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CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) –
The World Champions are home. The Cleveland Cavaliers walked off a plane to thousands of screaming fans Monday afternoon. LeBron James was carrying the championship trophy, Kevin Love had a title belt and JR Smith remained shirtless.
No one had trouble recognizing all the players as they walked down the steps of the plane outside the I-X Center in Cleveland.
Yes, the Cavaliers are the 2016 NBA champions. “CLEVELAND! This is for you!” LeBron James said Sunday night. “I’m home. I’m home. … I’m at a loss for words. This is unbelievable.”
No, it was not a dream Cleveland.
The Cavs are the first team in league history to come back from a 3-1 deficit in an NBA Finals best-of-seven series. They were led by LeBron James, who was named the Finals’ Most Valuable Player.
“I knew what I learned in the last couple years that I was gone,” LeBron said, “And I knew if I had to – when I came back, I knew I had the right ingredients and the right blueprint to help this franchise get back to a place that we’ve never been. That’s what it was all about.”
Raw video: LeBron James | Kevin Love | Kyrie Irving| Tristan Thompson | J.R. Smith | Cleveland19 anchors
“Right now, it’s just excitement. It’s not even relief. It’s just excitement for us as a team, as a franchise, as a city, as a community. To be able to continue to build up our city, to continue to be an inspiration to our city, it means everything. I’m happy to be a part of it,” LeBron said.
The team iflew to Cleveland Monday morning after a quick stop to celebrate in Las Vegas,
A large stage was set up at I-X Center for the welcome celebration. Thousands showed up to great the team.
The city will also celebrate with a parade on Wednesday. No time or details were released yet.
“I want to congratulate the Cleveland Cavaliers organization, coaching staff, players, and fans on an unprecedented NBA finals victory,” Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson said. “It was against all odds and done in historic fashion. The strength and determination displayed throughout the season, post-season, and championship game are truly the embodiment of our city and its people. A city and a people with heart.”
READ MORE: Cleveland19.com
Article and Second Picture Courtesy of WOIO Cleveland 19 News
First Picture Courtesy of Getty Images
