Kyrie Irving exploded back onto the scene after 586 days away, leading the Dallas Mavericks in scoring with 17 points across 22 minutes as they secured a Game 2 victory against the Houston Rockets in Macau, China. After more than a year and a half sidelined by an ACL injury, Irving didn’t just play, he put on a show that had fans and teammates buzzing.
Kyrie’s Instant Statement
Dude, think about this: March 3, 2025. That’s when Kyrie sustained his ACL injury. That’s 586 long, grueling days away from official court action. The Mavs, who split their two-game preseason set against the Rockets in Macau, had actually sat a few key players in the first game, extending Irving’s highly anticipated return just a little longer. But when it was time to tip-off Game 2, there he was: starting, and for the first time, alongside Cooper Flagg. What could’ve easily been a quick cameo, a layup here, an assist there, before heading to the bench, turned into real burn. He played significant minutes, with only three other Mavs logging more time on the court.
And get this, he wasted absolutely no time making his presence felt. Only 14 seconds into the contest, Irving scored the first bucket of the game. How? With his trademark wizardry handling the ball, slicing to the lane for a drive and finishing with a reverse layup, even falling down on the way. It was a message, loud and clear: “Yeah, but he didn’t…” , well, he did. He showed he still has that handle, still boasts that quick first step, still changes direction like a magician, can still take it amongst the trees, and still gets that lift for a crafty finish around the rim. KYRIE. IS. BACK.
Putting Up Numbers Like He Never Left
Let that scoring line sink in for a moment: 17 points in 22 minutes. At 34 years old, fresh off an ACL injury that kept him out for nearly two years, Irving was the Mavs’ team-leader in scoring for the game. That’s unreal. And it’s not like the rest of the team was slacking either; the Mavericks shot an impressive 48.2% overall, including a solid 37.5% from downtown, and hit nearly 90% of their free throws. This was a complete team effort, but Irving’s performance still shone brightest. He even drained a shot-clock beating three-ball from well beyond the arc, just to cover all the bases.
Sure, it was a preseason game in a foreign country, but what Irving did left literally nothing to be desired. He looked healthy, hungry, and as skilled as ever. We’re talking about a player who came back after 586 days and immediately reminded everyone why he’s one of the league’s most electrifying talents. Expect some days off on back-to-backs, and there will definitely be those less impressive games every player goes through. But after that return? Mavs fans have to be absolutely pumped for what’s coming next. Get ready, the season is officially upon us, and Kyrie looks primed to make some serious noise.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mavs Moneyball.
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