The Nuggets have reached the mountaintop.
It may have taken longer than they would've liked. But after 46 years of heartbreak, Denver finally has itself an NBA champion.
Michael Malone's side hoisted the Larry O'Brien Trophy with a hard-fought 94-89 win over the Heat in Game 5. Nikola Jokic was his usual excellent self, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. hit big shots when needed and Denver's defense was swarming, holding Jimmy Butler to 5-of-17 shooting in the decisive contest.
Jokic claimed Finals MVP, being enveloped in a wall of cheers as he was handed the Bill Russell Trophy. His 28-point, 16-rebound, four-assist display capped off a legendary playoff run; Jokic averaged 30.1 points, 13.3 rebounds and 9.8 assists on 54.0/46.6/80.6 shooting splits, cementing him as one of the greatest players to ever grace a court.
MORE: How championship cements Nikola Jokic's all-time legacy
Now, he readies for his next act: rollicking under a tempest of confetti, embraced by an orchestra of Nuggets support.
Here's what you need to know about the Nuggets' championship parade, including route map and forecast.
When is the Nuggets' NBA championship parade?
The Nuggets will kick off their championship parade at 10 a.m. local time (noon ET) on Thursday, June 15th. It will start at Denver's Union Station and conclude with a trip to Civic Center Park.
Nuggets' NBA championship parade route
Denver's parade will start at Union State, with the procession rolling all the way down 17th and Wynkoop Street. It will carry on past local landmarks like Skyline Park, Museum of Western Art and Paramount Theatre before coming to a close at Civic Center Park on Broadway.
There, fans and team personnel alike will gather for the Nuggets' celebration rally.
The rally should bring with it an outpouring of emotion, with Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Malone and Stan Kroenke expected to speak. Expect a slew of Denver-based dignitaries to be among the attendees, including Mayor Michael Hancock and the team's mascot, Rocky.
What is the weather for the Nuggets' NBA championship parade?
Thursday's championship parade could prove to be a stormy affair. According to Weather.com, there is a 60% chance of rain, with scattered showers and thunderstorms looking likely in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to top out around 72 degrees.
How to watch, stream Nuggets' NBA championship parade
Local fans can follow along with all the action from Denver's championship parade via 9NEWS and KDVR (FOX 31). The parade is also expected to be shown live on Altitude Sports, as well as 9NEWS and KDVR's streaming platforms.
Radio coverage of the parade and rally will be aired on Altitude 92.5 FM (KKSE.)
Recapping Nuggets' NBA championship run
First-round: Denver won 4-1
- Game 1: Nuggets 109, Timberwolves 80
- Game 2: Nuggets 122, Timberwolves 113
- Game 3: Nuggets 120, Timberwolves 111
- Game 4: Nuggets 114, Timberwolves 108 (OT)
- Game 5: Nuggets 112, Timberwolves 109
Western Conference Semifinals: Denver won 4-2
- Game 1: Nuggets 125, Suns 107
- Game 2: Nuggets 97, Suns 87
- Game 3: Suns 121, Nuggets 114
- Game 4: Suns 129, Nuggets 124
- Game 5: Nuggets 118, Suns 102
- Game 6: Nuggets 125, Suns 100
Western Conference Finals: Denver won 4-0
- Game 1: Nuggets 132, Lakers 126
- Game 2: Nuggets 108, Lakers 103
- Game 3: Nuggets 119, Lakers 109
- Game 4: Nuggets 113, Lakers 111
NBA Finals: Denver won 4-1
- Game 1: Nuggets 104, Heat 93
- Game 2: Heat 111, Nuggets 108
- Game 3: Nuggets 109, Heat 94
- Game 4: Nuggets 108, Heat 95
- Game 5: Nuggets 94, Heat 89
