NBA Global Showcase: Rockets and Mavs Electrify China On and Off the Court
The NBA preseason brought the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets to Macao, China, for a doubleheader, marking the league's return to the region. The trip fostered team bonding through off-court activities, including fan welcomes, player excursions to historic sites, and humorous incidents during practice, culminating in memorable interactions with local fans and NBA legends.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) preseason schedule brought an exciting doubleheader to Macao, China, on October 9 and 11, featuring the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets. This event marked the return of the NBA to China after a hiatus of several years, with Macao's Venetian Arena once again serving as the host venue, following similar games last season involving the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets.
Overseas trips like this are often credited with fostering team cohesion ahead of the demanding regular season. Beyond the on-court preseason action, the off-court experiences and interactions frequently leave a lasting impact on team dynamics and player morale.
Upon their arrival in Macao, after flights that could span 20 hours or more, both teams were greeted with an enthusiastic hometown welcome. Fans eagerly awaited their favorite players at the hotels, showcasing immense love and support, which was documented across various social media posts from the NBA.
Houston Rockets' big man Steven Adams offered fans a unique "room tour," giving an inside look at the players' accommodations. The 6-foot-11 center showcased his personal setup, complete with a bowl of fruit, a Rockets-themed pillow, and luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets, providing a glimpse into the creature comforts provided to the athletes.
Both the Mavericks and Rockets took advantage of Macao's picturesque scenery for memorable group photos. Teams posed near a body of water, with the iconic Venetian Macao as a stunning backdrop. During these photo opportunities, star players like Kyrie Irving of the Mavericks and Kevin Durant of the Rockets were mobbed by eager fans, highlighting their immense popularity in the region.
During their first practice in Macao, the Dallas Mavericks encountered some unexpected equipment challenges. Forward Naji Marshall demonstrated his formidable strength by breaking a rim, humorously explaining, "I'm too strong and I've got too much power." He later autographed the broken rim, which the team collected. Marshall's powerful presence continued when he inadvertently broke a chair while sitting down.
Beyond practice, Rockets players Steven Adams and Bogdan Bogdanović immersed themselves in Macao's culture and history. They visited the historic ruins of Saint Paul's, the facade of the former church of Mater Dei, originally built between 1602 and 1640. The duo also explored local street food, all while attracting a significant crowd of followers, eager to witness their interactions.
A quartet of Dallas Mavericks players – Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin, Dwight Powell, and Sergio de Larrea – extended their exploration beyond Macao, taking a 55-minute to hour-long ferry trip to Hong Kong. There, they ascended Victoria Peak, enjoying panoramic views of the vibrant city.
Adding to the star-studded events, NBA legend Yao Ming, alongside fellow Rockets great Cuttino Mobley, visited the NBA Macao house. A humorous moment unfolded when Mobley found a cardboard cutout of the 7-foot-6 center, and Yao playfully suggested he had "something in my shoes" when he appeared to have grown taller than the cutout.
On the court, two future Hall of Famers, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, shared a relaxed moment, seen chatting and laughing together, underscoring the camaraderie that often develops during such international tours. The trip also emphasized community engagement, with young fans in Macao thrilled to meet their heroes, and players like Durant and Flagg happily obliging with interactions.