At 7 PM, Zhang Hao, Kenny Anderson, Doug Christie, George Lynch, and Barkley started the game.
The Phoenix Suns sent out their starting lineup of Kidd, Kevin Johnson, Sibaros, Mark Bryant, and Hot Williams.
After the game started, Zhang Hao helped the Lakers win the jump ball, and Barkley quickly got downcourt to receive Kenny Anderson's long pass, executing a beautiful baseline spin layup.
The speed of that fast break, the quick three steps after grabbing the ball, and the burst during the jump—it's hard to believe he's an almost 34-year-old undersized interior player.
Offensive and defensive transition, Kidd dribbled up to the frontcourt.
Originally, Kidd constantly adjusted his mindset before the game, worrying he might get too impatient when facing Zhang Hao, as he did last season whenever he met Zhang Hao, feeling irritable. Zack wasn't adept at dealing with defenders like Zhang Hao, and every time he faced him, it ended worse than the time before.
