Denver, Colorado witnessed thousands of supporters cheering on the US National Basketball Association (NBA) champion Nuggets during their victory parade, celebrating their first league crown.
Just three days after winning the best-of-seven NBA Finals against the Miami Heat in five games, the Nuggets proudly displayed their championship trophy on Thursday.
It took 47 seasons in the NBA for the franchise to finally bring the Larry O’Brien Trophy home to Denver, making their win a long time in the making.
Players waved to supporters as cigars were lit and champagne and beer flowed. NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic and teammate Jamal Murray rode in a fire truck retractable ladder bucket as the crowd cheered block after block.
“This is amazing. This is unreal,” said Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon. “I never imagined this at all.”
The crowd stunned Nuggets swingman Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
“I’m overwhelmed. There are so many people out here,” he said. “I’m excited everybody has come to cheer us on. Look at the crowd. It’s crazy. I’m just enjoying being a part of history. I love it. Unbelievable fans.”
Nuggets coach Michael Malone said seeing all the fans screaming their joy was bringing home the impact of the team’s achievement.
“It’s starting to hit me,” Malone said. “Being with my closest friends, lining these streets on the parade route, this is love, man. This is support. This is 47 years in the making. Unbelievable. So proud of this moment.”
Malone also stressed his feeling that the Nuggets had more titles in them.
“Thanks to Nuggets Nation. I appreciate your patience,” he said. “What a great day to celebrate this championship. But we’re not done yet.”
Source from www.aljazeera.com