Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) throws a bounce pass during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) throws a bounce pass during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News

MACAO, China — When last we saw Kyrie Irving in a game, he was hobbled on one leg, gritting his teeth, in tears, as he knocked down two free throws in a deathly silent American Airlines Center. 

Nineteen months and eight days later, halfway around the world from Dallas, Irving made his long-awaited return against Houston in Macao on Sunday night, scoring on a reverse layup 14 seconds into the game. 

So loud was The Venetian Arena sellout crowd’s eruption that it perhaps could be heard in the neighboring casino, if not out on the Cotai Strip. Back in Dallas it was 5:12 a.m., but perhaps there were yelps there, too. 

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Irving’s opening statement in Dallas’ 132-115 NBA China Game preseason victory foreshadowed his 17-point, 3-assist, 2-rebound, 21-minute performance that emphatically declared he’s indeed back from that March 3, 2025 ACL tear. 

“I saw that baseline open up a bit and just felt good to get that out of the way,” he said. “I was imagining how it was gonna go, dreaming about how it was gonna go.” 

With that emotional hurdle cleared, it was on to the night’s other long-anticipated subplot, Irving’s first pairing with reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. 

That, too, went promisingly, with Flagg contributing 14 points and 7 assists, including a full-court pass to a streaking Irving for a layup.

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) high-fives forward Cooper Flagg (32) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) high-fives forward Cooper Flagg (32) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News

This, however, was just a brief preview, the second of two NBA China Games against the Rockets here in three days. That didn’t stop one reporter, however, from asking Irving to compare his potential with Flagg with the years Irving had with LeBron James in Cleveland and Kevin Durant in Brooklyn. 

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“They’re on their own separate categories and trajectories,” Irving said. “I will say this: I think Coop falls in line with having that competitive nature at a very young age. 

“To be able to lead a team, to be able to be on a great team … and I love that he’s a two-way player. I love that he cares about using his voice as he’s growing into year two.”   

The object, as the Mavericks return from a whirlwind six days here in the Las Vegas of China to prepare for the regular season, is for Irving and Flagg to make life on the court easier for one another.

That, in turn, will make easier Dusty May’s first season as an NBA coach. Before Sunday’s game, May noted that many players who return from long injury absences don’t play well in their first game back. Irving, 34, proved to be an exception. As usual.

“I’ve said it from the first time I watched him in a workout: He’s an artist,” May said. “He’s a jazz musician — just to see the way he thinks a game, manipulates a game.” 

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Two nights after losing to the Rockets 135-117, the Mavericks’ collective body language was noticeably buoyant with Irving on the court.  

He looked fast as ever. Fearless in the paint as always. Showed the same penchant for electrifying the crowd, and teammates. 

Late in the first quarter, he made a 25-footer to beat the shot clock. Late in the second quarter, he smoothly sank a left-hand floater in the lane. His 27-footer in the third quarter gave Dallas a 64-60 lead. Neither Irving, nor Flagg, played in the fourth quarter. 

“God is truly the greatest,” Irving said. “Just being able to perform at a high level, that felt amazing. I just humbled myself, but also was just being aggressive and trying to look like myself again.” 

Since training camp began Sept. 26, the Mavericks have noted how great Irving looked in scrimmages.   

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“If I didn’t know that he missed last year,” May said, “I wouldn’t be able to tell based on how he’s worked in preseason camp.” 

The Mavericks decided before this trip that Irving would play only one of the two China Games. That would seemingly indicate he’ll play in only one of Dallas’ last two preseason games, both of them at home, Thursday against New Orleans and Saturday vs. Atlanta. 

When Irving does play in AAC, it promises to be another emotional return.  

“I want to give a huge shout-out to my MFFLs because we’ve been very patient, and they’ve been very patient with me,” Irving said. 

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“I’m looking forward to the opportunity, but it’s going to be a process. I’m not taking any of these moments for granted. I want to hear them yell. I want to hear them scream our names. I want to hear them get excited again about what Dallas Mavericks basketball is all about.” 

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (center left) acknowledges fans before an NBA preseason basketball game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (center left) acknowledges fans before an NBA preseason basketball game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDozens of fans take photos and videos as the Dallas Mavericks team bus departs before an NBA preseason basketball game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dozens of fans take photos and videos as the Dallas Mavericks team bus departs before an NBA preseason basketball game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsA large Dallas Mavericks basketball is seen before an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

A large Dallas Mavericks basketball is seen before an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsThe Mavs Breakers cross the court with Mavs flags before an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

The Mavs Breakers cross the court with Mavs flags before an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving warms up before an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving warms up before an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsThe court is illuminated before an NBA preseason basketball game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

The court is illuminated before an NBA preseason basketball game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks players cheer as guard Kyrie Irving takes the court during player introductions before an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks players cheer as guard Kyrie Irving takes the court during player introductions before an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) thanks fans before an NBA preseason basketball game alongside Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) thanks fans before an NBA preseason basketball game alongside Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) and Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (30) jump for the opening tipoff of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) and Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (30) jump for the opening tipoff of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsHouston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) steals the ball from Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) alongside center Clint Capela (30) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) steals the ball from Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) alongside center Clint Capela (30) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) shoots a 3-pointer during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) shoots a 3-pointer during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks mascot Champ high-fives fans during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks mascot Champ high-fives fans during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dribbles the ball during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dribbles the ball during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) drives to the basket against Houston Rockets guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (31) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) drives to the basket against Houston Rockets guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (31) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) drives to the basket against Houston Rockets guard Bruce Thornton (2) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) drives to the basket against Houston Rockets guard Bruce Thornton (2) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) blocks a shot from Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) blocks a shot from Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) high-fives guard Kyrie Irving (11) after a basket during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) high-fives guard Kyrie Irving (11) after a basket during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks guard Max Christie (0) drives to the basket against Houston Rockets guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (31) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks guard Max Christie (0) drives to the basket against Houston Rockets guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (31) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsFormer NBA players Shawn Marion (left) and Carlos Boozer pose for photos with a game ball during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Former NBA players Shawn Marion (left) and Carlos Boozer pose for photos with a game ball during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) lays the ball up during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) lays the ball up during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsHouston Rockets guard Marcus Smart (36) guards Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) alongside forward Naji Marshall (3) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Houston Rockets guard Marcus Smart (36) guards Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) alongside forward Naji Marshall (3) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (3) reacts alongside center Daniel Gafford (21) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (3) reacts alongside center Daniel Gafford (21) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) reacts after being called for an offensive foul against Houston Rockets guard Marcus Smart (36) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) reacts after being called for an offensive foul against Houston Rockets guard Marcus Smart (36) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News(From left) Kyrie Irving’s father Drederick Irving sits with Cooper Flagg’s mother Kelly Bowman Flagg, father Ralph Flagg, Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mary Stanton and her husband Robert Stanton during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

(From left) Kyrie Irving’s father Drederick Irving sits with Cooper Flagg’s mother Kelly Bowman Flagg, father Ralph Flagg, Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mary Stanton and her husband Robert Stanton during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) stands on the court during a timeout during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) stands on the court during a timeout during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) splits the defense of Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) and center Clint Capela (30) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) splits the defense of Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) and center Clint Capela (30) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) flexes after a basket and a foul with guard Kyrie Irving (11) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) flexes after a basket and a foul with guard Kyrie Irving (11) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) shoots over Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) shoots over Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (3) shoots over Houston Rockets forward Isaiah Crawford (27) during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (3) shoots over Houston Rockets forward Isaiah Crawford (27) during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas native and former NBA player Chris Bosh (right) watches the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas native and former NBA player Chris Bosh (right) watches the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks guard Jett Howard (9) defends the inbound pass from Houston Rockets guard Bruce Thornton (2) during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks guard Jett Howard (9) defends the inbound pass from Houston Rockets guard Bruce Thornton (2) during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont shares a laugh with former NBA player Yao Ming during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont shares a laugh with former NBA player Yao Ming during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks guard Seth Lundy (31) dives for a loose ball against Houston Rockets guard Sean Pedulla (0) during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks guard Seth Lundy (31) dives for a loose ball against Houston Rockets guard Sean Pedulla (0) during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32), center Dereck Lively II (center left) and center Dwight Powell (7) react after guard Seth Lundy (31) dove for a loose ball during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32), center Dereck Lively II (center left) and center Dwight Powell (7) react after guard Seth Lundy (31) dove for a loose ball during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks forward Tobi Lawal (33) is fouled as he jumps for a rebound against Houston Rockets forward Oscar Tshiebwe (9) during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks forward Tobi Lawal (33) is fouled as he jumps for a rebound against Houston Rockets forward Oscar Tshiebwe (9) during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks forward Tobi Lawal (33) blocks a layup from Houston Rockets guard Sean Pedulla (0) during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks forward Tobi Lawal (33) blocks a layup from Houston Rockets guard Sean Pedulla (0) during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) greets soccer legend David Beckham after an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) greets soccer legend David Beckham after an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News(From left) Dallas Mavericks players Cooper Flagg, Moussa Cisse, Tobi Lawal, Zaccharie Risacher, P.J. Washington and Seth Lundy pose for photos with soccer legend David Beckham after an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

(From left) Dallas Mavericks players Cooper Flagg, Moussa Cisse, Tobi Lawal, Zaccharie Risacher, P.J. Washington and Seth Lundy pose for photos with soccer legend David Beckham after an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Mavericks majority owner talks with soccer legend David Beckham after an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Dallas Mavericks majority owner talks with soccer legend David Beckham after an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning NewsThe Dallas Mavericks dancers wave goodbye to fans after an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

The Dallas Mavericks dancers wave goodbye to fans after an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.

Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News