{"id":463478,"date":"2026-10-12T05:21:16","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T05:21:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/463478\/"},"modified":"2026-10-12T05:21:16","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T05:21:16","slug":"mavs-kyrie-irving-electrifies-macao-with-emotional-on-court-return","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/463478\/","title":{"rendered":"Mavs&#8217; Kyrie Irving electrifies Macao with emotional on-court return"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"eager\" fetchpriority=\"high\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n<p>MACAO, China\u00a0\u2014 When last we saw\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/topic\/kyrie-irving\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kyrie Irving<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-channels-pixel.ex.co\/events\/0012000001fxZm9AAE?integrationType=DEFAULT&amp;template=design%2Farticle%2Fplatypus_two_column.tpl\" alt=\"\" class=\"x1px y1px vh abs\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Nineteen months and eight days later, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/mavericks\/article\/dallas-mavericks-houston-rockets-nba-macao-china-22467825.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">halfway around the world from Dallas<\/a>, Irving made his long-awaited return against Houston in Macao on Sunday night, scoring on a reverse layup 14 seconds into the game.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>So loud was The Venetian Arena sellout crowd\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Irving\u2019s opening statement in Dallas\u2019 132-115 NBA China Game preseason victory foreshadowed his 17-point, 3-assist, 2-rebound, 21-minute performance that emphatically declared he\u2019s indeed back from<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/mavericks\/2025\/03\/04\/mavericks-guard-kyrie-irving-out-for-season-with-torn-acl-reports-say\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> that March 3, 2025 ACL tear.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u201cI saw that baseline open up a bit and just felt good to get that out of the way,\u201d he said. \u201cI was imagining how it was\u00a0gonna go, dreaming about how it was gonna go.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>With that emotional hurdle cleared, it was on to the night\u2019s other long-anticipated subplot, Irving\u2019s first pairing with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/topic\/cooper-flagg\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<p>That, too, went promisingly, with Flagg contributing 14 points and 7 assists, including a full-court pass to a streaking Irving for a layup.<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n<p>This, however, was just a brief preview, the second of two NBA China Games against the Rockets here in three days. That didn\u2019t 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey\u2019re on their own separate categories and trajectories,\u201d Irving said. \u201cI will say this: I think Coop falls in line with having that competitive nature at a very young age.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTo be able to lead a team, to be able to be on a great team &#8230; and I love that he\u2019s a two-way player. I love that he cares about using his voice as he\u2019s growing into year two.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>That, in turn, will make easier <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/mavericks\/article\/dusty-may-dallas-mavericks-michigan-nba-draft-22321650.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dusty May\u2019s first season as an NBA coach<\/a>. Before Sunday\u2019s game, May noted that many players who return from long injury absences don\u2019t play well in their first game back. Irving, 34, proved to be an exception. As usual.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve said it from the first time I watched him in a workout: He\u2019s an artist,\u201d May said. \u201cHe\u2019s a jazz musician \u2014 just to see the way he thinks a game, manipulates a game.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Two nights after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/mavericks\/article\/mavs-rockets-preseason-opener-score-flagg-22467820.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">losing to the Rockets 135-117<\/a>, the Mavericks\u2019 collective body language was noticeably buoyant with Irving on the court. \u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He looked fast as ever. Fearless in the paint as always. Showed the same penchant for electrifying the crowd, and teammates.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>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.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGod is truly the greatest,\u201d Irving said. \u201cJust 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.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Since training camp began Sept. 26, the Mavericks have noted how great Irving looked in scrimmages. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf I didn\u2019t know that he missed last year,\u201d May said, \u201cI wouldn\u2019t be able to tell based on how he\u2019s worked in preseason camp.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Mavericks decided before this trip that Irving would play only one of the two China Games. That would seemingly indicate he\u2019ll play in only one of Dallas\u2019 last two preseason games, both of them at home, Thursday against New Orleans and Saturday vs. Atlanta.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>When Irving does play in AAC, it promises to be another emotional return. \u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want to give a huge shout-out to my MFFLs because we\u2019ve been very patient, and they\u2019ve been very patient with me,\u201d Irving said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m looking forward to the opportunity, but it\u2019s going to be a process. I\u2019m 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.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (center left) acknowledges fans before an NBA preseason basketball game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.\" loading=\"eager\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (center left) acknowledges fans before an NBA preseason basketball game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"A large Dallas Mavericks basketball is seen before an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A large Dallas Mavericks basketball is seen before an NBA preseason basketball game at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"(From left) Kyrie Irving\u2019s father Drederick Irving sits with Cooper Flagg\u2019s 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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>(From left) Kyrie Irving\u2019s father Drederick Irving sits with Cooper Flagg\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"(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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>(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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) throws a bounce pass during the first half of an NBA preseason&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":463479,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[732,102,104,103,3080,88840,111534,91178],"class_list":["post-463478","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-dallas","tag-article","tag-dallas","tag-dallas-headlines","tag-dallas-news","tag-nba","tag-tp-dallas-mavericks","tag-tp-kyrie-irving","tag-tp-cooper-flagg"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/463478","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=463478"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/463478\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/463479"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=463478"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=463478"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=463478"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}