Kyrie Irving returns from 20-month injury layoff with 17 points in Macau preseason win

Kyrie Irving has returned to NBA action after a 20-month layoff, scoring 17 points in Dallas' 132-115 preseason win over Houston in Macau.

• Irving scored 17 points on 6-of-13 shooting with three assists in just under 22 minutes.
• It was his first game action since tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on March 3, 2025.
• Mavericks coach Dusty May said he did not expect Irving to play this well after being off for so long.
• Irving said he was grateful the team called the first play for him and that performing at a high level felt amazing.