Here’s who’s singing the National Anthem for Game 1 of the NBA Finals in OKC

The 2025 NBA Finals get underway on Thursday, June 5, with the Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Indiana Pacers in Game 1. And a familiar face to home fans will be lending his voice to the National Anthem, an integral part of the pre-tip off proceedings.

Who is singing the National Anthem before Pacers vs. Thunder?

Local pastor and singer Rob Clay, affectionately known as “Big Rob Clay,” has sung the National Anthem at a number of Thunder home games (there’s one example below) and will do so once again ahead of the Finals.

“Honored. Humbled. Ready. Today, I have the incredible privilege of singing the National Anthem for Game 1 of the NBA Finals - a dream years in the making,” Clay said in a Facebook post.

“From the days of singing for the Hornets after Hurricane Katrina, to becoming a regular voice for the Oklahoma City Thunder, to now standing center court at one of the biggest stages in sports…this moment means EVERYTHING.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported my journey - musically, spiritually, and personally. I’m believing this is just the beginning of even greater doors opening - for more anthem opportunities, more stages, and more ways to inspire. Let’s go!”

Although Clay originally hails from Charlotte, North Carolina, he now lives in Oklahoma and is known to be a huge Thunder fan.

Oklahoma City Thunder’s good luck charm

Clay performed the National Anthem before Game 1 of the first-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies (Oklahoma won 4-0) and the Western Conference semifinals versus the Denver Nuggets (4-3 to the Thunder).

Seeing him as a good luck charm, some Thunder fans joked the felt uneasy that he was replaced for Game 1 of the Conference finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves by Oklahoma-born singer Ben Rector. However, they needn’t have worried as the Thunder convincingly triumphed 4-1 to reach the NBA Finals.

Clay comes back into the spotlight for the biggest occasion of all, which the same followers will see as a good omen as their team attempts to secure a first ever NBA championship.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.