Dallas Mavericks Shine in Macau as Kyrie Irving Returns to Action

The Dallas Mavericks made a significant trek of over 8,000 miles to prepare for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season. Upon their arrival in China, they encountered a fervent welcome from numerous fans eager to support the team ahead of the 2026 NBA China Games against the Houston Rockets. Rookie Morez Johnson Jr. expressed surprise at the level of support, stating, ‘It was packed inside the hotel, too. Up top, it was crazy.’

This trip marked the Mavericks’ first return to China since 2018, allowing them not just to train but also to engage in community activities. During their stay, the team prepared to take on their Texas rivals twice. Kyrie Irving, who was sidelined for over a year due to injury, impressed on his return, scoring a basket on his first play. After losing the first game to the Rockets 135-117, the Mavericks secured a victory in the rematch, 132-115, with Irving contributing significantly.