'Home team' Rockets blast Mavericks in China Games opener

VanVleet, who visited China as a Rocket for the first time, said he enjoyed the whole experience of being embraced by the fanbase as a member of the home team.

"I think we all know how big the rockets are in China, and Macao has been so great to us since we've been here," said the veteran guard, who's also on a sponsorship deal with Chinese sportswear brand Li-Ning.

"Yao was a legend and just a great ambassador for us. And, obviously, the fans are very passionate and crazy about Kevin (Durant) as well, so that definitely helps (us) earn great support. It's been an incredible trip and we're having a lot of fun."

Dallas was led by the league's 2025-26 Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, who finished with 19 points, six rebounds and three assists on 7-of-14 shooting without Irving.

Irving said during Thursday's Media Day event that he's fully healthy, having come back from a 19-month injury-enforced hiatus, and was ready to play his first game on the China trip.

The Mavericks' head coach Dusty May confirmed before Friday's game that the ball-handling maestro and nine-time All-Star would suit up in Sunday's second game.

The Mavericks were also without projected starters P.J. Washington and Dereck Lively II on Friday night.

Nineteen-year-old Flagg, a versatile forward, said he couldn't wait to start building chemistry with Irving in an official game, having worked out with his senior teammate side-by-side at the Mavericks' preseason training camp.

"I'm just excited for whenever we get to share the court for the first time," said Flagg. "His gravity, and the way he can manipulate the game, is obviously going to make my life a lot easier on court."