After getting past the Denver Nuggets in Game 7 of the second round, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder have continued their stellar play into the Western Conference finals.
On Monday, the Thunder defeated Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves to take a 1-0 series lead. But in between Games 1 and 2, Gilgeous-Alexander received some exciting news.
Leading OKC to an NBA-best 68-14 record and averaging 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game, Gilgeous-Alexander has been named the 2024-25 NBA MVP, his first time winning the award.
"Breaking: Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has won the NBA MVP award, sources tell ESPN," ESPN's Shams Charania wrote on X.
The former Kentucky star beat out Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, a three-time MVP award winner, and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time winner.
Gilgeous-Alexander's wife, Hailey Summers, quickly reacted to the news, reposting ESPN's announcement on her Instagram Story and sharing her emotions with three emojis.
"ð¥ºð¥ºð¥º," Summers captioned her story.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's wife Hailey Summers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's wife Hailey Summers
Screenshot from Hailey Summers Instagram Story
After reportedly dating for six years, Gilgeous-Alexander and Summers tied the knot on Valentine's Day in 2024. A few months later, the couple welcomed their first child to the world on April 25, 2024, a son named Ares Alexander.
Like Gilgeous-Alexander at Kentucky, Summers became a star athlete in college as well. Playing defensive back for the Albany Great Danes from 2017-2021, Summers was named to multiple America East All-Conference teams while succeeding in the classroom, earning conference All-Academic honors as well. She also played basketball for her high school in Canada.
Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will be back in action in Game 2 on Thursday, looking to take a 2-0 series lead against the Timberwolves.