Tens of thousands salute triumphant Warriors in San Francisco

Tens of thousands of fans poured onto the streets of San Francisco on Monday to salute the victorious Golden State Warriors as the team celebrated its fourth NBA championship in eight seasons with an open-top bus parade.

A blizzard of blue and gold confetti billowed along downtown San Francisco's Market Street as buses carrying the Warriors players and team staff made their way along the 1.4 mile-long parade route.

The Warriors clinched their seventh NBA crown on Thursday after defeating the Boston Celtics on the road in game six of the finals to close out a 4-2 series victory.

The victory completed a triumphant return to the pinnacle of the sport just two years after the Warriors finished the 2019-2020 season with the worst record in basketball.

Warriors talisman Stephen Curry -- wearing a gold chain carrying his collection of NBA championship rings -- led the festivities as Golden State players sprayed hordes of fans with champagne in brilliant sunshine.

"I had to bring the jewellery back out," Curry said of his ring-laden necklace.

"I don't look at it during the year. Every so often though you gotta remind yourself -– we got four!"

Curry said the Warriors had been motivated to get back in the winner's circle after a painful defeat in the 2019 NBA Finals.

"I'd be lying if I said I knew we'd be champions because it’s a lot of work –- but sometimes you've got to manifest it," Curry said.