Traffic was at a standstill as thousands of Miami Heat fans celebrated in the streets on Thursday night outside the AmericanAirlines Arena after the team's big win against the Thunder.
As the game ended, the fans from the neighborhood bars pushed happily toward the arena, meeting those leaving the game to jump, whoop and holler. They banged pots and pans and blew whistles. Championship shirts were sold, and special editions of The Miami Herald were handed out. Traffic on Biscayne Boulevard outside the arena was gridlocked.
The only negativity came when the Thunder's team bus left the arena — some fans sprayed it with liquid and made obscene gestures toward the players as it crawled away. Still, Miami police reported no serious problems after the game.
"I'm happy because this is biggest thing that happened to this city until now," said John Mesa, 47, originally from Colombia.
Rev. Abraham Thomas was wearing a white marching band unfirom.
"I believe LeBron has every right to come here and I knew Chris Bosh would come. I believed them. I supported them. I have been the number one Heat fan," he said.
Miguel Gimes predicted the future of the team.
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"Miami will be the next dynasty," Gimes said.
And Adam Losado from Fort Lauderdale was ready to party.
"I feel amazing. I am going to celebrate right now. I can't even think," he said.
Meanwhile, Dick's Sporting Goods in Pembroke Pines stayed open late so fans could come to buy their team's NBA Championship T-shirts.
