Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an unforgettable victory speech on Wednesday after being awarded the 2024-25 NBA MVP. This moment was not just about individual accolades; it was a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Hailey Summers, and the profound impact she has had on his life.
Addressing a packed press conference, Gilgeous-Alexander struggled to hold back tears as he expressed his gratitude to Summers for teaching him the true meanings of love and sacrifice. He poignantly called her “the one and only Hailey Summers,” taking a brief pause to collect himself before continuing. “I’m sorry I’m so dramatic,” he said, drawing laughter and empathy from those present.
Looking out to the audience at his wife and their young son, Ares, he said, “Hailey, thank you for everything you are — for me, for our son. You were the first person to show me what love really meant … what sacrifice really meant.” The emotion of the moment was palpable as Gilgeous-Alexander wiped away tears, further emphasizing the significance of his support system.
“I can’t wait to spend the rest of this journey called life with you,” he added, his voice filled with conviction. “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.” This honest display of emotion highlighted just how essential Summers’ support has been throughout his career.
Summers, who is originally from Hamilton, Ontario, has her own impressive background as a former soccer player at the University at Albany. She later shared the MVP news on her Instagram Story, adding some teary-eyed emojis along with a heartwarming photo of their son proudly wearing an “MVP” sweatshirt.
This touching moment came shortly after Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to a commanding 114-88 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, giving Oklahoma City a 1-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals. The couple shared a joyous celebration on the court post-game, further solidifying their family bond.
In addition to acknowledging his wife during the speech, Gilgeous-Alexander expressed gratitude towards his teammates, management, and his broader circle of family and friends. He also made an exciting announcement regarding his latest sneaker release. The new colorway of his signature Converse SHAI 001 sneaker will be dedicated to Summers, drawing inspiration from her eye color.
This season, Gilgeous-Alexander not only clinched the NBA MVP title but also dominated on the court, averaging an impressive 32.7 points per game, alongside contributions of 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks.
The Thunder are set to host the Timberwolves for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals on Thursday, and with Gilgeous-Alexander at the helm, fans certainly have a lot to look forward to. His ability to balance elite performance with genuine emotion exemplifies not only his skill on the court but also his maturity as a leader and individual off it.
