The national anthem has become a staple of major American sporting events, and with versions sung every single night, each sport has its share of infamous performances. One that stands out in NBA history occurred in 2003 when the Portland Trail Blazers hosted the Dallas Mavericks in a playoff game.

Natalie Gilbert, then just 13 years old, stepped onto the court to sing but forgot the lyrics midway through. Fortunately, her then-coach Maurice Cheeks stepped in to encourage her. He even finished the song alongside her, turning a potential nightmare into a heartwarming moment.

Fast forward 22 years, and Cheeks is now an assistant coach with the New York Knicks, who made a trip to Portland. The Blazers decided to invite Gilbert back to sing the anthem. This time, she delivered a stunning performance. After her rendition, the crowd gave her a resounding ovation, and camera shots captured Cheeks grinning and applauding.

Gilbert expressed her gratitude, saying, “This moment changed my life. I wouldn’t have it any other way…Seeing him and that he’s still the standup guy today that he was back then. It’s amazing.”