The pre-game preparation time ended, and the starting players of both teams came onto the court.
Bobcats: Felton, Zhang Yang, Hill, Okafor, Perkins,
Miami Heat: Jason Williams, Wade, Ricky Davis, Haslem, O'Neal.
Ricky Davis was acquired during the off-season in exchange for Anthony Walker by the mastermind.
The Timberwolves got Bynum, who did not like Ricky Davis; the mastermind valued Davis for his expiring contract, which would allow them to get rid of the remaining three years and $25 million of Anthony Walker's contract. The Timberwolves were interested in Walker's ability to organize the offense and shoot from distance, thus both sides got what they needed.
At 7 p.m., Okafor outjumped O'Neal to win the tip-off, and the game started with the Bobcats attacking first.
Felton advanced to the frontcourt and passed the ball to Zhang Yang.
After receiving the ball, Zhang Yang immediately made a ball-protecting motion as Wade stuck to him aggressively and fiercely from the start.