Both teams' starters proceeded onto the court, with Garnett and Noah taking the center jump.
When Noah saw Garnett, his eyes reddened with anger; Malone's psychological tactics had taken effect right from the start.
Amid the cheers of the fans, Noah tapped the ball back to his court, and the Bulls took the first offensive possession.
The Bulls opened their play with Noah orchestrating from a high post, setting hand-off assists to Ross, who scored after a teardrop shot following the breakthrough.
Noah wasn't naturally skilled at orchestrating attack; during his first two years, his assists were more the result of defensive rebounds advanced with long passes.
But by that time, he had already exhibited his passing prowess.
So, in the years when Ross was absent due to injury, the focus of the Bulls' playmaking shifted to Noah, who didn't disappoint Coach Thibodeau.
Switching sides, Irving took charge of the offense, but his first attempt seemed somewhat farcical.
