Monday, June 23rd 2025, 4:34 pm
Some Tulsa fans are gearing up to head to Oklahoma City for the NBA Finals celebration parade.
Taylor Alumbaugh and his family are one of those who are making the trip to Oklahoma City from Broken Arrow.
"My wife and I watched last night and were just crying,” said Alumbaugh. “I never really thought I'd cry over a basketball game."
What makes this win even more special to the family is that winning the championship was one of Taylor Alumbaugh’s father, Dale Alumbaugh’s, last wishes, before he passed away in March.
"He'd always joke, he would always say, as soon as I go, they're going to win,” said Alumbaugh. “Sure enough, two months later, they win."
"We have a photo of him at his 60th birthday party, and he had a zero shirt on, for Westbrook,” said Alumbaugh. “He loved the game. He loved the team, he's always been a huge, huge fan."
The family will go to Tuesday’s parade in Dale Alumbaugh’s honor.
"He was so adamant about winning this championship this year, and he was so proud of the team. We wanted to be there for him and really represent him,” said Alumbaugh.
They’re excited to celebrate this historic moment with their family and all the other fans who love this team.
"The excitement, getting to see the city light up and everybody come together,” said Alumbaugh. “Especially with everything going on right now, we need some happiness, we need some joy, some laughter, some excitement on these streets."
"It's really, really special to be able to celebrate this with them for so many reasons, not just my dad,” said Alumbaugh. “For the city, for us, for being long-term fans from the beginning, it's a big payoff. And they're going to have a lot of fun."
Alumbaugh says his father would be stoked to know the Thunder brought home the trophy.
"He called it, he was right,” said Alumbaugh. “They did it. He'd be crying, he'd be so excited."
Christian Chicas says she will be coming to the parade from Owasso to celebrate her team.
“I wasn’t able to attend any of the playoffs games, but watched them at the comfort of my home,” said Chicas. “I knew this team was special and had it in them to finish as champions. When the buzzer finally went off during the game, it wasn’t a surprise, but a sure delight to see OKC Thunder named NFL Champions of 2025. Tomorrow, I have the opportunity to travel from Tulsa to celebrate with other fans bringing the trophy home. This may happen again another year, but why not celebrate the win now?”
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