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As anticipation builds for Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, international singer and political performer Mary Millben has publicly endorsed Grammy-nominated singer and Broadway actor Avery Wilson, who is set to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” before tipoff.
Millben shared the announcement on X, encouraging fans and basketball supporters to rally behind Wilson ahead of one of the biggest games of the season.
“Sing us to victory, my brother AveryWilson!” Millben wrote. “We are cheering on Grammy-nominated singer and Broadway actor Avery Wilson, the New York Knicks good-luck charm at Madison Square Garden (MSG), as he performs the national anthem for Game 3 of the NBA Finals tonight!! Singing the National Anthem at The Garden is special.”
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images
Wilson’s appearance continues a growing trend of notable music stars taking center stage during the NBA Finals. Earlier in the series, singer and actress Tori Kelly performed the national anthem before Game 1, while rising soul and jazz artist KELS handled anthem duties for Game 2.
“Sing us to victory, my brother @AveryWilson!”
We are cheering on Grammy-nominated singer and Broadway actor Avery Wilson, the @nyknicks good-luck charm at Madison Square Garden (MSG), as he performs the national anthem for Game 3 of the @NBA Finals tonight!! Singing the… pic.twitter.com/JOMZwoYQr9
— Mary Millben (@MaryMillben) June 8, 2026
Game 3 is scheduled to take place at Madison Square Garden, with the New York Knicks holding a 2-0 lead over the San Antonio Spurs in the championship series.
Wilson has become a familiar face for Knicks fans throughout the postseason.
Since the opening round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks, Wilson has regularly performed the national anthem before Knicks home games at Madison Square Garden. During that stretch, New York has enjoyed remarkable success on its home court.
The singer has performed the anthem six times during the Knicks’ playoff run. Notably, the only home playoff loss New York has suffered came in a game Wilson was unable to attend, fueling fan speculation that he has become a good-luck charm for the franchise.
The timing of Wilson’s return for Game 3 adds another layer of excitement as the Knicks seek to move one step closer to their first NBA championship since 1973.
The challenge facing San Antonio is significant. The Knicks won the first two games of the Finals on the road and now return to Madison Square Garden, where they posted one of the NBA’s strongest home records during the regular season. New York also enters Game 3 riding a 13-game playoff winning streak.
Meanwhile, security and public attention surrounding the matchup have increased due to the expected attendance of President Donald Trump, as referenced by Millben in her social media post.
Who Is Avery Wilson?
Wilson, 30, first gained national attention as a contestant on Season 3 ofThe Voicewhen he was just 16 years old. A member of Team CeeLo Green, he quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his powerful vocals and stage presence.
Although his elimination from the competition was widely considered a surprise, the exposure helped launch his professional music career. He later signed with RCA Records and continued releasing original music.
One of his best-known singles, “If I Have To,” reached the top 20 of Billboard’s Hot R&B Songs chart in 2015.
Born and raised in Hamden, Connecticut, Wilson began showcasing his talent at a young age. His father played an important role in encouraging his musical development, organizing community open-mic events that allowed the future singer to perform regularly.
Over the years, Wilson expanded beyond music into acting. In 2024, he joined the Broadway revival of The Wiz, portraying the Scarecrow. His work on the production earned him a Grammy Award nomination for Best Musical Theater Album.
In addition to singing, Wilson is also recognized as a songwriter, dancer and actor. His projects include the EPs FYI and 8:34, along with multiple singles released throughout his career.
Now, with millions of basketball fans expected to watch Game 3, Wilson is preparing for one of the highest-profile national anthem performances of his career.
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