Jalen Williams Fires Back at Critics Calling Thunder’s Championship Parade a Bust…see more
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams has firmly responded to critics who labeled the team’s recent championship parade as underwhelming, saying the event was more than just a celebration—it was a moment of history for a franchise and its devoted fanbase.
After the Thunder clinched their first-ever NBA title in a thrilling seven-game Finals series against the Boston Celtics, the city erupted in celebration. Thousands gathered downtown to honor a team that defied expectations all season long, led by young stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Williams himself. But despite the joyous occasion, online commentary from some national pundits and rival fanbases began to circulate, mocking the turnout and energy of the parade.
One viral post on social media compared Oklahoma City’s crowd to larger market parades like those held in Los Angeles or Chicago, implying the Thunder celebration lacked grandeur. But Williams wasn’t having it.
“People really saying our parade was weak?” Williams wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “That was the most love I’ve ever seen in one place. Y’all just mad it wasn’t your city. OKC turned up.”
The 23-year-old rising star, who played a key role in the team’s postseason success, said the criticism was emblematic of a broader dismissal of small-market teams.
“From Day 1, they’ve doubted us,” Williams said in an Instagram Live later that night. “They said we couldn’t win, we were too young, the market’s too small. Now that we got the chip, suddenly the parade’s not good enough? It’s wild how the goalposts keep moving.”
The Thunder’s title run captured hearts across the league, particularly due to their homegrown roster and chemistry. The team, which had been rebuilding following the departures of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, finally saw their patient development strategy pay off. Williams, a second-year player out of Santa Clara, averaged 18.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists during the playoffs, emerging as a consistent two-way threat.
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt also jumped into the conversation, defending the parade’s turnout and spirit.
“Our city showed up in full force for this historic moment,” Holt tweeted. “You can’t measure heart with crowd comparisons. What happened here was pure Oklahoma pride.”
Local outlets echoed that sentiment, with The Oklahoman describing the event as “electric” and “an unforgettable chapter in Thunder history.” The celebration featured a performance by a local band, speeches from each player, and a confetti-filled finale in front of a packed Scissortail Park.
Still, critics online were quick to point out that aerial shots of the parade showed pockets of space in certain areas, prompting claims that the event lacked the energy typically associated with a title celebration.
Williams, however, rejected those narratives.
“I saw kids crying tears of joy,” he said. “I saw fans telling us they’d waited 15 years for this. It ain’t about how many cameras were there or how it looked on someone’s timeline. It was about the connection. That’s real.”
Williams’ response struck a chord with Thunder fans and other small-market supporters, many of whom praised him for standing up for the team and the city.
“He’s not just a baller—he gets it,” one fan posted on Reddit. “J-Dub always speaks truth. OKC loves him for that.”
This isn’t the first time Williams has stepped into a leadership role off the court. Throughout the season, he’s been vocal about mental health awareness, community engagement, and the importance of team culture. His willingness to defend the city further cemented his growing reputation as a cornerstone of the franchise.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault also weighed in on the controversy during an interview with The Athletic.
“We don’t get caught up in outside noise, but I will say this—our fans showed up for us all year,” Daigneault said. “We could feel it during the playoff run, and we felt it again at the parade. That connection is special, and no tweet can take that away.”
As Oklahoma City looks ahead to the 2025-26 season, Williams and his teammates are already shifting their focus toward building a dynasty.
“Parade’s over, now it’s back to work,” Williams posted on his Instagram story. “One ring down. Let’s get more.”
The comments from Williams and others sparked broader discussion about how sports celebrations are perceived and who gets to define success.
“Big market bias is real,” said ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins, a former Thunder player himself. “People clown OKC like they don’t got one of the best fanbases in the league. They showed out. Jalen standing up for them—that’s leadership.”
While debates over parade size may fade, what will endure is the Thunder’s remarkable season and the joy it brought to a community that has stood by its team through years of rebuilding.
As Williams concluded in a later post, “Let them talk. We got the banner.”
With training camp just months away and expectations rising, the Thunder now face the challenge of defending their title. But if this past season—and Jalen Williams’ fire—is any indication, they’re ready for whatever comes next.
“We’re built different,” Williams said. “Not just on the court—but as a city, as a team, and as a famil
y.”
And in Oklahoma City, that’s all that matters.
