Natalie Gilbert Reunites with Maurice Cheeks for Full-Circle National Anthem Moment

22 years after an unforgettable NBA playoff performance, the former Trail Blazers coach and anthem singer shared a heartwarming reunion in Portland.

Natalie Gilbert, who stumbled during a national anthem performance in 2003, returned to sing flawlessly at a Portland Trail Blazers game on Wednesday.
Former Trail Blazers head coach Maurice Cheeks, who famously stepped in to help Gilbert during her 2003 performance, was present as an assistant coach for the New York Knicks.
The two reunited at the Moda Center before the game, sharing an emotional embrace and reflecting on the life-changing moment from two decades ago.
Gilbert, now Natalie Zito and a vice president at an environmental recycling company, described the reunion as 'surreal' and praised Cheeks for his continued kindness and support.
The original 2003 moment, where Cheeks joined Gilbert in singing to help her overcome stage fright, remains one of the most iconic and heartwarming moments in NBA history.