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 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 were still in the locker room when reporters were allowed in.

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.