Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gets ‘so dramatic’ thanking wife in MVP speech
By Jenna Lemoncelli
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins MVP — Did voters get it right? | Speak
Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was overcome with emotion while addressing his wife, Hailey Summers, during his victory speech for the 2024-25 NBA MVP award on Wednesday.
During a press conference in Oklahoma City, Gilgeous-Alexander was brought to tears while thanking Summers for teaching him about love and sacrifice.
“The one and only Hailey Summers,” he said tearfully, before pausing to collect himself. “I’m sorry I’m so dramatic.
“Hailey Summers, thank you for everything,” Gilgeous-Alexander, 26, said while looking at his wife and their son in the crowd. “Thank you for everything you are — for me, for our son, Ares. You were the first person to show me what love really meant … what sacrifice really meant.”
The Canadian star began crying and paused to wipe his eyes.
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Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was overcome with emotion while addressing his wife, Hailey Summers during his victory speech for the 2024-25 NBA MVP award on May 21, 2025.
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Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was overcome with emotion while addressing his wife, Hailey Summers during his victory speech for the 2024-25 NBA MVP award on May 21, 2025.
Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s wife Hailey Summers and their son Ares were there to see him accept the 2024-25 NBA MVP award in Oklahoma City on May 21, 2025.
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“And I can’t wait to spend the rest of this journey called life with you. Thank you for everything. I wouldn’t be the man I am, I wouldn’t be the player I am, I wouldn’t be the father I am, without you. Thank you for that.”
The couple, both of whom hail from Canada, married last February.
Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was overcome with emotion while addressing his wife, Hailey Summers during his victory speech for the 2024-25 NBA MVP award on May 21, 2025.
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Summers, a native of Hamilton, Ontario, is a former soccer player at the University at Albany.
She reshared the MVP news on her Instagram Story with a few teary-eyed emojis — and also posted a snapshot of their son wearing an “MVP” sweatshirt.
Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his wife Hailey Summers.
Instagram/Hailey Summers
The news came after Gilgeous-Alexander helped lead his team to a 1-0 series lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals on Tuesday.
The couple celebrated with their son on the court after the Thunder’s 114-88 victory over the Wolves in Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with his wife Hailey Summers, and their son Ares Alexander following Game 1 of an Western Conference Finals playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Oklahoma City.
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Okc guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with his wife Hailey Summers and their son Ares following Game 1 of an Western Conference Finals playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Oklahoma City.
In his speech, Gilgeous-Alexander also thanked his teammates, management, family and friends.
After that, the NBA MVP unveiled that the latest colorway of his signature sneaker, the Converse SHAI 001, would be dedicated to Summers, drawing inspiration from her eye color.
Gilgeous-Alexander won the NBA scoring title with 32.7 points per game this season while adding 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks.
The Thunder host the Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals on Thursday.
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