Kyrie Irving returned to the court for the Dallas Mavericks after missing 19 months with a torn ACL in his left knee. Irving made his first regular-season appearance since March 2025 on Wednesday against the Houston Rockets. The Mavericks lost 128-110, but the veteran guard showed flashes of his scoring ability as he worked his way back into the team’s rotation.
Irving finished with 15 points, four rebounds and two assists in 24 minutes. However, his workload remains an important consideration as Dallas prepares for a demanding stretch of games, including consecutive matchups against the Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs.
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Mavericks head coach Dusty May confirmed that Irving will remain on a minutes restriction for Friday’s game against the Pacers, per Tony East of Forbes Sports.
The decision allows Dallas to continue managing the 34-year-old guard’s workload as he builds up his conditioning and confidence following his lengthy absence.
Irving acknowledged after his first regular-season game that adjusting to shorter stints on the floor has been a challenge. He explained that he is accustomed to playing longer stretches before checking out, but also expressed confidence in the team’s medical staff (h/t Ron Harold Jr. of DLLS Sports).
The restriction is part of the process of getting Irving back to his usual level. Dallas will need to balance his desire to play with the longer-term goal of keeping him healthy and available throughout the season.
Irving’s health is particularly crucial for a Dallas team trying to establish its offensive identity around him and Cooper Flagg. The young forward scored a game-high 32 points against Houston, and Irving is expected to serve as a primary scoring option and a veteran presence in the backcourt.
The Mavericks struggled badly in the second quarter against the Rockets, allowing 38 points while scoring just 12. Irving also faced frequent defensive pressure, recording four turnovers as Houston worked to limit his influence.
Dallas will hope the NBA champion becomes more comfortable as his minutes increase.
