An NBA game is a high-pressure situation for any hooper, regardless of how many they’ve played in. But the Western Conference Finals? There’s really nothing quite like those games. And in the heat of the moment, players seem to be in a different headspace altogether, not thinking very clearly. That’s exactly what happened with 2025 NBA MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, during Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Things switch so soon. Just on Wednesday, we had the point guard all emotional, expressing his gratitude for his wife, Hailey Summers, during his victory speech for the 2024-25 NBA MVP award. “Hailey Summers, thank you for everything,” Gilgeous-Alexander, 26, said, locking eyes with 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.”

We get what you mean, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. After all, being high school sweethearts is no joke. With that, during the post-game press conference, he admitted to being caught “off-guard” after spotting his wife sitting in the crowd with another man. But quickly, the 26-year-old realized that he was in his own head after recognizing who was sitting beside his wife tonight. Hint, hint: It was his former teammate!

“Caught me off guard,” said SGA. He then continued, “I had to like, double-take. I was like, ‘Who’s that sitting with my wife?’ I got a little tight, but then I seen it was Chris, I was like, ‘All right, cool.'”

It seems the point guard wasn’t expecting this unlikely reunion with his former teammate. And seeing your wife sitting with a stranger while you’re playing in the most important series of your life would be enough to make anyone do a double-take. But Shai will be thankful that his rational mind eventually took over.

After all, Chris Paul is one of the people he respects the most. And don’t just take our word for it. Before he revealed how spotting his wife in the crowd had him befuddled, he revealed the deep admiration and respect he had for CP3.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reveals he “leans on” Chris Paul for advice

If you were a fan of the Canadian guard during the NBA Bubble era, you’ll remember him and CP3 practically being joined at the hip. They had a big and little brother dynamic off the court and incredible chemistry on the court in Paul’s solitary season spent with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

And tonight, when a reporter asked Shai about his deep bond with Chris, he revealed just how close the two are. “He’s always there to lean on. He was the first guy in my life that I was like, close with that like, achieved the things that I wanted to achieve. And I really leaned on him for like advice. And not only basketball advice, like business advice, taking care of your body advice, like handling a family when they don’t live with you..He’s been special,” said Shai about his friend and occasional mentor.

It’s clear that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander adores Chris Paul. But if that’s the case, why would he have to do a double-take to recognize CP3? Well, it has certainly been a while since Paul and the Canadian guard shared a roster. And Shai spoke about this as well to the media, as a reporter asked whether it felt like being on the same team as Chris felt like it was “forever ago.” He revealed that now’s not the time to reminisce, but he certainly plans to once all is said and done.

“It feels like it was a long time ago. But it also doesn’t feel like it was five, six years ago. Kind of in between. But yeah, it’s the journey. It’s been fun. It went by faster than I thought. But also, it’s like five, six years ago, wow. So yeah, I don’t know. It’s a whirlwind. When I’m done [with] my career, I’ll look back and reminisce on everything,” said this year’s MVP.

There’s no two ways about it — the time spent with Chris Paul seems to bring back warm, happy memories for the 26-year-old. But he’s on a different path now, one that will take him back to Target Center for Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals.

And this won’t be an easy path to tread for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But with the support of his teammates and friends like Chris Paul, we reckon he’ll be alright. He is the 2025 MVP, after all.