Thousands Flock To OKC Airport To Welcome Home Thunder

Thousands of fans showed up early to welcome home the Oklahoma City Thunder Friday. Despite not bringing home the NBA championships, these fans were there to say "thank you" and pump the players up for next year.

The rally kicked off around 11 a.m. Friday with music and dancing. The team's plane, however, was not due in until about 2 p.m. Fans did not mind the sun and heat, instead they kept focus on catching a glimpse of their favorite Thunder players.

From Kevin Durant to James Harden, fans young and old help up homemade signs and sported official "Thunderwear" to show their support.

"I thanked these guys last night for allowing me to come in as a new guy and become a part of the team," said Derek Fisher. "I want to make sure that I thank all of you as a community for allowing me to come here, be a part of the Thunder, be a part of this city, a part of the community. I had a great time."

He went on to tell the fans, "I'm sorry we couldn't finish it out."

But the fans were not disappointed in the team.

"Very proud of them," said super fan Pat Dobbs. "I'm glad they went as far as they did."

She and others in attendance have lived in Oklahoma for many years and said today was something special. It's something the state has yet to experience.

"We just love them and we know they're going to give us a great future and lots of cheering left for us," said Mr. Gernandt, who was there with his wife and grandkids.

Oklahoma City Police estimated the crowd at somewhere around 5,000 people. It had traffic backed up for a little while as they all tried to get a good spot to welcome home their team.