Ducks don't read the script for Marbury's 'homecoming'

Rapturous reception for legend but Royal Fighters drop to derby defeat

Walking onto the court he used to call "home" amid a standing ovation from fans that once roared him on as their team's hero, the memories came flooding back for Stephon Marbury on a night of highly charged and mixed emotions for the former Beijing Ducks star.

Now the head coach of the visiting Beijing Royal Fighters, Marbury's animated instructions from the sidelines in Wukesong Arena could not avert a 87-79 derby loss to the host in the American legend's seventh CBA game in charge of his new side.