Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Championship Moment: Family, Trophies, and a Kiss for His Son

The confetti had barely settled on the hardwood at Paycom Center when the Oklahoma City Thunder’s celebration began in earnest. Players hugged, coaches pumped their fists, and the crowd roared its approval as the Thunder were crowned NBA champions for the first time in franchise history. But while the world watched the team’s wild on-court jubilation, the NBA was quietly preparing something extra special for fans everywhere—a behind-the-scenes look at Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s most meaningful moments, not just as a superstar, but as a husband and father.

After the last buzzer of the NBA Finals, tradition dictates that the winning team’s players, coaches, and staff get their moment in the spotlight with the Larry O’Brien Trophy. It’s a time for group photos, solo shots, and the kind of memories that last a lifetime. But this year, the NBA’s cameras captured something even more heartwarming: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the newly crowned Finals MVP, sharing the spotlight with his wife, Hailey, and their young son, Ares.

As the Thunder’s celebration on the court wound down, Shai made his way to the photo area, the iconic Larry O’Brien Trophy gleaming under the lights. In his arms, little Ares giggled with excitement, his eyes wide with wonder at the golden prize. Hailey, radiant with pride, joined them for a family portrait that instantly became one of the most memorable images of the Finals.

The NBA’s social media team knew they had something special. “Shai & fam with the trophies. What it’s all about,” they posted, alongside a series of photos and videos that quickly went viral. Thunder fans—and basketball fans everywhere—were treated to a rare, intimate glimpse of the league’s newest superstar off the court, surrounded by the people who matter most.

In one particularly adorable moment, Shai could be seen leaning in to give Ares a kiss on the cheek, only for his son to wriggle away, giggling as he clutched the base of the trophy. Hailey laughed, snapping a quick photo on her phone as Shai tried again, finally landing a kiss to Ares’s delight. The family’s joy was infectious, their laughter echoing through the arena as the cameras clicked away.

It’s easy to forget, in the midst of the high-stakes drama of the NBA Finals, that these athletes are also parents, partners, and children themselves. For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, this championship was the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance—not just for him, but for his entire family. Hailey has been by his side through every high and low, supporting him through injuries, grueling road trips, and the relentless pressure of life in the NBA spotlight. Ares, though still young, has already become a fixture at Thunder games, his playful antics often drawing smiles from players and fans alike.

After the game, as the Thunder’s locker room filled with the sounds of celebration, Shai took a few quiet moments with his family. He held Ares close, letting his son touch the trophy and examine the shiny MVP plaque. Hailey snapped photos, capturing every grin and giggle. For a few minutes, the noise and chaos faded away, replaced by the simple joy of a family celebrating together.

Thunder fans watching the NBA’s behind-the-scenes coverage couldn’t get enough. Social media lit up with comments about Shai’s devotion to his family. “This is what it’s all about,” one fan wrote on Twitter. “Championships are great, but these moments are forever.” Another posted, “SGA is a legend on the court and an even bigger legend at home. Love seeing him with his family!”

The NBA’s decision to share these personal moments was a reminder of what makes sports so powerful. Yes, the championships, the accolades, and the trophies matter—but it’s the human stories that truly resonate. Watching Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, still in his uniform, holding his son and grinning at his wife, fans were reminded that the best victories are the ones shared with loved ones.

The Thunder’s championship run will be remembered for years to come—the clutch shots, the defensive stops, the raucous crowds in Oklahoma City. But for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the most important memories from this historic season may not be the ones captured on the highlight reels. They’ll be the quiet moments backstage, the laughter of his son, the pride in his wife’s eyes, and the knowledge that, at the pinnacle of his career, he was surrounded by family.

As the NBA Finals celebrations continue and the city of Oklahoma City basks in its championship glory, one image stands out above the rest: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Finals MVP, with his arms around his family and the trophies at their feet. In that moment, he wasn’t just a champion—he was a husband, a father, and a role model for fans everywhere.

And as the NBA’s cameras captured Shai trying to plant a kiss on Ares’s cheek, fans knew they were witnessing something truly special—a reminder that, even on basketball’s biggest stage, family is what it’s all about.