The NBA MVP award is usually about more than just basketball. Kevin Durant tugged on heartstrings in 2014 when he proclaimed his mother "the real MVP," and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was also eager to give props to his family.
The Oklahoma City Thunder's third MVP in franchise history was presented with the Michael Jordan Trophy on Wednesday, and made sure that his loved ones know he appreciates them, their support, and their sacrifice.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
May 13, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) hugs his son Ares Alexander alongside his wife Hailey Summers after his team defeated the Denver Nuggets during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Gilgeous-Alexander and his wife, Hailey Summers, have been married since 2024, but they built a life together long before that.
"Hailey Summers, thank you for everything you are for me, for our son Ares, he said through tears. "You were the first person to show me what love really meant, what sacrifice really meant. And I can't wait to spend the rest of this journey called life with you, so 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."
While the MVP award is meant to celebrate the best player in the NBA, the player usually makes sure his teammates, children, spouse, and support staff gets their credit, although it rarely gets as emotional as SGA was.
The Thunder have openly been a brotherhood all season long, but Summers has supported Gilgeous-Alexander long before he emerged as one of the best athletes in the world.
For Thunder fans, hopefully, SGA gets a chance to share even more thanks next season.
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