Once both teams' starters had taken the court and gotten into position, the game officially began.
Deandre Ayton won the opening tip, tipping the ball back to his team. Phoenix immediately launched its first possession.
Haliburton brought the ball across half court at a quick pace and moved to the top of the key.
He paused briefly to wait for his teammates to get into position, then moved toward the right side of the arc, looking ready to pass to Booker as he came up off a screen.
Just as Booker hurried past him and reached out for a handoff, Haliburton suddenly pulled the ball back, quickly changed direction, and fired a through pass to Ayton under the basket.
Ayton had just stepped out of the paint to avoid an offensive three-second violation before cutting back inside. He caught the pass and went straight up, finishing beautifully with a one-handed slam.
After landing, Ayton excitedly turned and pointed at Haliburton.
If anyone on the Suns had been the happiest to see Haliburton arrive, it was probably Ayton.
At last, he had someone who could consistently deliver high-quality passes to him!
At last, someone could run a high-level pick-and-roll with him. How could that not be exciting?
The Knicks brought the ball up for a counterattack.
After Rose dribbled across half court, he began the play at the top of the key.
He waved Harten over for a screen, then accelerated into the mid-range before passing out to Chen Xi on the wing.
Chen Xi didn't get a great opportunity when he caught the ball.
The Suns' defense had indeed tightened slightly in response to Rose's drive, but Booker had clearly kept his focus on Chen Xi, so he recovered in time.
But that was no problem.
So what if he'd