The Best and Worst NBA Finals National Anthems

A look at the best and worst national anthems performed at the NBA Finals

The best NBA Finals national anthems

From Whitney Houston’s soul-stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” to Alicia Keys’ goosebump-inducing performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” there have been plenty of memorable renditions of the National Anthem at NBA Finals games over the years.

But not every performance has been a home run In fact, there have been plenty of cringe-worthy moments, from Fergie’s polarizing rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at last year’s NBA All-Star game to Steve Smith’s lip syncing debacle at Game 4 of the 2007 Finals.

Here’s a look at some of the best and worst national anthem performances at NBA Finals games over the years.

The best:
1. Whitney Houston, 1991
2. Alicia Keys, 2003
3. Mariah Carey, 2000
4. Faith Hill, 2005
5. Jordin Sparks, 2008

The worst NBA Finals national anthems

Many people look forward to the NBA Finals every year, but one thing that often gets overlooked is the National Anthem Over the years, there have been some truly memorable performances, but there have also been a few duds. Here are some of the best and worst NBA Finals national anthems.

The worst:
1. Fergie – 2018
2. Roseanne Barr – 1990
3. Christina Aguilera – 2011
4. Steven Tyler – 2010
5. Carlos Santana – 2003

The best:
1. Beyonce – 2013
2. Marvin Gaye – 1983
3. Whitney Houston – 1991
4. Alicia Keys – 2002

Why the national anthem matters in the NBA Finals

For some, the playing of the national anthem is a time-honored tradition that adds to the pageantry of major sporting events. For others, it’s a reminder of America’s dark past and a symbol of division.

The national anthem became a part of the NBA Finals in 1967, when game one between the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Francisco Warriors was broadcast on television for the first time. Since then, it has been played before every Finals game

The best NBA Finals National Anthem performances are those that have moved the crowd and created an electric atmosphere in the arena. They are also those that have been performed by artists who are well-known and respected by fans of all ages.

The worst NBA Finals National Anthem performances are those that have been marred by technical difficulties, awkward moments, or political statements. They are also those that have been performed by artists who are not well-known or respected by fans of all ages.

How the national anthem has changed over time

Has the national anthem always been such a big deal?

It wasn’t always played before sporting events. In fact, it wasn’t until 1918, during Game 1 of the World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs that “The Star-Spangled Banner” was performed for the first time at a Major League Baseball game. The idea caught on, and by World War II, almost every MLB game included a performance of the National Anthem

Similarly, “The Star-Spangled Banner” wasn’t performed at an NBA game until Game 5 of the 1976 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Phoenix Suns Since then, it has become a tradition before every NBA game

But why? What led to this change?

It’s hard to say for sure, but it’s likely due to a combination of factors. First, as America became more involved in international conflicts in the early 20th century, there was a renewed sense of patriotism among Americans. Second, as professional sports became more popular, they began to be seen as an extension of national pride. Finally, as America became more racially and ethnically diverse in the mid-20th century, the National Anthem became a way to unify people from all backgrounds under a shared sense of patriotism.

Whatever the reasons may be, one thing is clear: The national anthem has become an important part of American culture and it is not going away anytime soon.

The best and worst NBA Finals national anthem performances

National anthems are always a big moment before any major sporting event. And the NBA Finals are no different, with the game’s two best teams facing off for the ultimate prize.

Over the years, there have been some fantastic national anthem performances at the NBA Finals And there have also been some that were, well, not so great.

Here’s a look at some of the best and worst NBA Finals national anthem performances:

The best:

1. Christina Aguilera – 2000 NBA Finals
2. Alicia Keys – 2002 NBA Finals
3. Mariah Carey – 2003 NBA Finals
4. Hillary Duff – 2004 NBA Finals
5. Aaron Neville – 2007 NBA Finals
6. Carrie Underwood – 2008 NBA Finals
7. Jennifer Hudson – 2009 NBA Finals
8. This TIme for Africa (Shakira and Wyclef Jean) – 2010 FIBA World Championship Final 9. Kelly Clarkson – 2012 Super Bowl XLVI 10. Christina Aguilera – 2014 Super Bowl XLVIII 11. Idina Menzel – 2015 Super Bowl XLIX 12. Lady Gaga – 2017 Super Bowl LI 13. Pink – 2018 Super Bowl LII The worst: 1. Roseanne Barr – 1990 San Diego Padres 2. Steven Tyler – 2001 World Series 3

The politics of the national anthem in the NBA Finals

Since the 2016 NBA Finals the national anthem has been a hot-button issue in the league. Players have been kneeling during the anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality, and the issue has divided fans across the country.

The issue came to a head during this year’s Finals, when some fans booed players who kneeled during the anthem. President Donald Trump even weighed in on the issue, urging players to stand for the anthem or be fired.

Despite the controversy, the national anthem is still an important tradition for many fans and players. It’s a time to come together and celebrate our country, regardless of our political beliefs. And while it’s important to respect those who choose to kneel during the anthem, it’s also important to remember that they’re doing it for a reason: to protest injustice and fight for a better America.

The history of the national anthem in the NBA Finals

The national anthem is a time-honored tradition in American sports and the NBA Finals are no exception. Over the years, there have been some truly great performances of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Finals, as well as some that have been, well, less than great.

Here’s a look at some of the best and worst national anthem performances in NBA Finals history.

Best:

Jennifer Hudson, 2008
Hudson brought the house down with her stirring rendition of the national anthem prior to Game 3 of the 2008 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers. Her performance was all the more poignant given that it came just a few months after her family was involved in a tragic murder-suicide.

Marvin Gaye, 1983
Gaye’s soulful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” is widely regarded as one of the best ever, and it set the tone for an epic seven-game series between the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers

Whitney Houston, 1991
Houston’s performance of the national anthem before Super Bowl XXV is often cited as one of the best ever, and her stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Game 5 of the 1991 NBA Finals between the Chicago Bulls and Lakers was just as good.

Worst:

Roseanne Barr, 1990
Barr brought her trademark brand of off-putting humor to her rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Game 3 of the 1990 NBA Finals between the Detroit Pistons and Portland Trail Blazers Her screeching performance prompted boos from the crowd and was roundly panned by critics.

Faith Hill, 2000
Hill’s attempt at adding a country twang to her performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Game 4 of the 2000 NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers fell flat, prompting criticism from many who felt she was trying too hard to be something she wasn’t.

How the national anthem is performed at the NBA Finals

The NBA Finals are the yearly Championship Series of the National Basketball Association (NBA). TheNational Anthem is usually performed beforeGame 1 of the series.

The best national anthems are those that are performed with sincerity and patriotism. There have been many great national anthem performances at the NBA Finals over the years. One of the best was Whitney Houston’s renditions of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Game 1 of the 1991 NBA Finals Another great performance was by Beyonce Knowles, who sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Game 3 of the 2013 NBA Finals

There have also been some terrible national anthem performances at the NBA Finals One of the worst was by Roseanne Barr, who butchered “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Game 1 of the 1990 NBA Finals Another bad performance was by Carlos Puebla, who sang a very slow and painful version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Game 5 of the 1974 NBA Finals

Why the national anthem is important to the NBA Finals

The National Anthem is an important part of any sporting event, but it takes on a special meaning during the NBA Finals For many fans, it is a moment to reflect on the importance of the game, and to show respect for the country that they love.

However, not all national anthems are created equal. Some are inspiring and patriotic, while others are flat and forgettable. Here is a look at some of the best and worst NBA Finals national anthems:

Best:

1. Marvin Gaye – “The Star-Spangled Banner” (1983)
2. Whitney Houston – “The Star-Spangled Banner” (1991)
3. Vangelis – “USA Anthem” (1992)
4. Alicia Keys – “The Star-Spangled Banner” (2002)
5. Billy Joel – “The Star-Spangled Banner” (2003)

Worst:

1. Roseanne Barr – “The Star-Spangled Banner” (1990)
2. Faith Hill – “The Star-Spangled Banner” (2000)
3. Carlos Santana feat. Vanessa Williams – “America the Beautiful” (2001)

The national anthem and the NBA Finals

The national anthem is an important part of any major sporting event. It is a time for the nation to come together and show their support for their team – or in the case of the NBA Finals their country.

However, not all national anthems are created equal. Some are better than others, and some are downright terrible. Here is a look at the best and worst NBA Finals national anthems.

The best:
1. The Star-Spangled Banner – performed by Whitney Houston at the 1991 NBA Finals
2. God Bless America – performed by Mariah Carey at the 2002 NBA Finals
3. The Canadian National Anthem – performed by Paul Shaffer and the Roots at the 2016 NBA Finals
4. America the Beautiful – performed by Ray Charles at the 2004 NBA Finals
5. The Star-Spangled Banner – performed by Lady Gaga at the 2017 NBA Finals

The worst:
1. O Canada – performed by Celine Dion at the 2005 NBA Finals
2. The Star-Spangled Banner – performed by Steven Tyler at the 2018 NBA Finals
3. America the Beautiful – performed by Christina Aguilera at the 2011 NBA Finals