The NBA Cup Final on Tuesday between the Milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder promises to be a star-studded event. However, both teams had to overcome challenges to reach this point.
Oklahoma City enters the NBA Cup Final with the best record in the Western Conference, standing at 20-5. Yet, their path to this moment hasn’t been without obstacles. Early on, Isaiah Hartenstein sustained an injury, and the team was further hampered by a long-term hip issue sidelining Chet Holmgren. These setbacks have left the Thunder’s frontcourt thinner than originally anticipated.
Bucks’ Impressive Comeback
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks have shown remarkable resilience. After a tough 2-8 start to the season, they’ve bounced back with a 12-3 record in their last 15 games. Under Doc Rivers’ leadership, the Bucks have turned things around and are now within reach of securing a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference. Additionally, they stand on the cusp of claiming an NBA Cup title.
The National Anthem Performance
As the action kicks off in Las Vegas, country and R&B singer Mickey Guyton will take center stage to deliver her rendition of the national anthem.
Who is Mickey Guyton?
Born in Arlington, Texas, Guyton’s journey to the stage began after she watched LeAnn Rimes perform the national anthem at a Texas Rangers game, inspiring her to pursue singing. This makes each national anthem performance a full-circle moment for the 41-year-old artist.
After spending her college years in Los Angeles, Guyton moved to Nashville and released her debut single in 2015. In 2020, she earned her first Grammy nomination for the song "Black Like Me," a powerful tribute to George Floyd during nationwide protests. Her debut album came in 2021, following the release of an EP in 2015. Throughout her career, Guyton has earned four Grammy nominations and multiple nominations across three country music award shows.
Guyton’s Anthem Experience
Guyton is no stranger to singing the national anthem on major stages. She performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl 56, between the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals, nearly three years ago. Additionally, she delivered a performance at the Democratic National Convention in August.
While the NBA Cup Final might not be as high-profile as the Super Bowl, it represents the biggest stage for the league in the regular season, and all eyes will be on Guyton as she opens the game in Las Vegas.
Why Mickey Guyton?
Although Guyton doesn’t have direct ties to the NBA or either of the teams competing, she has participated in high-profile events like the ESPY Awards. In 2022, she performed her song "Remember Her Name" at the ceremony, which commemorated the 50th anniversary of Title IX equal rights laws.
Guyton’s experience performing on some of the biggest stages in American sports — including the Super Bowl — proves that she is well-equipped to handle the spotlight at the NBA Cup Final. By choosing a performer of Guyton’s caliber, the NBA further cements its intent to elevate the NBA Cup Final into a national event.
