From Fire Fits to Viral Moments: How Pacers and Thunder WAGs Took Over the NBA Finals Spotlight

The 2025 NBA Finals delivered drama, athleticism, and a historic Thunder victory, but off the court, a different spotlight emerged. WAGs of Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder players dominated social feeds, stealing hearts and headlines with style, emotion and viral authenticity.

From Jade Jones' standout fashion to Hailey Summers' tearful MVP moment, here's how NBA partners took centre stage.

Why WAGs Were the Real Winners of the NBA Finals

During the 2025 NBA Finals, it wasn't only players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who captured fans' attention, their partners also emerged as breakout personalities. Through intimate glimpses into love, sacrifice, and behind-the-scenes resilience shared across social media, WAGs offered fans a deeper insight into the personal side of the championship journey.

Gilgeous-Alexander's emotional MVP acceptance speech, in which he paid tribute to his wife Summers, resonated widely with fans and sparked heartfelt conversations across platforms. Although exact view counts for Finals-related content and his speech are not publicly available, it is clear that these moments struck a chord with millions.

Hailey Summers: The MVP's Wife Who Stole the Show

Gilgeous-Alexander may have secured the MVP trophy, but it was his wife, Summers, who delivered one of the Finals' most touching moments.

Following Game 7's 103–91 Thunder victory, she and their son Ares joined him on court in a family embrace now viewed millions of times.

The 2025 NBA Finals MVP thanked her during his speech: 'She's given up so much so I could live this dream'. Even his signature Converse sneaker line features a 'Hail Clay' colourway, inspired by Summer's eyes.

Jade Jones: Viral Fashion, Emotional Strength, and Devotion

Jones, known for her sporting background and bold fashion choices, quickly became a style icon during the 2025 NBA Finals. Her denim-on-denim look during Game 1 garnered widespread attention on social media, with thousands of likes and shares within hours.

When Tyrese Haliburton suffered a calf injury in Game 6, followed by a devastating Achilles injury in Game 7, Jones responded with remarkable grace. Her heartfelt Instagram post, expressing pride in Haliburton's determination with the words "So proud of your fight," was widely praised. Several outlets, including the Times of India, highlighted her message as one of the most touching moments of the Finals.

The Numbers Prove It: WAGs Drove the Finals' Online Buzz

During the 2025 NBA Finals, the most viewed off-court moments were not from analysts or coaches, but from the players' partners.

• Gilgeous-Alexander's emotional MVP speech, in which he thanked his wife Summers, was widely shared and praised across social media.
• Jones's heartfelt Instagram post supporting Haliburton after his calf and Achilles injuries received significant attention and admiration from fans.
• Fashion clips featuring the WAGs of the Finals became popular on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, generating thousands of views and likes.

What These Viral NBA WAGs Moments Mean for Basketball's Future

The sudden rise of basketball wives and girlfriends into viral culture reflects a broader shift in sport. Fans no longer only care about the game, they care about the people who live through it.

These women:

• Helped humanise high-pressure athletic moments
• Shaped NBA storytelling with authenticity and vulnerability
• Brought new fashion, emotional depth, and relatability to the game

More Than Style: WAGs Are Redefining the NBA Off-Court Narrative

What began as Instagram posts became an off-court revolution. By combining authenticity with emotional visibility, WAGs like Summers and Jones redefined how fans relate to NBA stars, and proved that support systems can be as compelling as superstars.