Knicks Assistant Maurice Cheeks Cheers as National Anthem Singer Delivers Perfect Performance 22 Years Later!

PORTLAND, Ore. — In the world of the NBA, life can get hectic. Maurice Cheeks, a former Portland Trail Blazers coach, had a simple way to deal with stress. He would say, “It’s just a moment. It will pass.” Yet, some moments linger and shape us forever.

Take Natalie Zito, formerly Gilbert. She returned to the arena that changed her life, singing the national anthem—just like she did 22 years ago during a tense playoff game. Back then, as a 13-year-old, she froze during the anthem, forgetting the lyrics in front of a packed crowd and millions on TV.

“I felt like time stood still,” Zito recalled, remembering how Cheeks quickly came to her aid. He wrapped his arm around her, guiding her through the song as the crowd joined in. The support turned her embarrassment into a triumphant moment, leading to thunderous applause.

Fast forward to Wednesday night, Zito stood confidently at center court with Cheeks watching as she delivered the anthem flawlessly. “I’d give it a solid nine,” she joked after her performance, a far cry from her earlier struggle.

The connection between Zito and Cheeks is special. On this occasion, Cheeks was in Portland as an assistant coach for the New York Knicks. His pride was evident as he smiled at Zito’s stunning rendition.

For Zito, this wasn’t just about revisiting the past; it was about celebrating growth. “I can face adversity now,” she said, reflecting on how that moment helped shape her resilience. As a teenager, she faced bullying after her national moment went viral. Yet, she sees those challenges as lessons, not setbacks.

After high school, Zito pursued her passion, performing in various venues and events. She became vice president at Environmentally Conscious Recycling, balancing her career and family life in Boise, Idaho while still feeling connected to Portland.

Recently, Zito learned she would perform the anthem again in front of Cheeks and her daughters, aged six and seven. They’d watched the video of their mom’s unforgettable moment, and now they witnessed her triumph. “It’s a great lesson for them,” she noted. “Mistakes happen, but it’s all about how you recover.”

This reunion shows how moments can evolve into powerful lessons. It’s a reminder that with support and resilience, we can rise above our challenges. Moments in life may hurt, but they can ultimately lead to strength and success.



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