Fly Dragons lose Marbury’s first game since leaving Ducks

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Stephon Marbury and the Beikong Fly Dragons visited the Ducks at the Wukesong Arena on Thursday, for the first time since the 40-year-old parted ways with the team he led to three titles in the Chinese Basketball Association.

This was the second Capital Clash of this CBA season. The Ducks went on to defeat the visiting Fly Dragons in the 26th game of the campaign for both sides. Despite wearing the visiting team's gold uniform, Marbury received a warm welcome at his old stomping grounds before tip-off.

His new side then got off to a strong start, as Zaid Abbas found Wang Zheng for a kiss off the glass, and Beikong took a 30-25 lead after the first quarter.

Beijing Ducks’ Aaron Jackson (R) in action. /VCG Photo

Beijing began to heat up in the second quarter, as Fang Shuo's three-pointer put the hosts ahead by two. The game became increasingly fierce when He Xining of the Fly Dragons elbowed the Ducks’ Aaron Jackson in the back, provoking an angry reaction.

After halftime, He tumbled to the floor following a lay-up, and was kicked in the head by Chang Lin in retaliation for his earlier antics. Chang was ejected by the referees. He recovered to score 10 points in the third quarter, helping Beikong grab an 86-81 edge, but eventually losing despite this advantage.