Kyrie Irving scores 17 in Mavericks return after 600 days

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 18:18 · Archive

Kyrie Irving scored 17 points in his first NBA game in nearly 600 days, helping the Dallas Mavericks beat the Houston Rockets 132-115 in a preseason game in China.

Kyrie Irving made his NBA comeback after nearly 600 days away, scoring a team-high 17 points in the Dallas Mavericks' 132-115 preseason victory over the Houston Rockets in Macao, China on Sunday night. It was Irving's first game action since he tore the ACL in his left knee on 3 March 2025.

Irving got a reverse layup on the game's opening possession. He shot 6 for 13 in just under 22 minutes, recording three assists and two rebounds. Mavericks coach Dusty May praised Irving's performance after the game. 'It was just impressive. His physical condition, his mental condition, and then — I've said it from the first time I watched him in a workout — he's an artist. He's a jazz musician. I didn't expect him to play this well after being off so long,' May said.

Irving said he was 'grateful' that May called the first play for him. 'Had my mind made up, just to attack,' he said. The crowd in China, where the Rockets are popular partly due to Hall of Famer Yao Ming's legacy with the team, gave the Mavericks a noticeable reception.

How it is being reported

• Welcome back, Kyrie: Irving scores 17 for Mavs in China, his return game after 2025 knee injuryKyrie Irving waited nearly 600 days for his return to the NBA.Clickorlando · 11 Oct, 17:36
• Welcome back, Kyrie: Irving scores 17 for Mavs in China, his return game after 2025 knee injuryKyrie Irving waited nearly 600 days for his return to the NBA.News4Jax · 11 Oct, 17:36

In this story: Kyrie Irving · Dallas Mavericks · Houston Rockets · Dusty May · Cooper Flagg · Macao · China · Yao Ming

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