Stephon Marbury talks ‘powerful’ reunion with Knicks legends as playoff surge continues



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Stephon Marbury doesn’t take for granted the brotherhood that Knicks alumni share.

The former two-time All-NBA point guard — who spent five seasons with the Knicks in his 13-year NBA career — was elated after a “powerful” reunion with nine team legends at Game 2 of the Knicks-Pacers second-round playoff series at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.

A photo of the group — which featured Marbury with Steve Novak, Allan Houston, Latrell Sprewell, Marbury, Tim Thomas, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Bernard King, Amar’e Stoudemire, John Starks and Gerald Wilkins — standing court side at The Garden went viral on social media.

“It’s so powerful,” Marbury told The Post on Wednesday. “I mean the picture, the presence within itself of so much basketball, so much knowledge so many baskets, so many assists, fouls — so many things that went on in playing a game that so many people love here in New York.

“Bernard King and myself were talking about being from New York and playing for New York. It’s kind of like what Wes [Knicks executive vice president William Wesley] said, he said, ‘you’re a part of the cloth of New York Knicks, so it’s only right for you to be here helping cheer the young fellas on.’”

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Former professional basketball player and New York City native Stephon Marbury visits the New York Post studios in midtown Manhattan on Thursday May 9, 2024. Billy Becerra / NY Post

Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson explained the importance of having alumni supporting their playoff run.

“Having the Knicks legends around is special. It’s really cool to see,” Brunson said after Wednesday’s 130-121 win against Indiana in Game 2. “They come out and show support. It’s not just one game. They’ve been to a lot of games. They’re not just sitting there drinking, having some popcorn. They’re up yelling, screaming, into the game. It’s really cool to see those guys there. We definitely appreciate it.”

John Starks, left, and Stephon Marbury, right, watch during the first half of Game 2 of the Knicks-Pacers second-round playoff series at MS on May 8, 2024, in New York. AP
Stephon Marbury at Game 2 of the Knicks-Pacers second-round playoff series at Madison Square Garden on May 8, 2024. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Marbury, the No. 4-overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, was out of his seat and standing up, pacing the sideline for much of Games 1 and 2 at The Garden — where the Knicks took a 2-0 series lead.

“I’m a home-grown New York Knick fan, for real,” said Marbury, who is a New York native and grew up a lifelong Knicks fan. “So for me to be able to be in the atmosphere and feel that energy, it’s like a privilege.”


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Marbury was drafted by the Bucks and played for the Timberwolves, the then-New Jersey Nets and Phoenix Suns before he was traded to New York, where he played his most games with a single team.

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New York holds a special place in his heart, and he said he’s glad to be back with his family after a successful playing career and coaching stint in China.

The Knicks are just two wins away from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.

Former New York Knicks player Stephon Marbury cheers during the second half of Game 1 of the Knicks-Pacers second-round playoff series May 6, 2024, in New York. AP

The Pacers host the Knicks for Game 4 on Friday at 7 p.m. ET.



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