Trail Blazers’ Star Anthem Moment Revisited by Natalie Zito and Maurice Cheeks

PORTLAND, Ore. — Twenty-two years after a life-changing moment on national television, Natalie Zito returned to the Moda Center on Wednesday night to reclaim her spotlight. The now-veteran performer belted out the national anthem, overshadowing her past as a 13-year-old who once forgot the lyrics during a playoff game.

Zito’s unforgettable experience took place in 2003 before Game 3 of the playoff series between the Portland Trail Blazers and Dallas Mavericks. During her rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Zito forgot the words—an embarrassing moment captured by millions. However, it was Maurice Cheeks, then the Blazers’ head coach, who stepped in to help her finish, conducting the audience to join in and turning a moment of panic into a celebrated memory.

“I feel like it was yesterday that we were in this moment,” Zito recalled, reflecting on the evening. “That moment really stuck with me.” The crowd that day erupted in applause as Zito finished, leading to a heartfelt embrace with Cheeks that has since become iconic.

On Wednesday, with Cheeks serving as an assistant coach for the New York Knicks, Zito stood at half court, delivering a flawless rendition of the anthem. “I’d give it a solid nine,” she said with a smile after her performance, which drew enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.

As she sang, the video board captured Cheeks, who beamed with pride, echoing the sentiments of their past moment. “It made me a much stronger individual,” Zito shared. “I can face adversity and push through now.”

Throughout her teenage years, Zito faced challenges following her infamous performance, including bullying at school. Despite the hardships, she found a sense of resilience. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”

After high school, she pursued voice lessons and became a professional singer, eventually moving to Boise, Idaho, and now serves as vice president for Environmentally Conscious Recycling (ECR). Fortuitously, ECR has become a sponsor of the Blazers this season, prompting Zito to share her story with the team.

A month prior to her performance, she learned she would sing at the game with Cheeks in attendance. The two reunited pregame for a nostalgic photo opportunity. “I owe a lot to this man,” Zito said, praising Cheeks’ impact on her life. “It was so great to see him all these years later.”

Sweetening the moment, Zito’s daughters, aged six and seven, attended the game to watch their mother perform. They had seen the earlier footage of Zito’s original anthem rendition, now transformed into a story of perseverance. “It’s the best example I can show my children,” she said. “It’s all about how you recover from them.”