Warriors fans celebrate with parade, rally

Even from six rows back, 9- and 10-year-old brothers William and Rizal Cahambing were not going to miss a chance to see their favorite Golden State Warriors player, Stephen Curry, as he rode atop a double-decker bus during Thursday’s parade in Oakland, California, to celebrate the team’s latest championship.

The brothers took turns climbing on top of a water cooler to see over the crowd and jumped with delight as Curry’s bus went by.

With talk of the team being an NBA power for years to come, the brothers and other kids may grow up in an era of Warriors dominance that could make this year’s celebration a regular occurrence — although not one that takes place in Oakland much longer.

The Warriors are headed to San Francisco, where they broke ground this year on a new arena slated to open in 2019.

Oakland is also losing one of its other beloved teams, the Raiders, to Las Vegas, and the city is still reeling from a police scandal and mourning a deadly warehouse fire.

So Thursday was a rare chance for the city to celebrate.

“Curry, look over here,” William screamed as the two-time NBA champion lifted up the championship trophy in his direction.

William and Rizal’s father, Ray Cahambing, said it was unfortunate Oakland was losing the Warriors, “but the diehard fans” would make the trip across the Bay to San Francisco to see the team.

Warriors players on buses passed Cahambing and his family twirling Tshirts over their heads and waving to the crowd as blue and yellow confetti rained down.

Curry rode with his wife and kids beside him. He got off his bus and hopped and shouted as he gave high fives to the crowd. NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant rode on a different bus with his mom.

Warriors forward Draymond Green appeared to take some shots at the Cavs.

Green wore a T-shirt that read, “Quickie,” with the “Q” styled to mimic the logo on the Cavs’ Quicken Loans Arena, which is referred to as The Q. Green told NBC Bay Area that the shirt reflected the Warriors’ quick win over the Cavaliers. At the rally, Green mocked James’ contention that James had never played for a super team. Green said James had started the super team concept.

West to Clippers

Hall of Famer Jerry West is leaving his job as an executive board member with the NBA champion Golden State Warriors and is expected to take a similar role with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Warriors general manager Bob Myers said to NBC Sports Bay Area during Thursday’s victory parade festivities, “Jerry West, gone.” Myers had said last week he would have a discussion with West after the season, which ended in Monday’s Game 5 against Cleveland.