Heavy metal band Metallica will perform the “Star-Spangled Banner” while country singer Tenille Arts will sing “O Canada” before tipoff of Game 3 of the 2019 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors on June 5.
The NBA's official Twitter account confirmed the development on Tuesday.
Metallica's official website also posted an update about the festivities before Game 3.
We love to support our local teams, so we're very excited to be a part of our hometown Golden State Warriors' pursuit of their fourth NBA championship in five years!
Look for James (Hetfield) and Kirk (Hammett) to hit the hardwood and kick off Game 3 tomorrow, June 5th, with their rendition of the U.S. national anthem and award-winning country artist Tenille Arts performing the Canadian national anthem as the Warriors take on the Toronto Raptors in Oakland at Oracle Arena.
Metallica previously performed the “Star-Spangled Banner” during the 2015 NBA Finals, per USA TODAY's Bryan Alexander. That year, the Warriors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games to capture their second NBA title. It was the first of three championships Golden State had won in the last four years.
The NBA Finals is currently tied at one game apiece. Who will gain the upper hand on Wednesday? It should be interesting to find out.