Miami Heat bring out the championship parade - NBA Update
The new kings of the NBA basked in glory on the Miami streets as thousands of people gathered to cheer the Miami Heat in the victory parade.
Almost 400,000 people amassed in downtown Miami to witness the Heat Championship parade. Heat’s players and coaches were on double-decker buses with their families and other staff on a flatbed truck. The flotilla travelled through
downtown to reach American Airlines Arena, where 15,000 additional fans appeared to witness the coronation.
Once the parade entered the arena, the fans and players danced to the loud music that was played for nearly an hour. Afterwards the lights were dimmed and the trophy was brought in the limelight. The moment was simply enchanting
as the golden trophy bathed in white light.
LeBron James and Heat had witnessed one similar (controversial) celebration 2years ago (when James boarded the Heat wagon) but this time Miami had something real to boast about. The Larry O Brien was placed at the centre stage
while James strolled past it and waved to the crowd.
After winning the championship that has eluded him for so long, he said that his dream has come true.
"It's the best feeling I've ever had. ... This was my dream, right here, to be able to hoist that Larry O'Brien Trophy up, hug it, grab it, never want to let it go,"
Dwyane Wade came up with his own unique way to embrace the trophy. He adorned a pair of faux eyeglasses (the same that he had been wearing throughout the finals) and slipped them onto the neck of Larry O'Brien Trophy.
Wade was surprised and obliged by the turnover and he extended his gratitude to the fans;
“I appreciate all our fans for sticking with us," said the now two-time NBA champion Wade, adding, "Best fans in the world."
Wade’s sense of style seemed to attract followers as Pat Riley, Erik Spoelstra and Micky Arison were all wearing that lens-less glasses. Other players such as Chris Bosh hugged the trophy while Udonis Haslem kissed it multiple
times.
Other attractions of the night included the candid interviews of Miami’s players. They all reflected upon the season and shared their thoughts. The most interesting moment came when footage of James, Wade and Chris shouting at
Mario Chalmers was displayed.
Apart of the aforementioned glimpses, Heat coach also took his time at the centre stage. He reiterated that all of the players had to sacrifice something to achieve this glory. They had their prides at stake, especially after last
season’s performance disappointment;
"People from the outside, they criticized this group, this team," Spoelstra said. "They counted this team out. Every single one of these players had to sacrifice something, either money, opportunity, minutes to be a part of this
dream”.
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