Kyrie in Macao: 'Like a Kid at the Candy Store' as Naji Marshall Breaks a Rim at Practice

Mavs fans, the vibes out of Macao are strong — strong enough to take down a basket.

Kyrie Irving spoke after Tuesday's practice in Macao, three days before Friday's preseason opener against Houston at The Venetian Arena, his first game in more than 19 months. "For me personally, it's just getting out of my own way and the mental aspect of it, being back on the floor, putting my uniform back on, hearing my name be called," Irving told Dallas Sports Journal's Grant Afseth. "I do feel like a little kid at the candy store a little bit." He also made clear the rehab "wasn't a solo job." Irving last played March 3, 2025, when he tore his left ACL, and Dallas went 26-56 without him last season.

It's the Mavs' first trip to China since 2018. Irving called Macao "basically like a second home for me now," per NBA.com, while 19-year-old Cooper Flagg said it's his "first time in Asia." Irving's prescription for team bonding: everybody goes for hot pot together.

Then there's Naji Marshall. Mavs Moneyball reports Marshall brought down a rim during the team's first practice in China, posed with it, and watched Dereck Lively II carry it off over his shoulder. "I'm too strong, and I got too much bounce," Marshall said in a team video. "I'm sorry, Macao. I'll buy you another one." He broke a folding chair afterward, too. Marshall is coming off career highs of 15.2 points on 51% shooting.

Dallas and Houston play Friday and Sunday mornings Central time, both on NBA TV. Follow every minute on the Dallas Mavericks. Radio question: what are you watching first — Kyrie's legs, or Kyrie and Flagg sharing the floor?

Sources: Dallas Sports Journal via Yardbarker — Kyrie gets candid; NBA.com — Starting 5, Oct. 7: Macao all-access; Mavs Moneyball — Naji Marshall breaks rim in Macao.