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By Matt Audilet
Contributing Sports Writer
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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.
More Basketball: NBA Legend James Worthy Praises Victor Wembanyama’s Unprecedented Impact
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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More Basketball: Draymond Green Makes Confident NBA Finals Prediction
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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