Marbury Struggles in Debut

Stephon Marbury couldn’t get over the sight of himself wearing the jersey of his hometown New York Knicks. He would have looked better in it if the result had been different.

LeBron James’ 10 assists and Zydrunas Ilgauskas’ 24 points led the Cavaliers past the new-look Knicks, 107-96, Tuesday night at Cleveland.

Marbury, traded from Phoenix to New York along with Penny Hardaway a day earlier, had only eight points and eight assists after being cleared to play 30 minutes before tipoff.

The Brooklyn, N.Y., native was emotional after the game in describing his new uniform.

“I touched it and felt the number. It’s a beautiful jersey,” Marbury said. “I like everything about this team. We have so many guys who can play.”

James had 14 points on a poor shooting night, but his assists tied his career high. Eric Williams made baskets at several key points and finished with a season-high 22.

Hardaway had six points on three-of-nine shooting. Keith Van Horn led New York with 20 points.

“I didn’t really play like I normally do because I was so excited,” Marbury said. “I was trying to learn the guys -- that will come.”

*

San Antonio 94, Washington 72 -- Tim Duncan and Tony Parker had 16 points apiece at San Antonio as the Spurs outshot an opponent from the free-throw line for the first time in 13 games.

San Antonio made 12 of 15 free throws, its best performance at the line since early November. The Wizards were 17 of 31 (54.8%) from the line.

Gilbert Arenas led the Wizards with 17 points.

*

Indiana 114, Orlando 107 -- Jermaine O’Neal had 25 points, nine rebounds and four blocked shots to help the Pacers overcome a 43-point performance by Tracy McGrady at Indianapolis.

*

Sacramento 105, Atlanta 89 -- Peja Stojakovic scored 28 points at Sacramento in the Kings’ fourth consecutive victory.

The Kings improved the NBA’s best record to 24-8 with their 26th straight home win over Eastern Conference teams.

Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Stephen Jackson each scored 19 points for the Hawks.

*

Memphis at Portland, ppd. -- A winter storm postponed the game at Portland. It has been rescheduled for March 3.