as the crowd erupted in thunderous applause and chanting.

Throughout the celebration, thousands of phones captured every moment of Oklahoma City’s first major professional sports championship. Among the most vivid documentation came from Alanna Harris, Jaylin Williams’ girlfriend, who shared the experience through her social media channels.

Harris, who has been dating the Thunder forward for several years and regularly documents their relationship for her substantial social media following, provided fans with an intimate look at the championship celebration from a player’s perspective.

Her social media posts captured Jaylin mid-stride on the team float, arms outstretched as confetti fell around him. Other images showed creative fan signs, including placards reading “JAY WILL? JAY DID,” honoring OKC’s emerging star.

The documentation went beyond just the players, showcasing the community’s role in this historic moment with wide-angle shots of kids and adults wearing Thunder jerseys and holding signs with messages like “WON FOR THE CITY” and “We Always Believed In You.”

The celebration continued with speeches from other team members, including Jalen Williams, who kept his remarks brief due to the intense heat.

“It’s very hot out here, so I’m going to keep this short and sweet. Without this, none of this is possible without you guys. You guys have been through the ups and downs of the Thunder organization. We appreciate you guys. We love you guys,” Williams told the crowd.

The Thunder’s Journey: From Doubt to NBA Championship Glory

Understanding the magnitude of this championship requires looking back at Oklahoma City’s unique NBA journey. The city’s relationship with professional basketball began during the 2005-06 season when the New Orleans Hornets temporarily relocated there following Hurricane Katrina. Oklahoma City embraced the team with open arms, proving the market could support NBA basketball even though the Hornets returned to New Orleans in 2007.

The permanent shift came during the 2008-09 season when the franchise formerly known as the Seattle SuperSonics made Oklahoma City its permanent home. Despite inheriting a young core featuring Kevin Durant, the early years were marked by growing pains and questions about whether a smaller market could compete with basketball’s elite.

The franchise’s most painful chapter came in 2012 when a Thunder squad led by Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden reached the NBA Finals, only to fall to the Miami Heat in five games. Injuries derailed promising playoff runs in subsequent years, and Durant’s departure to the Golden State Warriors in 2016 left many wondering if Oklahoma City would ever reach the championship summit.

Those doubts only intensified in recent years as critics labeled the franchise as the “black hole of the NBA,” suggesting that talented players would disappear into mediocrity in Oklahoma City. The 2025 championship run completely shattered those narratives, with Aaron Wiggins addressing the criticism directly during the parade festivities.

“There was a point where they tried to call us the black hole of the NBA. But four years later, when they mention the Thunder organization, 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!” Wiggins proclaimed to the crowd.

The championship represents more than just basketball success for Oklahoma City. It validates the franchise’s patient rebuilding approach under general manager Sam Presti, who constructed a roster through the draft and smart trades rather than flashy free agent signings.

Players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren developed into stars while maintaining the blue-collar identity that resonates with Oklahoma City’s culture.

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