Marbury helps Beijing stun defending champions

Stephon Marbury (C) of Beijing Ducks shoots against Guangdong Hongyuan players during the first round of the CBA finals at the Mastercard center in Beijing, March 21, 2012. [Photo/Asianewsphoto]

BEIJING - Stephon Marbury grabbed a game-high 36 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists to help CBA finals newcomer Beijing Ducks shock defending champions Guangdong Hongyuan 108-101 at home in the first game of the best-of-seven final series on Wednesday.

After entering CBA finals for the first time in franchise history, Beijing Ducks moved from its former home Shougang Basketball Center Gymnasium to Mastercard center, in which the 2008 Beijing Olympics basketball finals was held.

"Twenty-two turnovers are unbearable, which gave them too many counter attack chances," Guangdong coach Li Chunjiang said. "Well, It's Ok. We have experienced a lot in the finals," Li added.

Six players got double-digit points for Beijing.

Besides Aaron Brooks's 36, only James Singleton and Su Wei scored double for Guangdong.

With 18,000 home fans' cheering, Marbury, 35, scored 8 points in the first quarter as Beijing rallied from 8-14 to take the lead on 37-22 with a 15-2 surge.

Guangdong trimmed the double-digit deficit to 6 points in the second, but Beijing usurped the lead on 55-47 at the break.

Guangdong suffered cold hand from downtown and inside the paint before Beijing extended the advantage to a maximum of 22 point on 76-54 in the third quarter.

Guangdong cut the gap again in the last period on 88-96 after Morris was fouled out with 7 minutes to play. Singleton's layup took Guangdong to 98-101 with 3 minutes and 10 seconds left. However, Marbury made a vital jumper to seal the victory at home.

Stephon Marbury (R) of Beijing Ducks grabs an offensive rebound against Guangdong Hongyuan's Zhou Peng during the first round of the CBA finals at the Mastercard center in Beijing, March 21, 2012. [Photo/Asianewsphoto]