Prior to tipoff for Game 2 of the NBA Finals, fans at Frost Bank Center were treated to an interesting rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Kels, a 30-year-old singer from Pittsburgh, had the honor of performing the national anthem for Game 2 between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs. She went viral in April when she had the privilege of singing the national anthem at the 2026 NFL Draft.
While some fans enjoyed hearing Kels' voice this Friday night in San Antonio, there were plenty of people who complained about her performance.
© Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images.
"Kels pulling a Fergie," one fan commented.
"Whoever hired this person to sing this national anthem like a country karaoke needs to be fired," a second fan declared.
"Kels… Get off the court," a third fan wrote.
"The Spurs have 'kels' (whoever that is) singing the national anthem and the Knicks are gonna bust out like Jennifer Lopez or something for Game 3," another fan said.
"I don't know who Kels is but that was the driest version of The Star-Spangled Banner I've ever heard," a social media user wrote.
Do-or-die situation for the Spurs.
Despite getting off to a great start in Game 1, the Spurs were unable to slow down Jalen Brunson and the Knicks in crunch time. As a result, they were dealt a 105-95 loss at home.
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama had 26 points in Game 1, but he only went 6-of-21 from the field. He was more than willing to put pressure on himself heading for Game 2.
“I’m gonna figure it out. I was bad tonight,” the French phenom said. “It’s not more complicated than that.”
The Spurs desperately need a win before this series shifts over to New York.
