THE ARENA — You likely don't remember Natalie Gilbert Zito's name, but you probably have seen the video of her singing the "The Star-Spangled Banner" before an NBA game 22 years ago.

Zito, then 13, struggled with the yips, forgetting words to the national anthem before a Portland Trail Blazers game in 2003. Then-Trail Blazers head coach Maurice Cheeks walked up and sang alongside her, assisting her through the rest of the way.

"I just remember I was really sick and I didn't feel like myself. And when I felt like I was very helpless and hopeless, Coach walked right over — no hesitation — and helped me finish the song," she told the Trail Blazers broadcast as she reflected on the moment all these years later.

The moment went viral before the internet made clips instantly viral, leading to many jokes but also praise for Cheeks' simple act of kindness. Zito said that moment also gave her the courage to carry on in the aftermath, including appearances ranging from CNN to Comedy Central's "Tosh.0" over the years.

Twenty-two years later, she got her redemption, flawlessly belting out the national anthem before the team's game Wednesday night, which included a wholesome reunion.

Portland was playing host to the New York Knicks, where Cheeks is now an assistant coach. He can be seen on the Jumbotron proudly smiling and applauding as Zito hits all the right notes.

Zito told the broadcast she still sings, even if Wednesday was the largest crowd she's sung in front of in over a decade. She's now helping run her father's business and is also a Blazers season ticket holder these days.

She added that getting to reunite with Cheeks and sing in front of a large crowd was "amazing."

Sure, the Trail Blazers lost on a controversial buzzer-beating shot later that night, but this pregame moment reminds us all about what's bigger than the game.

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