The 2026 NBA China Games returned to Macao this week, reinforcing the league’s growing presence in one of its most significant international markets. For the second consecutive year, the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks played a two-game preseason series in the special administrative region, drawing large crowds and featuring a blend of established stars and emerging talents.
The series began on Friday night with the Rockets defeating the Mavericks 135-117. Houston’s veteran guard Fred VanVleet, coming back from a torn ACL, led the Rockets with 17 points and seven assists. Houston also benefitted from the performance of Turkish center Alperen Sengun. Rockets fans were energized by the presence of Yao Ming, the Shanghai-born Hall of Famer and former top draft pick of the franchise, who sat courtside. Yao’s influence on promoting basketball in China and fostering U.S.-China sports exchanges continues to be recognized by the current Rockets roster.
Dallas bounced back in the second game on Sunday, winning 132-115. The highlight of the evening was the much-anticipated return of Kyrie Irving, who played his first game in 19 months following a knee injury. Irving’s supporters, dressed in Mavericks blue and cowboy hats, cheered as he opened the scoring with a layup and finished with a team-high 17 points. Kevin Durant, the Rockets’ All-Star forward who scored 15 points in the first game, did not participate in the second contest. Dallas also showcased their 2025-26 Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg.
The events generated widespread enthusiasm, with fans lining up hours before the games at NBA House, an interactive fan carnival held at The Venetian Macao. Attendees met NBA legends including Ray Allen, Chris Bosh, and Jeremy Lin during autograph sessions and media engagements. Fans followed players across various city venues for photo opportunities and endorsements, underscoring the league’s deepening connection with local supporters.
Irving, who has maintained close ties with China since he was 19, expressed gratitude for the passionate reception. “Coming back here feels like a second home now,” he said after Sunday’s game, emphasizing the importance of honoring the support he receives from Chinese fans and sponsors.
Beyond the games, the NBA organized its Community Impact Week 2026 in partnership with Sands China Ltd. The initiative featured youth basketball clinics and community service activities held at the Macao East Asian Games Dome and NBA House. Approximately 200 children from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area participated in training sessions led by NBA legends, coaches, and notable Chinese athletes including former national team star Ding Yanyuhang and women’s team center Zhang Ziyu. The week concluded with a Community Basketball Carnival focusing on young Special Olympics athletes, promoting skills development, confidence, and inclusion.
In a notable development coinciding with the visit, NBA China announced a partnership with Shanghai Jiushi, the reigning champion of China’s CBA league. This collaboration aims to enhance player development, increase competitive opportunities in the United States, and strengthen coaching exchanges, highlighting the NBA’s ongoing commitment to fostering basketball growth in China.