Irving Makes Triumphant Return Against Rockets
Kyrie Irving is officially back on the basketball court, and the Dallas Mavericks couldn’t have asked for a much better return. After spending more than a year recovering from a torn ACL, the nine-time NBA All-Star returned to game action Sunday, leading Dallas to a 132-115 preseason victory over the Houston Rockets in Macao, China.
Irving finished with a team high 17 points, three assists and two rebounds in just under 22 minutes. He shot 6 of 13 from the field and knocked down two three pointers, showing flashes of the scoring ability and creativity that have made him one of the NBA’s most exciting guards.
His return marked his first game since tearing the ACL in his left knee on March 3, 2025. Irving missed the entire 2025-26 season while recovering from the injury.
A Perfect Start to His Comeback
Irving wasted little time making his presence felt. On Dallas’ opening possession, he received the ball, drove toward the baseline and finished with a reverse layup just seconds into the game.
The basket immediately energized the Mavericks’ bench and the crowd in China. It was a memorable moment for Irving, who had waited nearly 600 days to return to competitive basketball.
The veteran guard looked comfortable handling the ball and creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. He scored 14 points in the first half, giving Dallas an early offensive boost before finishing his night after playing part of the third quarter.
Mavericks coach Dusty May praised Irving’s physical and mental condition after the game, expressing how impressed he was with the guard’s performance after such a long absence.
A Huge Boost for Dallas
Irving’s return could be one of the biggest developments for Dallas heading into the 2026-27 NBA season. Before his injury, he averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists during the 2024-25 campaign.
The Mavericks struggled without him last season, finishing 26-56 and missing the playoffs. His scoring, ball-handling and veteran leadership could make a significant difference for a team looking to get back into contention.
His connection with young star Cooper Flagg will also be worth watching. Irving brings championship experience and elite offensive skills to a roster looking to build a new identity.
The Comeback Is Only Beginning
Although Sunday’s game was a preseason matchup, Irving’s performance was an encouraging first step. Dallas will likely continue managing his workload as he regains his rhythm and adjusts to game action.
For Mavericks fans, however, the biggest takeaway is simple: Kyrie Irving is back. After a long and difficult recovery, he looked ready to compete again and gave Dallas plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the upcoming season.
