The Cavaliers' celebration of their first NBA title in franchise history included an extra stop between Oakland, California, and Cleveland.
The team went to Las Vegas to celebrate its championship after defeating the Golden State Warriors 93-89 in Game 7, arriving just before 2 a.m. PT Monday to party at the XS Nightclub at the Encore casino.
The Cavs have arrived at XS in Las Vegas. pic.twitter.com/ntv1IDnYSf
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) June 20, 2016
J.R. Smith is the star of the party at XS. pic.twitter.com/aGJWrH94DT
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) June 20, 2016
A VIP section was set up at the club complete with a championship cake designed in the shape of the Larry O'Brien Trophy and XS waitresses outfitted in LeBron James jerseys.
After leaving Vegas, the Cavaliers were continuing on to Ohio, where they are scheduled to land at 12:30 p.m. ET. Fans are expected to meet the Cavs at Atlantic Aviation in Cleveland as they leave the plane with the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
On Wednesday, the city of Cleveland, in partnership with the Cavaliers, will host a parade and rally -- one that has been planned for a lifetime.
"Our fans, they ride or die, no matter what's been going on, no matter the Browns, the Indians, the Cavs and all other sports teams," said James, the Finals MVP. "They continue to support us. And for us to be able to end this -- end this drought -- our fans deserve it. They deserve it. And it was for them. It's going to be the biggest party Cleveland has ever seen."
For the players and coaches, the buildup to Cleveland's first title in 52 years started with the playoffs and a "secret trophy" that the Cavaliers have been putting together as motivation.
They made a version of the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy that they had cut up into 16 pieces. After each playoff victory, a different player or staff member would put a piece in place. The final piece, cut in the shape of Ohio, was put in place by coach Tyronn Lue on Sunday night.
Information from ESPN senior writer Arash Markazi and The Associated Press was used in this report.
