Chinese artist Gao Hong performs the US national anthem with  pipa, a four-stringed Chinese traditional instrument, before the game at Target Center in Minnesota on Feb 13, 2018. [Photo/Chinaculture.org]

Hong Lei, Chinese consul general in Chicago; Ethan Casson, CEO of the Timberwolves and many other Chinese and US officials attended the event, together with nearly 20,000 spectators. Before the game, Hong and Casson exchanged gifts on the court to extend New Year greetings to each other.