Tens of thousands of fans took over downtown Miami to celebrate a repeat Miami Heat win as the 2013 NBA Champions.
The Heat beat the San Antonio Spurs 95-88 in Game 7 Thursday.
Fans of all ages celebrated outside the AmericanAirlines Arena with pots and pans, signs and streamers, as fireworks broke out in the sky above.
"I'm so excited," said one Miami Heat fan. "It's been a long battle, but we did it. Next year: 'three-peat.'"
Fans who watched the game at nearby restaurants or bars streamed the arena after the game, shutting down Biscayne Boulevard.
Those watching the game in downtown buildings threw toilet paper outside their windows as those on the ground blew horns and screamed in celebration. Some got creative, with one fan even tossing talcum powder in the air.
The noise escalated as fans got word that LeBron James was named NBA Finals MVP.
"I just love how LeBron plays himself," a fan said. "I'm super excited about that. Congrats, LeBron."
Fans from all over made the trek to the AmericanAirlines Arena to see their team win Game 7 in person. A pack of New Yorkers made their way to Miami in their LeBron James jerseys after they said they travelled 1,500 miles to see the game.
Meanwhile others braced for the long haul as they got ready for Monday's victory parade.
"We sleeping here," said George Assis, who was watching from outside Miss Yip Chinese Bistro. "You know? We gonna camp out til the parade."
Camping out was cheaper, and much easier than scoring a Heat seat for Thursday's game. Tickets prices hit well into the thousands of dollars. Though no price was right for season ticket holder and Heat super-fan Ana Munoz, who got an offer of $5,000 for her ticket.
"Not for the world would I have not been here on Game Seven of the NBA Finals," she said.
Fans also gathered in Westchester to celebrate the Heat win in front of La Carreta on Bird Road.
"This is my neighborhood," said one fan. "La Carreta is a symbol for the neighborhood, what better place to celebrate the win."
Police cars lined the street outside the Cuban restaurant to keep the crowds under control as fans made noise to celebrate the win. Friday's edition of The Miami Herald, with a headline reading "Repeat!", circulated the mass of fans.
One fan outside the restaurant held up a light-up street sign that read "LeBron Avenue" and others held up cardboard cutouts of Heat players' heads.
"It was awesome," said a fan outside La Carreta. "I feel so happy. Congratulations to the Champions the Miami Heat."
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By the time the game ended, fans had also started purchasing Miami Heat Championship t-shirts and merchandise. Watch employees at Dick's Sporting Goods in Pembroke Pines print championship t-shirts after the win in the video below.
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