NBA fans knew they’d be in for a treat heading into Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night, given how important the game was for both teams with the series deadlocked at two games apiece.

They were treated to a special performance before the game even tipped off, as Metallica played the National Anthem and rocked Oracle Arena.

Props to the NBA for making this happen. Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki seemed to enjoy the performance.

It’s just too bad they didn’t get to play “Enter Sandman.”

[Video: The Cauldron]