Context:

Oklahoma City Thunder fans are celebrating their first NBA championship after years of near misses and heartbreak. The team clinched the title by defeating the Indiana Pacers, and a parade is planned to honor this historic achievement. Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, alongside All-Star Jalen Williams and other teammates, will participate in the parade through downtown. Oklahoma City initially became an NBA host during the 2005-06 season with the temporary relocation of the New Orleans Hornets, and later acquired the Seattle SuperSonics. Despite past challenges and roster changes, including the departure of stars like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, the Thunder have finally achieved victory with a new generation of players.

Dive Deeper:

• Oklahoma City Thunder fans have long awaited a championship, enduring several close calls and heartbreaks over two decades before finally winning the NBA title against the Indiana Pacers.

• The city's first major professional sports title will be celebrated with a parade on Tuesday morning, featuring Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and All-Star Jalen Williams, among others.

• Oklahoma City's journey in the NBA began in the 2005-06 season when the New Orleans Hornets temporarily relocated there after Hurricane Katrina, sparking a deep connection with local fans.

• The Seattle SuperSonics' relocation to Oklahoma City in 2008-09 marked the official start of the Thunder, who quickly gained a devoted fan base despite initial challenges.

• The Thunder's past roster boasted notable stars like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, but despite their talent, the team faced significant setbacks, including a loss in the 2012 NBA Finals and Durant's departure to the Warriors.

• Russell Westbrook achieved individual accolades, such as the league MVP award in 2017 and averaging a triple-double for three consecutive seasons, yet the team struggled to advance beyond the first playoff round.

• The current Thunder team, with its new set of superstars, has succeeded in winning the championship, finally fulfilling the aspirations of the dedicated Oklahoma City fanbase.