Marbury in home court debut gives Beikong fans hope

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Stephon Marbury is back, but wearing a new jersey, for what could be the last season of his long career. Having made the switch from the Beijing Ducks, last night he helped the city’s other side, the Beikong Fly Dragons, beat the Shandong Golden Stars 114-102 in their first home game.

On February 19th, the eve of Marbury's 40th birthday, the guard left Wukesong Stadium right after a defeat against Sichuan, leaving the birthday cake in the locker room as the Ducks failed to make the playoffs.

It was a disappointing way to end, what would turn out to be the last time he would wear a Ducks uniform.

Fans hold a giant poster supporting Stephon Marbury at the Beijing Olympic Sports Center. /VCG Photo

"I came here for one reason. That's Marbury," a fan excitedly remarked before the game last night. Beikong have never been close to filling their home court at the Olympic Sports Center, but a near capacity crowd was in attendance to watch Marbury’s debut.

"I am living in Beijing, I play for another team, you know its different but I am still in Beijing, so it’s the same fans pretty much," the former NBA All-Star said.

Moving from the city's other squad, the Beijing Ducks, Stephon Marbury has retained his position atop the capital basketball pyramid. His presence could be the difference in Beikong reaching the playoffs.

After losing their opening game at Nanjing, the Fly Dragons took firm control at home against championship contenders Shandong. Marbury once again proved his value by leading the hosts to a nearly 20-point advantage at half-time.

Stephon Marbury in action against the Shandong Golden Stars at the Beijing Olympic Sports Center. /VCG Photo‍

"I am just playing basketball I mean, I don't think about my age. My body sometimes doesn’t feel like when I was young, but I do all the work to make sure that I am be able to play like that," the 40-year-old told CGTN.

But Beikong showed signs of giving up their lead in the dying minutes. With Ding Yanyuhang stepping up, the Golden Stars drew close, and threatened to claw back.

Marbury stayed on the court until the final second of the game to ensure there were no critical mistakes in his home debut. "I am just happy that the guys came out and play well tonight for the first three quarters, but we relaxed in the last period."

From a team that were rarely seen outside the shadow of the three-time champions, the Fly Dragons are among several potential rising powers in the CBA.

With the first home court win, fans now have more to expect with Marbury and his new team.

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