Kyrie Irving looks as good as new in first NBA game in 586 days

Dallas Mavericks' Kyrie Irving in action. REUTERS

Mavericks' Kyrie Irving looks as good as new in first NBA game in 586 days

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Oct 12, 2026 11:54 AM ET

Playing in the NBA is just like riding a bike to Kyrie Irving. At least, that's how it seems based on his play in his first game in 586 days.

After missing all of the 2025-26 season while recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee that he suffered towards the end of the previous year, Irving was back on the court with the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. The veteran point guard excelled in his return to his team, although not yet in Dallas.

Kyrie Irving locked at his best in his first game in well over a year

He took part in the Mavericks' exhibition game against their in-state rival Houston Rockets in Macao, China. Irving actually led his team in scoring with 17 points playing in 22 minutes in the Mavericks' 132-115 win.

The nine-time All-Star was 6-for-13 from the field and 2-for-6 from long range. He also dished out three assists and recorded two rebounds as well.

And with the makeup of the Mavericks now a lot different from the last time Irving played in a game, Dallas' new head coach praised his point guard to reporters, as per ABC News, postgame.

Kyrie Irving (team-high 17 PTS) & Cooper Flagg (14 PTS, 7 AST, 2 STL) put on a SHOW in Macao

The two stars shined in their first time sharing the floor together yesterday, leading the @dallasmavs to the preseason win in the NBA China Games 2026! pic.twitter.com/EsndQ8fo4u
— NBA (@NBA) October 12, 2026

"It was just impressive," Mavericks head coach Dusty May said. "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."

Kyrie Irving was able to play with Cooper Flagg and under Dusty May for the first time

Irving's return also allowed him to get on the court with last season's Rookie of the Year and the NBA 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, who scored 14 points with seven assists and four boards in 25 minutes, showing what the duo can produce as a tandem.

Kyrie Irving goes up-and-under for his first NBA bucket in 586 days! pic.twitter.com/szn6VurG1x
— NBA (@NBA) October 11, 2026

Kyrie Irving has a HOF-worthy resume

The 2026-27 season will mark Irving's third full season and fourth year with the Mavericks following a trade that sent him to Dallas, ending his time with the Brooklyn Nets in the middle of the 2022-23 season. Irving would then help lead the Mavericks to the NBA Finals. He averaged 25.6 points in 58 games in 2023-24 and 24.7 before his injury in 2024-25.

Overall in 779 NBA games, all starts, Irving carries averages of 23.7 points, 5.6 assists and 4.1 rebounds. Like his teammate Flagg, Irving has an NBA Rookie of the Year (2012) to his name and was even named the All-Star Game MVP in 2014. Irving played a key role on the Cleveland Cavaliers' 2016 NBA championship team.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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