Tori Kelly may not have taken part in the action on the court, but she delivered one of the most talked-about moments of NBA Finals opening night. Before the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks tipped off Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center, the Grammy-winning singer stepped into the spotlight to perform the U.S. national anthem in front of a packed arena and a national television audience.
Singer, songwriter, producer and actress Tori Kelly performs the National Anthem ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals! pic.twitter.com/W3mWxWt9f9
— NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2026
The performance was part of the NBAâs enhanced Finals presentation, with the league integrating the national anthem and starting lineup introductions directly into ABCâs broadcast. The approach gave the opening moments of the championship series a larger-scale feel and helped create the atmosphere expected from one of the biggest events in American sports.
Standing at center court with the Larry OâBrien Trophy display visible behind her, Kelly delivered a measured rendition of âThe Star-Spangled Banner.â Rather than relying on dramatic vocal runs, she focused on precision and control, allowing the songâs traditional melody to remain front and center. The result was a performance that resonated with viewers and quickly generated positive reactions across social media.
Kelly’s appearance came on a night already loaded with storylines. The Knicks entered the Finals seeking their first NBA championship since 1973 and their first appearance on basketballâs biggest stage since 1999. San Antonio, meanwhile, arrived with momentum after eliminating the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder and riding the emergence of Victor Wembanyama as the face of the franchise. Interest in the championship series surged after the full 2026 NBA Finals schedule was confirmed, setting up one of the leagueâs most anticipated matchups in years.
Inside the arena, Kelly wore a cream-colored collared jacket with brown-striped sleeves paired with chocolate-brown leather pants, a look that complemented the polished tone of the ceremony. The ABC broadcast also expanded the moment beyond San Antonio by showing members of the U.S. military watching from a Marine Corps base in Okinawa, Japan, highlighting the global audience following the Finals.
Performing the national anthem before a major sporting event is a challenge few artists take lightly. Every note is scrutinized, and the audience often includes millions of viewers. Kelly, however, has experience with high-profile anthem performances. She previously sang before the 2021 Kentucky Derby and later performed the anthem at the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing event in 2024, giving her a level of familiarity with nationally televised moments.
Her connection to basketball extends beyond the Finals stage. Kelly has been married to former professional basketball player AndrĂŠ Murillo since 2018, making her appearance at the championship series a natural fit. That relationship with the sport added another layer of interest to her role in opening the NBAâs showcase event.
The timing also aligned with a significant period in Kellyâs music career. Her upcoming album, God Must Really Love Me, is scheduled for release on June 12, following the recent singles âDiveâ and âControl.â Appearing before Game 1 of the NBA Finals provided one of the largest audiences of the year and further elevated attention around the project.
Read More
Fans looking for official playoff updates and Finals coverage can follow developments through the NBAâs official playoff schedule and Finals coverage.
As the spotlight eventually shifted to Jalen Brunson, Victor Wembanyama and the championship battle on the court, Kelly had already accomplished something notable. She gave the Finals an opening moment that felt worthy of the occasion. Before the first basket was scored and before either team gained an edge in the series, it was her voice that provided the defining memory of the nightâs opening minutes.
Make Swikblog your go-to source on Google for reliable updates, smart insights, and daily trends.
