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19 Years Ago: Maurice Cheeks Assists National Anthem Singer

After trailing 2-0 to the Dallas Mavericks, the 2002-03 Portland Trail Blazers were looking to grab a game back in the playoff series at the Rose Garden.

Before the game began, 13-year-old Natalie Gilbert opened festivities with the national anthem.

However, Gilbert began to feel the nerves singing in a sold-out arena and fumbled the words.

Have no fear! Maurice Cheeks to the rescue!

Cheeks, the Blazers coach at the time, joined Gilbert minutes before an extremely important playoff game to help her regain the words and finish the song in front of a supportive Blazers crowd.