Irving scores 17 in first game back from knee injury

Kyrie Irving returned to the court on Oct. 11 and helped the Dallas Mavericks beat the Houston Rockets 132-115 in a preseason game in Macao.

It was the guard's first game since he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on March 3, 2025. Irving missed the entire following season.

He scored a team-high 17 points on six-for-13 shooting. In just under 22 minutes, he also recorded three assists and two rebounds.

Irving scored on Dallas' opening possession, receiving a pass from Cooper Flagg and finishing a drive with a reverse layup. He played in the first three quarters before sitting out the rest of the game.

Mavericks coach Dusty May praised Irving's physical and mental condition and said he had not expected such a strong performance after the lengthy absence. Irving thanked his teammates for their support and described the return as an emotional occasion.