Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gets ‘so dramatic’ thanking wife in MVP speech

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.

“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.

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.

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.

In his speech, Gilgeous-Alexander also thanked his teammates, management, family and friends.

He 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.