Originally Posted by New York Daily News

One of the most difficult periods of Stephon Marbury’s life took a painful turn last night when his father, Don, died after attending the Knicks’ game at Madison Square Garden, the team spokesman Jonathan Supranowitz confirmed.

According to the New York Daily News, Don Marbury Sr. was taken from the arena by ambulance during the Knicks’ 115-104 loss to the Phoenix Suns . The cause of death was not immediately known.

Team officials kept the locker room closed for about 25 minutes after the game, apparently because players were in shock, and to allow Stephon Marbury to leave before the news media entered. Only a handful of players, Zach Randolph, Fred Jones and Quentin Richardson among them, were still in the locker room when reporters were allowed in. They spoke in somber tones about the game but mentioned nothing about Marbury. At about 9:55 p.m., Marbury walked back into the locker room to collect something from his stall. He did not address reporters and, as he left the area, shouted to someone, “Jesus, that’s how.”

A person who spoke with Knicks officials last night confirmed that Don Marbury had chest pains when he was taken from the arena. He died a short time later at a local hospital.

It is not clear when Marbury learned of his father’s death last night. He had 21 points and 4 assists in the game, which was close until the fourth quarter.