Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finds immense support from his wife, former sports star Hailey Summers, as he stands just one game away from clinching an NBA championship. With his remarkable performance this season, Gilgeous-Alexander is also on track to become only the ninth player in NBA history to achieve both the NBA MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same year.
After suffering a disappointing loss in Game 6 of the Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on the vital role his wife, whom he married in February 2024, plays in his success. He openly credits her for being a source of honest and constructive feedback. “She is brutally honest,” he stated in a 2024 interview. “If my mindset is off, she makes sure I know. She sees things that need to be corrected, and I appreciate that.”
Summers, a former soccer captain at the University of Albany, and Gilgeous-Alexander have been partners since 2017, having rekindled their relationship after attending different colleges. Their bond has only strengthened with the birth of their first child, Ares, in April 2024.
In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander’s league-leading scoring average of 32.7 points per game during the regular season, he has continued to shine in the playoffs, averaging 30.5 points per game in the first six Finals games. However, he faces significant challenges as he battles Indiana Pacers’ top defender Andrew Nembhard.
The upcoming Game 7 of the NBA Finals, taking place on Sunday at 8 PM, marks the first Game 7 in the Finals since the Cavaliers’ historic comeback against the Warriors in 2016. The excitement surrounding this matchup speaks to the thrilling competitive nature of the league. Fans are hopeful for a memorable showdown as Gilgeous-Alexander aims to lead his team to victory.
This narrative highlights the importance of personal relationships in professional sports, suggesting that the support system around an athlete can play a crucial role in their performance and mindset on the court.