Kyrie Irving Scores 17 Points in Return for Mavericks in China

Kyrie Irving Scores 17 Points in Return Game in Macao

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving returned to game action on Sunday in Macao, China, scoring a team-high 17 points in a 132-115 preseason win over the Houston Rockets. Irving played just under 22 minutes, shooting 6-for-13 from the field with three assists and two rebounds in his first appearance since March 3, 2025.

Waiting Nearly 600 Days Following Left Knee Surgery

Irving waited nearly 600 days—specifically 586 days—between his last regular-season appearance and Sunday’s preseason contest. He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the first quarter of a March 3, 2025 home game against the Sacramento Kings when his right foot landed on then-Kings center Jonas Valančiūnas’ foot, causing him to land awkwardly. While he made two free throws before leaving in tears, the injury forced him to miss the final 20 regular-season games, both Play-In games of the 2024-25 season, and the entire 2025-26 campaign.

A Grade 2 calf strain suffered in December 2025 further delayed Irving’s rehabilitation timeline by approximately eight weeks. The Mavericks did not disclose that subsequent injury before ending his season on February 18, noting at the time that he was making steady progress in rehabilitation.

Opening Play Set the Tone in Preseason Victory

Dallas won the opening tap on Sunday, and reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg set up Irving on the right wing for a reverse layup on the game’s opening possession. Irving played eight minutes in the first quarter, a little more than eight in the second quarter, and returned for the first 5.5 minutes of the third quarter before sitting out the rest of the game.

Head coach Dusty May praised Irving’s execution and physical conditioning after the final whistle. It was just impressive, May told reporters in a postgame news conference. His physical condition, his mental condition, and then—I’ve said it from the first time I watched him in a workout—he’s an artist. He’s a jazz musician. … I didn’t expect him to play this well after being off so long.

Teammates and Opponents React to the Comeback Performance

Irving expressed gratitude for the reception he received from both his team and international fans. Grateful that Dusty called the first play for me, Irving said. Had my mind made up, just to attack. … I was imagining how it was going to go, dreaming about how it was going to go and just glad that I got that out the way.

Irving spoke about a broader purpose behind his return, emphasizing his desire to connect with the next generation through competition. I know I won’t get to everybody, but I know that when I perform on the court, they get a chance to feel a part of my journey, Irving stated.

Opponents on the floor acknowledged the significance of his return. Houston guard Marcus Smart observed that Irving looked sharp, telling reporters it was great to see him back on the court. Rockets coach Ime Udoka added that Irving looked back to his normal self, while guard Fred VanVleet—who resumed playing Friday following his own ACL recovery—noted that Irving looked better than ever after watching him during August pickup games in Los Angeles.

Veteran Presence Alongside Cooper Flagg

Irving has been a valuable example for second-year teammate Cooper Flagg, drawing comparisons to players like LeBron James and Kevin Durant while noting Flagg’s early competitive nature. Irving addressed comparisons between the young forward and league icons, stating that while James and Durant are on different career trajectories, Flagg shares the same foundational competitive drive and leadership capacity at a young age.

The Mavericks continue their preseason preparations as they look toward the upcoming regular season, aiming to integrate Irving back into a rotation that reached the NBA Finals in 2024 but missed the postseason in each of the last two years.

Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.