Stephon Marbury, a former NBA guard, had promised Beijing fans a CBA (Chinese Basketball Association league) championship and he did it on Friday for Beijing's first ever national title.
The 35-year-old guard led Beijing Ducks to lift the team with 41 points and 7 assists in the decisive game in which Beijing beat Guangdong Hongyuan 124-121. Beijing won the CBA final series 4-1 and took the championship.
"I kept my promise," said Marbury. "When I first came to China, I promised that I can take a CBA championship."
The Beijing leader was fouled out with 71 seconds left, when the two teams leveled 121-121. "I wish I never fouled by that's the way we are supposed to win," said Marbury. "I believed in my teammates."
"Thank the guys to give me the power to be able to keep playing on the basketball court, and have a wonderful year in China."
Leaving behind his negative image which troubled him a couple of years ago when he was an NBA veteran, Marbury enjoyed his new life in China.
"Play hard with my friends and win the championship, that's the most important thing in the world," said Marbury.
"I have a different life in China, and I cherish this opportunity."
It was Marbury's third season in China, and he decided to keep on his journey in the country.
"I will retire in China, and I'm still playing basketball," said he.
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