The 2026 NBA Finals commenced on Wednesday, June 3, with Game 1 featuring the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks. Setting the celebratory tone for the championship series, acclaimed singer Tori Kelly delivered a pitch-perfect rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. Her performance, the first national anthem of this year's NBA Finals, was noted for its restrained yet technically immaculate execution.

Kelly, dressed in a cream collared jacket with brown-striped sleeves and chocolate-brown drawstring leather pants, stood before a statue of the Larry O’Brien Trophy on the court. She meticulously adhered to the traditional melody, incorporating subtle modifications that profoundly enhanced her performance, notably a seamless modulation of her final high note on “free” into the powerful “and the home of the brave” finale.

The anthem was respectfully received by the Spurs and Knicks players and coaches present, and the ABC broadcast extended its reach to U.S. military members stationed at a Marine Corps base in Okinawa, Japan, who were watching the game abroad. This was not Kelly's debut performing the national anthem for a major event; she previously showcased her talent at the 2021 Kentucky Derby and the 2024 Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match. Her connection to basketball runs deeper through her marriage to former German professional basketball player André Murillo since 2018.

Beyond her captivating anthem performance, Tori Kelly is also preparing for the release of her new album, “God Must Really Love Me,” scheduled for June 12. The album was preceded by the joint singles “Dive” and “Control,” which were released last month, building anticipation for her upcoming musical work.