As the NBA preseason kicks off a new season, a star-studded charity game featuring basketball legends is captivating audiences in China.
On the night of October 11, the 2024 JuXing Celebrity Game concluded at the Xuhui Sports Gymnasium in Shanghai, showcasing an exhilarating basketball showdown. NBA legends Kevin Garnett, Richard Hamilton, Deron Williams, and Stephon Marbury joined forces with a host of entertainment stars for this remarkable event.
In a thrilling finish, the JuXing White Team, led by Hamilton and Williams, triumphed over the JuXing Blue Team, captained by Garnett and Marbury, with a score of 76 to 73. The standout performance came from rising star Wu Yonghao, who recorded 24 points and 14 rebounds, earning him the coveted MVP trophy. Additionally, former Chinese national team player Fan Zhiyi was honored with the “Spirit of Entertainment” award, popular idol Yu Shirong received the “Best Effort” award, and mainland actor Chai Junzhe was recognized as the “Best Teammate.”
The two-day JuXing Celebrity Game was more than a friendly exhibition. Besides the fierce competition on the court, the event also included tributes to basketball legends. After the first quarter, a tribute video honoring Deron Williams was shown on the big screen. Four of his devoted fans were invited to share personal memorabilia, including tickets from his NBA debut and final game, as well as a jersey from his time in the NBA Finals. The founder of the Deron Williams Chinese website, celebrating its 16th anniversary, also presented an autographed No. 8 jersey.
Visibly moved by the heartfelt surprises from his fans, Williams remarked, “It’s been ten years since my last visit to China, and the city has changed so much, but the passion of the fans remains. I’m thrilled to be back in Shanghai; it’s a beautiful city, and I’m enjoying my time here.”
During the third and fourth quarters, another tribute video celebrated Kevin Garnett, where a fan showcased his extensive collection of Garnett’s jerseys and shared stories behind each piece. The fan also presented Garnett with a traditional Chinese paper-cutting artwork that captured a memorable championship moment.
Grateful for such a thoughtful gift, Garnett expressed his appreciation in Chinese to the Chinese basketball fans. He reflected on the significance of being an NBA legend, stating, “Legendary status isn’t just about age; it symbolizes victory. Regardless of championships, all legendary players are winners.”
The evening also featured a special performance dedicated to legends. After glimpses of Marbury’s iconic moments flashed on the big screen, he emerged to cheers from the crowd. Greeting the fans in Chinese, Marbury, known as the “Lone Wolf,” shared his interpretation of “pride.” He passionately conveyed that this pride represents the spirit he strives to instill in his opponents, himself, and all the fans—a belief in oneself and the team.
Following Marbury’s tribute, Hamilton took center stage, where 15 fans from diverse backgrounds presented heartfelt surprises. A fan from Sichuan gifted Hamilton a panda plushie, while another showcased a Sichuan Opera mask, symbolizing both Hamilton’s nickname, “The Masked Man,” and the beauty of Chinese culture.
Many fans also expressed their admiration for Hamilton through a tribute video, sharing personal stories about their connections with him. Having last visited China in 2016, Hamilton expressed his affection for the country and its enthusiastic fans, noting that he brought his son along this time to experience the vibrant fan culture.
The JuXing Celebrity Game not only featured iconic athletes and entertainment stars but also showcased heartfelt acts of kindness. During the event, the NBA Cares initiative brought Marbury and experienced youth basketball coach Gao Shan to the Shanghai School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, where they engaged students in the joy of sports.
