Warriors Celebrate NBA Championship with Dub Nation
By NBC Bay Area Staff ••
Golden State Warriors fans are using the word dynasty to describe this year's championship team.
Tens of thousands of fans roused in the wee hours of Thursday and made the trek to downtown Oakland where a sea of blue and gold heralded the 2017 championship parade. Roughly 1.5 million people are believed to have attended the day's festivities.
Basketball enthusiasts began taking their places behind barriers set up along the route between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. One pregnant fan even painted the Warriors' logo on her stomach.[[428760153, C]]
The parade, which kicked off around 10 a.m. with Klay Thompson and Matt Barnes atop a double decker bus, followed the same route as the one held in honor of the Warriors' 2015 NBA title.
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Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry celebrates with fans during the Warriors Victory Parade in Oakland. (June 15, 2017)
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Stephen Curry celebrates with fans during the Warriors Victory Parade in Oakland. (June 15, 2017)
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Stephen Curry is surrounded by confetti as he holds the Larry O'Brien NBA Championship Trophy during the Warriors Victory Parade in Oakland. (June 15, 2017)
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Shaun Livingston cheers along with throngs of Dub Nation parade-goers. (June 15, 2017)
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Kevin Durant basks in the glory of his first NBA Championship, along with his mother Wanda. (June 15, 2017)
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It wouldn't be a Warriors parade without some blue and gold balloons. (June 15, 2017)
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Klay Thompson taking it all in. (June 15, 2017)
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Fans clamour to capture photographs of their favorite Warriors' players. (June 15, 2017)
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The Warriors Victory Parade making its way down Oak Street in Oakland. (June 15, 2017)
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JaVale McGee hangs out with the crowd as Dub Nation celebrates the NBA Championship. (June 15, 2017)
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Fans of old ages turn out for the Warriors' celebration. (June 15, 2017)
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Classic trolleys come down the final stretch of the Warriors Victory Parade route. (June 15, 2017)
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Celebrating a second Warriors' NBA Championship in this young fan's life. (June 15, 2017)
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Kevin Durant soaking in the glory of his first NBA title during the Warriors Victory Parade in Oakland. (June 15, 2017)
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This sign is direct and to the point. (June 15, 2017)
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Can you hear this kid roar? (June 15, 2017)
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Happiness is having lots of blue and gold balloons. (June 15, 2017)
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Warriors team members take part in the team's victory parade. (June 15, 2017)
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These fans came ready to celebrate. (June 15, 2017)
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"Warriors Fett" outlasted the heat in this costume to celebrate the Warriors second NBA Championship in three years. (June 15, 2017)
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All-stars along the parade route, as well as all-stars in the crowd. (June 15, 2017)
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When you need to get to the Warriors Victory Parade as early as possible. (June 15, 2017)
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Fans show their support for the Warriors, even on motorcycle helmets. (June 15, 2017)
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Happiness abounds for these Warrior fans. (June 15, 2017)
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Fans hold "Best Team Ever" sign. (June 15, 2017)
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Steph Curry celebrates his second NBA championship. (June 15, 2017)
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Steph Curry with the NBA Championship Trophy during the team's parade in downtown Oakland. (June 15, 2017)
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Warriors fans celebrate the pinnacle of the 2017 NBA season. (June 15, 2017)
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A sea of confetti rains down on the 2017 NBA Champions. (June 15, 2017)
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1946, 1956, 1975, 2015 and now 2017. (June 15, 2017)
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The taste of victory is sweet for Kevin Durant. (June 15, 2017)
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Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry and his wife Ayesha Curry with their daughters, Riley and Ryan, atop a double-decker bus during the team's parade in downtown Oakland. (June 15, 2017)
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This Steph Curry fan was practically jumping for joy, right out of his jersey. (June 15, 2017)
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Another Steph Curry fan enjoying the moment and grabbing a quick selfie. (June 15, 2017)
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Steph Curry addresses a jubilant Dub Nation. (June 15, 2017)
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Kevin Durant was very happy to take home his first NBA trophy. (June 15, 2017)
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Steph Curry, all chill. (June 15, 2017)
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Warriors GM Bob Myers basking in the glow of his second championship. (June 15, 2017)
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Draymond Green, not known for holding back emotions, relished every moment of this victory celebration. (June 15, 2017)
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Klay Thompson greets fans during the Warriors Victory Parade in Oakland. (June 15, 2017)
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A man of few words, Klay Thompson let Warriors television play-by-play announcer Bob Fitzgerald do most of the talking. (June 15, 2017)
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Andre Igoudala was all smiles for NBA Championship No. 2. (June 15, 2017)
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Few players were as visibly excited throughout the Warriors victory parade and ceremony as JaVale McGee. (June 15, 2017)
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Fans couldn't resist taking jabs at sad LeBron. (June 15, 2017)
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Larry is back in the bay. (June 15, 2017)
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Klay Thompson and Matt Barnes kick off the Golden State Warriors' championship parade in Oakland. (June 15, 2017)
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NBA Champions sign adorns victory celebration ceremony staging area. (June 15, 2017)
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A splash brothers sighting. (June 15, 2017)
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Steph Curry, the heart and soul of the Golden State Warriors, hoists the Larry O'Brien NBA Championship Trophy for everyone to see. (June 15, 2017)
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That's how you celebrate a Golden State Warriors parade. Pure joy. (June 15, 2017)
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Head coach Steve Kerr promised fans that the Dubs will be victorious next year -- and host a similar shebang. (June 15, 2017)
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"All gold everything" T-shirts were unveiled during the Warriors' NBA Finals run this year. (June 15, 2017)
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Head coach Steve Kerr greets fans during the Warriors Victory Parade in Oakland. (June 15, 2017)
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Draymond Green donning his "Quickie" T-shirt in a not-so-subtle dig at Lebron James who wore an "Ultimate Warrior" T-shirt at the Cavaliers' parade last year. (June 15, 2017)
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The hot sun beating down on fans couldn't deter them from coming out to support their favorite Warriors players. (June 15, 2017)
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Dub Nation goes wild for Draymond Green at the Warriors Parade in Oakland. (June 15, 2017)
The team is called the Golden State Warriors, but they don't belong to all of California. Not if you ask Oakland.
The down-on-its-luck city that always seems to take a back seat to San Francisco on Thursday got to celebrate its beloved hometown team and its second NBA title in three years.
The Warriors made one of the great playoff runs of all time, ending with a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday.
Residents of Oakland, which lost one of its other beloved teams, the Raiders, to Las Vegas, are still reeling from a police scandal and mourning a fatal warehouse fire.
But on Thursday the city made headlines for good news.
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Warrior fans arrive 6am for the Warriors parade in Oakland. (June 15, 2017)
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Oakland police cop getting ready for the Golden State Warriors Championship Parade. (June 15, 2017)
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Warriors fans lined up early Thursday, hoping to get a good spot to watch the Golden State Warriors Championship Parade. (June 15, 2017)
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Warriors fans lined up early Thursday, hoping to get a good spot to watch the Golden State Warriors Championship Parade. (June 15, 2017)
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Warriors fans lined up early Thursday, hoping to get a good spot to watch the Golden State Warriors Championship Parade. (June 15, 2017)
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Warriors fans lined up early Thursday, hoping to get a good spot to watch the Golden State Warriors Championship Parade. (June 15, 2017)
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Little Warrior fan all geared up and waiting at the Golden State Warriors Championship Parade. (June 15, 2017)
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Warriors fans lined up early Thursday, hoping to get a good spot to watch the Golden State Warriors Championship Parade. (June 15, 2017)
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Blue and yellow balloons become the archway for the Golden State Warriors Championship Parade. (June 15, 2017)
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Warriors fans lined up early Thursday, hoping to get a good spot to watch the Golden State Warriors Championship Parade. (June 15, 2017)
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Balloons in the trolley, getting ready to go up at the Golden State Warriors Parade. (June 15, 2017)
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Beautiful mural in downtown Oakland. (June 15, 2017)
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Fan shows off Golden State Warrior t-shirts at the Warriors parade. (June 15, 2017)
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A Warrior fan selling blue and yellow bead necklaces at the Warriors parade in Oakland. (June 15, 2017
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Security taking a quick photo next a Warrior fan holding up the "DYNASTY". (June 15, 2017)
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Cute kids with their sign lining up early for the Warriors parade. (June 15, 2017)
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Newspaper also makes for a source of shade on this sunny day in Oakland. (June 15, 2017)
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Oakland's ready to host with their balloon archway for the Golden State Warriors Championship parade. (June 15, 2017)
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Warrior fans arrive 6am for the Warriors parade in Oakland. (June 15, 2017)
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Golden State Warriors fans lined downtown Oakland streets ahead of the championship parade.
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Father and daughter displaying their cute signs at the Warriors parade in Oakland. (June 15, 2017)
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5 month-old warriors is ready for the Golden State Warriors parade. (June 15, 2017)
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A fan holding up a newspaper "CHAMPS AGAIN" at the Golden State Warriors parade in Oakland. (June 15, 2017)
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Warrior fans show their royal blue and golden yellow spirit at the Golden State Warriors parade in Oakland. (June 15, 2017)
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Fans showing thier Dub Nation love with their signs at the Warriors parade in Oakland. (June 15, 2017)
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All smiles and "GOLD BLOODED" signs from the warrior fans. (June 15, 2017)
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Kids anxiously waiting for the Warriors parade to begin soon. (June 15, 2017)
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Warriors show their Dub Nation gear. (June 15, 2017)
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A fan holding up their Kevin Durant big head and Golden State Warriors signs. (June 15, 2017)
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The Warriors parade finish line is ready. (June 15, 2017)
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Golden State Warriors Dance Team is ready for the parade. (June 15, 2017)
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Cars all lined up and ready at the Warriors parade in Oakland. (June 15, 2017)
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Dub Nation fans looking for the best seat in the house at the Warriors parade. (June 15, 2017)
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Fans holding up their Super villians big heads of KD and Steph Curry at the Warriors parade. (June 15, 2017)
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Handful of Curry fans waiting for the Warriors parade. (June 15, 2017)
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Fans waiting at the "chill zone" at the Warriors parade. (June 15, 2017)
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Mother and daughter join the other Warrior fans at the Warriors parade in Oakland. (June 15, 2017)
The excitement prevented Robert Lee of Livermore from sleeping. So he and a friend headed to Oakland and snagged a prime spot by 3 a.m. Others had the same idea and came prepared with mats, umbrellas, tents and blankets.
Parents drove their children to the parade as early as 2:30 a.m., while adults and pint-sized fans donned matching Warriors regalia. Dub Nation hooted and cheered for its favorite basketball players, toting signs like "We are the champions," "Gold blooded," "Splash bros are my heroes," "Draymond's got his game on" and "All hail JaVale." They also chanted, "Let's go, Warriors!" standing on a blanket of blue and gold confetti.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry hoisted the Larry O'Brien trophy as his family, including wife Ayesha and daughters Riley and Ryann, celebrated the NBA championship.
Curry hopped and shouted as he gave high-fives to the crowd after getting off a double-decker bus during the Thursday parade.
Finals MVP Kevin Durant was on a different bus with his mom. Meanwhile, Klay Thompson threw T-shirts to fans and waved from the top of an open, double-decker bus.
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee also rode on floats in the parade, which was marked with a heavy police presence.
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Golden State Warriors celebrate outside of Oracle Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the NBA Finals by a score of 129-120 to win the NBA Championship. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Golden State Warriors celebrate outside of Oakland City Hall on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the NBA Finals by a score of 129-120 to win the NBA Championship. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Golden State Warriors fans react as they watch game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Goldens State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers during a watch party at Era Art Bar and Lounge on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Golden State Warriors lead the Cleveland Cavaliers 3 games to 1. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: A Golden State Warriors fan cheers on her team against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: A Golden State Warriors fan climbs a light pole as he celebrates outside of Oakland City Hall on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the NBA Finals by a score of 129-120 to win the NBA Championship. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Golden State Warriors fans celebrate outside of Oakland City Hall on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the NBA Finals by a score of 129-120 to win the NBA Championship. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Golden State Warriors fans celebrate outside of Oakland City Hall on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the NBA Finals by a score of 129-120 to win the NBA Championship. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Golden State Warriors fans celebrate outside of Oakland City Hall on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the NBA Finals by a score of 129-120 to win the NBA Championship. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Golden State Warriors celebrate outside of Oracle Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the NBA Finals by a score of 129-120 to win the NBA Championship. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Loris Lu Perrone
What could be sweeter? A Golden State Warriors celebration cake!
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Fans take photographs outside the arena prior to Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
Sarah Chang
All in the family: Warriors fans getting ready for Game 5 on Monday.
Michelle Delos Reyes
Pregame refreshments ready in one Dub Nation household.
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A Golden State Warriors fan takes a selfie in front of the arena before Game 4 of the 2017 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on June 9, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Karen McDonough
A dog sports some love for the Golden State Warriors (June 9, 2017)
Riya Bhattacharjee
Warriors fans show their colors during in Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Cavs on Sunday night at Oracle Arena. (June 4, 2017)
Riya Bhattacharjee
Fans celebrate after the Warriors' win over the Cavs in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night at Oracle Arena. (June 4, 2017)
Warriors fans celebrate after the team's big win over the Cavs in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night at Oracle Arena. (June 4, 2017)
evanuimanuia
Warrior Game Face
alinacurlz
Happy 1st day of NBA finals!
Kelly Lim
Longtime Golden State Warriors fans Kelly and Kira Lim take a selfie snapshot at the Warriors vs. Spurs Playoffs, Game One at the Oracle Arena in Oakland. (May 14, 2017)
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Put Me In Coach, I'm Ready
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O.co Coliseum
Sherry Polk
This youngest and cutest Warriors fan is wearing her "Warriors Girl" onesie with Dubnation Pride! (June 4, 2017)
Teresa Marzan
Fans celebrate Golden State Warriors win Game 2 Finals versus Cleveland Cavaliers. (June 4, 2017)
Teresa Marzan
Fans celebrate Golden State Warriors win Game 2 Finals versus Cleveland Cavaliers. (June 4, 2017)
Chrissy Raquedan
The Ulpindo Family celebrates their baby shower theme: Golden State Warriors! In time, for the NBA Finals; Golden State Warriors versus Cleveland Cavaliers. (June 4, 2017)
Darren Wong
Darren and his daughter were at Warriors vs Cleveland game 2 and met the Dance Mom!
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Fans celebrate Golden State Warriors win Game 2 Finals versus Cleveland Cavaliers. (June 4, 2017)
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Fans celebrate Golden State Warriors win Game 2 Finals versus Cleveland Cavaliers. (June 4, 2017)
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Fans celebrate Golden State Warriors win Game 2 Finals versus Cleveland Cavaliers. (June 4, 2017)
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Fans celebrate Golden State Warriors win Game 2 Finals versus Cleveland Cavaliers. (June 4, 2017)
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Fans celebrate Golden State Warriors win Game 2 Finals versus Cleveland Cavaliers. (June 4, 2017)
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Fans celebrate Golden State Warriors win Game 2 Finals versus Cleveland Cavaliers. (June 4, 2017)
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Fans celebrate Golden State Warriors win Game 2 Finals versus Cleveland Cavaliers. (June 4, 2017)
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Fans celebrate Golden State Warriors win Game 2 Finals versus Cleveland Cavaliers. (June 4, 2017)
Tai Nguyen
92 yrs old and loves her some Curry! (June 5, 2017)
Chase Manning - cjmanning@me.com
Leila Reese, the biggest little fan killing you with cuteness. #DubNation (June 7, 2017)
Craig McPherson
Dub fan shows off his hat and t-shirt. (June 12, 2017)
Yamileh Serrano
Cutest boys wearing their Golden State Warriors gear. (June 12, 2017)
Edie Coronado
A family wearing their royal blue for Golden State Warrriors. (June 12, 2017)
Fans who gathered in Oakland for Thursday's parade said they expected more championships from the team in the years to come.
The Warriors won in 2015, but then blew a 3-1 lead in the finals last year and lost the title to the Cavaliers after posting the best regular-season record in NBA history.
The Warriors went 15-1 in this year's postseason, with sweeps in the first three rounds before beating LeBron James and the Cavaliers in five games in the finals.
BART officials at 6:30 a.m. reported that 35,724 people had climbed aboard trians and 17,710 had disembarked — a 7 percent jump from the same time in 2015. The Dublin/Pleasanton, Pittsburg/Bay Point and El Cerrito del Norte stations were the busiest, they said.
BART trains carried 548,076 riders during the 2015 victory parade, second only to the 586,061 who rode BART during the San Francisco Giants' 2012 World Series parade.
