Durant and Rockets Spoil Mavs' Macao Opener With 135-117 China Games Win

The NBA's return to China began with a reminder of where the power currently lies. The Houston Rockets rolled past the Dallas Mavericks 135-117 on Friday at The Venetian Arena in Macao, taking the opener of the two-game China Games preseason series.

The Mavericks showed flashes of their exciting young core. Reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg led the way alongside strong showings from Naji Marshall, Zaccharie Risacher and Max Christie, giving the Dallas faithful a glimpse of the team's future in its first appearance of the preseason series.

But Houston's experience proved decisive. Kevin Durant, beginning his remarkable 19th NBA season, marshalled the Rockets with support from Fred VanVleet and Amen Thompson, pulling clear with the kind of poise that separates contenders from works in progress. It was exactly the statement performance the Rockets would have wanted in front of one of their most passionate fan bases — a fan base built largely on the legacy of Yao Ming, who spent all nine of his NBA seasons with the club.

The trip is about more than the games. The Venetian Arena has become a basketball hub featuring the interactive NBA House expo, while NBA Fan Day on Saturday will let supporters mix with players ahead of performances by top Asian artists. The second game tips off on Sunday, October 11, giving Dallas a swift chance at revenge — and Flagg another stage to make his mark.