By Matt Audilet0ShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.The 2026 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks will begin with Game 1 on Wednesday night.
Before tipoff at San Antonio's Frost Bank Center, American singer-songwriter Tori Kelly will perform her rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner."
"National Anthem and starting lineup presentations will be fully integrated into ABC telecasts, enhancing the scale and energy of the Finals opening moments, including a Game 1 performance by singer, songwriter, producer and actress Tori Kelly," the NBA wrote in an announcement on social media.
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Kelly's performance of the United States' national anthem precedes the highly-anticipated, series-opening matchup between the Spurs and Knicks, kicking off an NBA Finals clash between two historic franchises.
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The Knicks are making their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999, when they fell to the Tim Duncan-led Spurs 4-1. The New York franchise hasn't won an NBA title since 1973.
That being said, the Knicks enter the 2026 NBA Finals as the hottest team in the league — winning 11 straight games en route to the championship series. Led by Jalen Brunson, New York notched back-to-back series sweeps over the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers.
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The Spurs took down the reigning-champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Victor Wembanyama was named MVP of the seven-game series, leading his young squad to the NBA Finals as a 22-year-old generational superstar.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals will tipoff at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
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