Mavericks Embrace Global Stage in Macau as Kyrie Irving Makes His Return

The Dallas Mavericks traveled more than 8,000 miles from home to begin preparations for the 2026-27 NBA season. Upon arriving in China, they were introduced to an experience that extended beyond basketball.

When the Mavericks arrived at their hotel, they were greeted by fans who had come to see the team ahead of the 2026 NBA China Games against the Houston Rockets. Many of the younger players were stunned by the number of dedicated fans waiting for them. Morez Johnson Jr. was one of those players.

“Packed inside the hotel, too. Up top, it was crazy,” Johnson said. “It was a bunch of fans out there.”

The Mavericks returned to China for the first time since 2018. The team participated in practices and community activities while learning about their surroundings. They also prepared to face their division rivals from down I-45 twice during their stay.

For Johnson, the trip provided an opportunity to experience something new outside of basketball.

“I didn’t know anything about us going to China, and I’m just grateful to be here, experience a new part of the world,” Johnson said.

Living in Macau

As the Mavericks became more comfortable in Macau, they began adjusting to the time difference and being thousands of miles from home. By Tuesday, the team was ready to begin practicing.

Knowing that the players had traveled such a long distance, Mavericks coach Dusty May wanted to ease them back into their routine.

“Today is what we call get what you need, right? And Coach Dusty’s here. He knows exactly where we’re coming from in terms of where our legs are,” Kyrie Irving said.

Irving also recommended how his teammates could spend their free time.

“I feel like everybody needs to go do a hot pot, and break bread together and circle the table a little bit, swivel the table,” Irving said.

NBA House opened to the public Wednesday at The Venetian Macao, offering interactive experiences and displays that allowed visitors to learn more about basketball. The festivities also included youth basketball clinics and community programs focused on health, wellness and sustainability.

Cooper Flagg Grows His Following

Cooper Flagg has been growing his name around the world, and he discovered just how large his following had become Thursday.

The reigning NBA Rookie of the Year unveiled his personal New Balance logo at the NBA flagship store in Macau. Despite limited advance promotion, approximately 2,000 fans came to see Flagg.

“Just to see that many people show up that quickly, it was really cool,” Flagg said.

Getting to meet those fans meant a lot to Flagg, who had dreamed of experiencing opportunities like this while growing up.

“It’s really special to, you know, have that chance, like I said, to come to a new place, to embrace new fans, new culture, and to be able to spread the love of the game,” Flagg said.

There is still plenty for Flagg to learn as he enters his second year of professional basketball.

Dallas wants to focus on defense this season under May. The Mavericks also hope to generate more open looks, play at a faster pace and create scoring opportunities through movement without the ball.

“We’ve been very pleased in practice with the defensive intensity, with the buy-in as far as how difficult we need to make the game for other teams, and how hard we have to play,” May said.

Meeting Others

The Mavericks had opportunities to connect with people from around the world during their time in China.

Soccer legend David Beckham stopped by NBA House on Friday to see the Mavericks’ exhibition. He toured the display alongside Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont.

“To be honest, I love archive stuff. I love the history of teams. And to see the Mavs, you know, create something like this here in Macau is very special,” Beckham said.

Beckham first visited Dallas as a teenager to participate in the Dallas Cup. He returned to North Texas throughout his soccer career, including appearances with the LA Galaxy and visits with Inter Miami. Beckham also spent time in Dallas with his family during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“So Dallas has a huge place in my heart,” Beckham said.

Dumont discussed how the experience at The Venetian Macao could influence what he wants to bring to the Mavericks’ future arena.

Along with serving as the Mavericks’ governor, Dumont is chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands and chairman of Sands China, which owns and operates The Venetian Macao.

His involvement with both organizations gives him experience in the hospitality industry that could help shape the fan experience at the Mavericks’ future home.

The Venetian Arena hosted both games between Dallas and Houston. With premium seating, dining options and entertainment spaces, the venue offers an example of the amenities Dumont hopes to provide in Dallas.

“We’re really excited about building a new arena in Dallas,” Dumont said. “We think that this arena shows the type of hospitality that you can bring at a five-star level to really elevate the fan experience and create something really special.”

Dumont hopes the new arena will provide fans with VIP areas, improved views of the court and hospitality spaces where they can socialize while remaining close to the action.

Mavericks Face the Houston Rockets

Going into Friday’s game against Houston, May stated that he wanted to see improvements from his team offensively.

“Our shot diet, our shot profile has to improve from the team last year,” May said. “We have to generate better, more efficient looks and then we’ve got to figure out ways to get easier baskets.”

The Rockets got off to a quick start and led the Mavericks 65-45 at halftime. Houston went on to defeat Dallas 135-117 at The Venetian Arena.

Cooper Flagg led the Mavericks with 19 points, six rebounds and three assists in approximately 19 minutes of playing time.

Dallas recorded 34 assists and attempted 51 3-pointers. The numbers reflected the team’s emphasis on moving the basketball and creating open shots, although Houston was more efficient offensively and controlled the game.

“Obviously we have a different identity, a different culture,” Flagg said. “We’re trying to play faster, sharing the ball more.”

The Mavericks also had another new player on the court in Zaccharie Risacher, who finished with nine points and eight rebounds in his Dallas debut.

The former No. 1 overall pick was excited about his new opportunity.

“I’m super excited about this new chapter,” Risacher said.

Sergio de Larrea finished with 11 points and six assists as the Mavericks experimented with different lineup combinations throughout the game.

Kevin Durant played in Friday’s game but was ruled out for Sunday’s rematch against Dallas.

Durant spoke highly of his former teammate when asked about Irving.

“His work ethic is second to none. His approach to the game mentally is second to none,” Durant said.

Fred VanVleet, who also returned from a lengthy injury absence, commented on Irving’s recovery.

“I saw him play in August. He looks better than ever,” VanVleet said.

Last Days in China

NBA Fan Day was held Saturday, allowing more fans to see their favorite NBA players and participate in activities.

The Mavericks also began making adjustments after their loss to Houston.

May was pleased with the competitiveness he saw from de Larrea. He was also impressed by Risacher’s development during the game and praised veteran Dwight Powell for helping the younger players.

P.J. Washington also caught May’s attention as the forward prepared to return after sitting out the first game.

The Mavericks entered Sunday’s matchup without Dereck Lively II, Santi Aldama, Marcus Sasser and Johnson.

However, Dallas welcomed back one player many had been waiting to see.

Kyrie Irving Makes His Return to NBA Action

Kyrie Irving took the court Sunday evening after being sidelined for more than a year and a half with a torn left ACL.

May called a play for Irving on the Mavericks’ opening possession. Irving drove along the baseline and scored the team’s first basket with a reverse layup.

Within 14 seconds, Irving was making an impact.

“Grateful that Dusty called the first play for me, had my mind made up just to attack,” Irving said.

The crowd at The Venetian Arena erupted when Irving scored his first basket. His teammates rose from the bench to celebrate the moment.

“I was kind of imagining how it was going to go, dreaming about how it was going to go,” Irving said.

Irving finished with 17 points and three assists in approximately 22 minutes of playing time. The Mavericks went on to defeat the Rockets 132-115 to split the two-game series.

Flagg added 14 points and seven assists, while Risacher scored 16 points in the victory. The Mavericks also held Houston to 29.8% shooting from 3-point range after the Rockets shot 50% in the first game.

Houston played without Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet and Alperen Şengün. Dallas still had an opportunity to evaluate its progress and see what Irving could provide alongside his new teammates.

May was pleased with Irving’s performance after watching him throughout training camp.

“He’s an artist, a jazz musician,” May said.

The Mavericks will have to continue learning how to maximize Irving’s and Flagg’s offensive talents together this season.

Irving spent months rehabilitating his body and preparing mentally to return to basketball at a high level.

“This wasn’t a solo job,” Irving said earlier in the week.

Several family members traveled to China to watch Irving play, including his daughter Azuri, his parents and his sister.

“It’s nothing like having my dad here, my stepmom and also my sister, my nephew, and my brother-in-law,” Irving said.

Irving also thanked the fans who welcomed him to China and Mavericks supporters who woke up early in Dallas to watch him play.

“Just always feeling just the unconditional support. It goes a long way for athletes like myself in this position,” Irving said.

The Mavericks have several positive qualities to take home after playing two games in China.

“I think we have great depth,” May said. “We have a good mix of veteran players that have been through the battles and then they’re complemented with some young, eager guys that are trying to fit in in any way, shape or form.”

The Mavericks finished their trip to China with a 1-1 record and a better understanding of what they need to improve before the regular season.

With Irving back on the court, he can begin working toward returning to the level of basketball he played before his injury.

“Basketball is the easy part. Preparing for it is the harder part,” Irving said.

The Mavericks will finish their preseason schedule at American Airlines Center against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, Oct. 14, and the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, Oct. 16. Both games tip off at 7 p.m. CT.

Dallas will open the regular season Oct. 21 against Houston before traveling to Indiana on Oct. 23 and hosting the San Antonio Spurs for its home opener Oct. 24.

Can the Mavericks, with Irving returning to action and several new faces on the roster, make a significant difference this season? Only time will tell.