Grammy-nominated singer-actor Avery Wilson took the stage at Madison Square Garden earlier today to sing the national anthem for the New York Knicks at NBA Finals Game 3, continuing a remarkable playoff run that has coincided with the team’s undefeated home record.
Wilson, best known for playing the Scarecrow in Broadway’s revival of The Wiz, has become a fixture at Knicks playoff games throughout the 2026 postseason. The Knicks are 6-0 in games where Wilson has performed the national anthem at MSG, according to multiple reports.
Wilson’s journey to becoming the Knicks’ unofficial good-luck charm began during the opening round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Since Game 3 of that series, he has performed the national anthem before nearly every Knicks home playoff game, with his performances drawing praise from fans and media alike.
The singer’s involvement with the team has added an unexpected narrative to the Knicks’ championship run. While the team’s success rests primarily on its players’ performance on the court, Wilson’s consistent presence and vocal talent have made him a symbol of the team’s postseason momentum.
Wilson’s Broadway credits and music career have made him a recognizable figure in New York entertainment circles. His nomination for a Grammy Award reflects his standing in the music industry, and his addition to the Knicks’ playoff atmosphere has introduced his talents to a broader sports audience.
Sources
- New York Daily News — reported Wilson as a Grammy-nominated singer-actor playing the Scarecrow in The Wiz, performing the national anthem before nearly every Knicks playoff game at Madison Square Garden
- New York Post — documented Wilson’s national anthems becoming a ‘good luck charm’ during the Knicks’ playoff run, with the team undefeated when he performs
- Yahoo! Sports — confirmed Wilson has performed six times during the playoffs and the Knicks are undefeated in those games
- Wikipedia — verified Wilson was born July 18, 1995, and is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor
- Grammy.com — confirmed Wilson’s Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album as part of The Wiz cast
