Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals had it all — big shots, intense defense, highlight-reel dunks, and… a surprise reunion courtside that had the crowd buzzing and one of the NBA’s biggest stars visibly stunned.
As Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) walked onto the court before tip-off, locked in and ready to lead his Oklahoma City Thunder against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he glanced toward the sideline and froze for a moment. Sitting just a few feet from the OKC bench was none other than his former teammate and veteran point guard Chris Paul — and right next to him, laughing and relaxed, was SGA’s wife, Hailey.
That was not on the scouting report.
A Hilarious and Unexpected Courtside Moment
SGA, usually stoic and composed during pregame warmups, did a visible double-take when he spotted the duo sitting together. Cameras caught the moment: Shai raising his eyebrows, tilting his head, and cracking a surprised grin before giving a joking shake of his head. The arena’s jumbotron replayed the moment during a timeout, sending the crowd into laughter.
The clip immediately went viral online, with fans flooding Twitter and Instagram with reactions. “SGA looked like he saw a plot twist mid-season,” one fan posted. Another joked, “Chris Paul still mentoring him — just doing it from the sidelines with Hailey now 😂.”
Hailey Gilgeous-Alexander, sitting confidently in a sleek Thunder jersey and jeans, gave Shai a playful wave when he finally approached them during pregame shootaround. Chris Paul, ever the composed veteran, just smiled and patted Shai on the back like an older brother enjoying the moment.
A Reunion Years in the Making
Chris Paul and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shared the court during the 2019–2020 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. That season was a pivotal one for SGA’s development. Under Paul’s mentorship, he transformed from a promising second-year guard into a future All-Star in the making.
Their chemistry on and off the court was undeniable. Paul, then in his mid-30s, served as a guide not just for SGA but for the entire young OKC roster. That season’s unexpected playoff run helped define a culture of grit and resilience still evident in this Thunder squad.
Though CP3 has moved on (most recently with the Golden State Warriors before stepping away this season), the bond between him and Shai has remained strong. They’ve been seen training together in the offseasons, and Paul has repeatedly praised SGA’s growth as a leader and superstar.
“I always knew Shai was going to be special,” Paul told reporters after the game. “I’ve watched him grow from a quiet kid to a killer on the court. I had to come support him.”
As for Hailey’s presence next to Chris? “It just kind of happened,” Paul laughed. “We ran into each other on the concourse and figured, why not sit together? I told her I’d keep him humble from courtside.”
Shai Responds Postgame
Following the Thunder’s 112-97 win — their second straight victory of the series — Shai was all smiles in the postgame presser. When asked about seeing Chris and Hailey courtside, he chuckled and shook his head.
“Man, I was not ready for that,” Shai said, laughing. “I looked over, saw CP, then saw Hailey right next to him, and I was like, ‘What is going on here?’ I thought I was being pranked or something.”
He continued: “It’s all love. CP is family. He helped me become the player I am today. And Hailey? She’s just out here making new friends without telling me, I guess.”
Reporters couldn’t help but laugh at the lighthearted exchange. Shai’s ability to keep things fun while remaining locked in on the court has become one of his trademarks — and moments like this only add to his growing reputation as one of the league’s most likable stars.
A Star-Studded Crowd and a Playoff Atmosphere
Beyond the Shai-CP3-Hailey surprise, Game 2 in Oklahoma City was an electric event. The Paycom Center was packed with celebrities, former Thunder legends, and a sea of fans decked out in navy and orange.
The Thunder delivered a performance worthy of the moment, with SGA dropping 32 points, continuing his torrid playoff streak of 30+ point games. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams chipped in with key contributions, while the OKC defense stifled the Timberwolves’ big men.
But for many fans, the most memorable moment came before the first whistle — a reminder that in the NBA, stories are often told as much on the sidelines as on the court.
Chris Paul, the Mentor Still Making an Impact
Even though he wasn’t in uniform, Chris Paul’s presence was felt throughout the night. During timeouts, cameras showed him talking with OKC assistant coaches, joking with players, and even pointing out plays like a second coach from his courtside seat.
That’s who CP3 has always been — a basketball mind who can’t turn the game off, even in retirement. And seeing him support a former protégé in a big playoff moment only deepened the appreciation for what he’s given to the game.
For Shai, the moment was a surprise. For fans, it was unforgettable. And for Chris Paul, it was just another night watching the next generation shine — with a smile and a courtside seat.
