NBA Finals 2019: Train’s Pat Monahan performs National Anthem

Entering tonight’s NBA Finals game between the Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors, we had a good sense as to who would be performing both National anthems. For the Warriors, you had Bay Area favorite Pat Monahan — best known for the band Train. (Fun fact — Monahan is originally from Pennsylvania, but Train was formed in the Bay Area.)

It’s worth noting going into the National Anthem performance tonight that Monahan actually has some experience already performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” — after all, he’s done so at many sporting events. That includes a prior NBA Finals game! Experience certainly means that things probably aren’t going to go careening off the cliff.

As for the Canadian National Anthem, you’re going to see Sarah McLachlan come out in order to perform “O Canada.” It’s a gig that she’s also done in the past, but obviously, it’s a little bit of a bigger deal here given that this is one of the biggest stages imaginable. The ratings for the NBA Finals are off the charts in Canada, as the Toronto Raptors are playing for more than just their city — they are basically playing for the entire country. It’s unfortunate that an injury (and some booing fans) took away from what was one of the greatest National Anthem performances we’ve seen. After all, it was the public who came out in order to perform “O Canada” before the start of episode 5.

How were the Anthems?

Ultimately, we’d give both of them a stamp of approval for what they brought vocally. It’s almost like each one of them knew the other one would be amazing so they looked at this as motivation to boost their performances to the next level. Is Twitter harsh about Pat’s hair, or the fact that Train hasn’t had a bit hit in quite some time? Sure, but that’s just what social media does. From the perspective of the vocals alone, this was a worthy start to what is going to be a crazy, electric game.

For some other news when it comes to the NBA Finals and National Anthem performances…

Just be sure to visit the link here, and of course stay tuned — if there is a game 7 coming up in the future, we’ll have that for you soon.

What do you think about tonight’s NBA Finals performance from Pat Monahan? Be sure to share right now in the comments. (Photo: ABC.)