Welcome back, Kyrie: Irving scores 17 for Mavs in China, his return game after 2025 knee injury

Kyrie Irving returned to the NBA after 600 days following a knee injury. The Dallas Mavericks welcomed him back with a 17-point performance, marking his first game action since tearing his ACL on March 3, 2025. Coach Dusty May praised Irving's physical and mental condition, calling him "an artist" and "a jazz musician." Irving shot 6 for 13 in just under 22 minutes, along with three assists and two rebounds.

Dallas defeated the Houston Rockets in a preseason game 132-115 in Macao, China. The crowd in China, which supports the Rockets due to Chinese superstar Yao Ming, was particularly enthusiastic. Irving expressed gratitude for the support from teammates and fans, and thanked coach Dusty May for calling the first play for him.