Fred VanVleet made an impressive return to NBA action as the Houston Rockets defeated the Dallas Mavericks 135–117 in a preseason game in Macao, China, on Friday, October 9, 2026.
VanVleet, who missed the entire 2025–26 season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), finished with 17 points and seven assists in 24 minutes. His return after more than 500 days away from NBA game action was one of the biggest talking points from Houston’s convincing victory.
The Rockets delivered an encouraging attacking performance, combining efficient shooting with improved ball movement to overcome Dallas in the first of two NBA China Games between the teams.
Although the result came in preseason, Houston’s display offered an early glimpse of what its offence could look like with VanVleet back in the lineup.
Fred VanVleet Shines on His Return
VanVleet wasted little time making his presence felt. The experienced guard scored 17 points, recorded seven assists and knocked down five three-pointers from 12 attempts in his first NBA game in more than 500 days.
His return was particularly encouraging because Houston will be looking to benefit from his experience, decision-making and ability to organise the offence throughout the upcoming season.
The Rockets struggled with turnovers and offensive consistency at times last season. VanVleet’s ability to control the pace, find open teammates and make smart decisions could help address some of those issues.
His performance in Macao was an encouraging first step, although he will need to maintain his fitness and build consistency as he continues his comeback.
Rockets’ Supporting Cast Delivers
VanVleet was not the only Houston player to impress. Tari Eason led the Rockets with 20 points, providing an important scoring contribution off the bench.
Alperen Şengün also delivered an outstanding performance, recording a triple-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. His ability to score, rebound and create opportunities for teammates helped Houston maintain its attacking rhythm.
Reed Sheppard contributed 16 points, while Kevin Durant finished with 15 points. Jabari Smith Jr. added 12 points as Houston spread the scoring responsibility across the team.
The Rockets finished the game shooting 54.7 per cent from the field and 50 per cent from three-point range. They also recorded 36 assists on 47 made field goals, highlighting the effectiveness of their ball movement.
For a team hoping to make progress in the competitive Western Conference, the ability to create quality scoring opportunities for multiple players will be an important factor.
Cooper Flagg Leads Mavericks’ Scoring
Despite the defeat, Dallas had positive moments of its own. Young star Cooper Flagg led the Mavericks with 19 points, showing his scoring ability against Houston’s defence.
Naji Marshall added 16 points, while Max Christie finished with 14. Rookie Tobi Lawal also contributed 13 points off the bench.
However, Dallas struggled to match Houston’s offensive efficiency. The Mavericks shot 46.8 per cent from the field and 35.3 per cent from three-point range.
Houston established control early, taking a 27–19 lead after the first quarter before extending the advantage to 65–45 at halftime.
Dallas responded after the break, scoring 35 points in the third quarter and 37 in the fourth. However, Houston also maintained its scoring threat, preventing the Mavericks from completing a comeback.
The final score left Houston with a 135–117 victory and a 1–0 record in the preseason, while Dallas began its exhibition schedule with a defeat.
What VanVleet’s Return Means for Houston
The Rockets have reason to be encouraged by VanVleet’s performance, particularly because his contribution went beyond scoring.
His seven assists demonstrated his playmaking ability, while his five made three-pointers provided an additional threat from the perimeter. If he can remain healthy, his experience could help Houston make better use of its talented group of scorers.
However, one preseason game is not enough to determine how successful his comeback will be. VanVleet is returning from a serious knee injury, and his ability to stay fit and perform consistently over a full season remains an important question.
Houston will also need to prove that its improved ball movement can translate into competitive regular-season performances against stronger opposition.
The Rockets and Mavericks are scheduled to meet again in Macao on Sunday, October 11, in the second game of the 2026 NBA China Games.
For now, Houston can take confidence from the win, while VanVleet has given Rockets fans an encouraging reason to look forward to the new season.
Final verdict: The Rockets earned a convincing preseason victory, but the biggest positive was VanVleet’s return. His 17 points and seven assists offered a promising reminder of the value an experienced playmaker can bring to Houston’s offence.
This was an NBA preseason game, not a regular-season fixture.
Can Fred VanVleet’s return help the Houston Rockets become serious NBA title contenders this season, or is it too early to make that prediction?
