Philadelphia 76ers star forward George pulled up for threes on fast breaks while Butler almost drove the lane and dunked at will, handling the international stars a 70-37 lead at the break.

Fans donning jerseys with George, Harden and Butler printed on the back flocked to AsiaWorld-Expo well ahead of the 7.15pm start time, with queues forming almost three hours earlier.

Some 5,094 tickets, ranging from the cheapest at HK$180 to the most expensive ones at HK$3,880 were all sold out and scalpers were seen offering fans more than face value for their tickets, suggesting an excess demand.

There were small queues at the sales centre for souvenirs, with key rings, tote bags, event T-shirts and mini-basketballs – ranging from HK$38 to HK$288, on offer.

The atmosphere inside the area built steadily despite fans appearing to be seated too far from the action, while there was little variation in height between the front row and those behind.

In fact, the first 20 rows behind the courtside seats were almost horizontal to the floor and fans at the back were forced to watch through mobile screens at times, when those at the front held up their mobile phones to film and take pictures. Fans though seemed unbothered.

“I really enjoy it because it’s the first time I am getting to watch live and be so close to the NBA stars,” Duncan Tam said. “I always watch on TV so this is the first time I can see them face-to-face and it’s really cool.

“I am a big basketball fan and I came to see James Harden but also Paul George – Harden is one of my favourite players in the NBA.”

Another fan, who did not wish to be named, came with his wife and three-year-old son, and he paid HK$1,000 each for each ticket.

“The games are very fun and exciting; it’s great and the organisers did a very great job,” he said. “I am really enjoying it and so is my kid … I will certainly come back if these stars are to play here again.”

In line with tradition, the third quarter saw local children playing against Yao Foundation Hope Primary School Basketball Season players; star guard Guo Ailun of reigning CBA champions Liaoning Flying Leopards suited up for the mainland Chinese children.

But it was the introduction of Butler and Harden late in the quarter that drew the loudest cheers from the stands. Six-time NBA All-Star Butler managed to draw even louder cheers when he passed to his teammate before sending his shot out of bounds.

The final quarter saw two teams swapping players in a game where defence was not a priority. As it wound down, and more dunks, wild three-pointers, and air balls became the order of the day, fans headed for the exits.