Irving Returns After 586 Days, Leads Mavericks to Victory in Macau
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Kyrie Irving made his triumphant return to NBA action on Sunday in Macau, scoring 17 points in 22 minutes as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Houston Rockets 132-115 in the final game of the NBA China Games 2026. The eight-time All-Star, who had been sidelined since suffering a torn ACL over a year and a half ago, received high praise from teammates and coaches alike for his impressive comeback performance. The two-game exhibition series ended in a split result, with each team claiming one victory.
Key Points
- Irving played 22 minutes in his return, shooting 13-for-6 from the field for 17 points in the Mavericks' decisive 132-115 victory
- The 586-day absence marked one of the longest injury-related hiatuses for an active NBA superstar in recent memory
- Cooper Flagg, the second-year sensation, contributed 14 points and a team-high 7 assists in his first game alongside Irving
- Mavericks head coach Dusty May compared Irving to "a jazz musician" for his artistic approach to the game
- Kevin Durant sat out the second game as a rest measure, though Rockets coach Ime Udoka emphasized the team remained focused on preparation
Why It Matters
Irving's successful return provides the Mavericks with a fully healthy core heading into the regular season, while his leadership and mentorship of young players like Flagg could prove invaluable for the team's long-term success. For the Rockets, Marcus Smart's integration into the rotation and the continued development of Amen Thompson as a defensive force signal the team's ambitions to compete at the highest level in the Western Conference .
Irving's successful return provides the Mavericks with a fully healthy core heading into the regular season, while his leadership and mentorship of young players like Flagg could prove invaluable for the team's long-term success. For the Rockets, Marcus Smart's integration into the rotation and the continued development of Amen Thompson as a defensive force signal the team's ambitions to compete at the highest level in the Western Conference .