The Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t win the NBA Finals, but their fans still gave them a royal reception when the team landed in OKC this afternoon.

An incredibly balanced and focused attack by the Miami Heat helped them blow out Game 5, 121-106, and win the NBA championship. Though the team as we know it now only came together last year, it seems like this was a long, long time coming. From the shock and awe of The Decision, to the arrogance of the “not five, not six, not seven” celebration, to the seeming failure of LeBron and company in last year’s Finals, and through the shortened-schedule rat race of this season, the drama of this team has captivated sports fans and media outlets, haters and frontrunners, and pop culture as a whole.

Well, two seasons after the biggest Big 3 of them all came together — and, more importantly, after nine seasons of shortcomings for LeBron “The King” James — this team and these players have their title. Video of the final buzzer after the jump.

The Miami Heat played a stellar first half in Game 5. They’re up 59-49 at the break, and if they hold serve, they’ll be hoisting the trophy tonight. That being said, Kevin Durant almost broke the rim on this ridiculous dunk in the first quarter. Think he wants to bring the series back to OKC?

Not impressed by LeBron James playing through a cramp last night? Join the club, along with some NHL players.

It was such a shame, considering the game he had, but Russell Westbrook really screwed up at the end there. 43 points in 45 minutes will be overshadowed by the few moments where he forgot the rules of the game and needlessly fouled Mario Chalmers. Video after the jump.

After hobbling off the floor late in the fourth quarter, LeBron let out the emotion of being sidelined during a Finals game at such a crucial time. Actually, it probably just hurt like hell. He was in such pain, he let out a very un-kingly word. Video after the jump.

LeBron James may not have a championship ring, but he’s all too familiar with the Larry O’Brien trophy. Why we think it’s unhealthy for him to touch the goods before he’s put a ring on it.

Tonight, the nice people in ABC’s production truck will force-feed you a lame controversy involving Serge Ibaka and LeBron James. Don’t let them.

It’s been a hell of a year for Oklahoma City Thunder fans. The league’s best young team fully arrived as one of its best teams, period, posting a 47-19 regular season record and taking down each of the last three Western Conference champions on the way to the NBA Finals. And their fans have loved every minute – well, almost every minute.

David Stern doesn’t care what you think. You knew this, but it’s never been more clear than it has in the last week or so. First there was the Jim Rome fiasco, and last night, while he didn’t say as much to rock the boat, he still got some shots in.