The party's just starting for Cavaliers' triumph

Updated: 2016-06-22 11:48

(Agencies)

Cleveland Cavaliers fans celebrate and show their appreciation for LeBron James at a welcome party held at the airport in Cleveland, Ohio, US, June 20, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

Many of the fans who arrived at the vast I-X Center adjacent to the airport on Monday morning were going on little or no sleep following Sunday night's riveting victory.

The crowd was entertained by music and dancers before cheering replays of the final, frenetic minutes of Game 7 as if they were living them for the first time.

Cleveland's furry mascot, Moondog, body surfed on the massive crowd, which continued to grow until the moment the Cavs' 757 jet taxied in, welcomed under two crisscrossing water cannons and deafening cheers.

Cavs coach Tyronn Lue, who took over the team in late January, and several other players paused at the top gangway to film and absorb the wild scene below as fans let loose and sang Queen's We Are The Champions.

Following star guard Kyrie Irving and a shirtless J.R. Smith, James, wearing a blue T-shirt with "Ultimate Warrior" written on the front, was the last player to come through the plane's door.

When he lifted the trophy, Cleveland erupted as it did a few hours earlier after the 93-89 victory.

Later, James was greeted by hundreds of fans outside his home in Akron. Their passion and patience was rewarded when James emerged from his luxury van and spoke to the group.

"That championship wasn't just for us. That championship last night was for everybody in northeast Ohio," James said, adding he hadn't slept and needed a long nap. "I always want you guys to remember that I'm just a kid from Akron."

The party in Cleveland will continue all week - and maybe beyond - with a downtown parade planned for Wednesday, a celebration few thought they would ever witness.