The Mavericks are not just visiting Macao for a quick workout. They are walking into a second home for Kyrie Irving. The fan connection here is so deep it changes how the team plays before the first tip-off. This isn’t just a preseason trip. It is a reunion with a fanbase that knows every move Irving has made for years.
Irving’s Home Court Advantage
Irving has been coming to this region since he was 19 years old. That long history creates a bond most players will never see. “I’ve been coming here since I was 19.” Irving remarked following Wednesday’s practice that he feels honored to carry this distinction, mindful of the backing received here and the numerous connections established locally. He knows the crowd better than the opposition. That comfort level gives Dallas a massive edge in a neutral location.
The energy in the arena is not just loud. It is personal. Fans have been trailing the players to every event and media interview. On Thursday, hundreds lined up hours early just to catch a glimpse of the stars. This intensity blows the players’ minds every single time. “Coming back here feels like a second home now,” Irving told reporters. The Mavericks can use this electric atmosphere to shake off rust and find their rhythm early.
Young Stars Meet True Fans
Even the young players are getting hit with the passion. Cooper Flagg, the 2025-26 Rookie of the Year, has never seen anything like this. He heard about the love for basketball but did not expect this level of knowledge from the fans. Flagg noted at a meet-and-greet that while basketball has brought him to many locations, this marks his initial visit. According to Flagg speaking at a meet-and-greet, the fans are incredible and attend wherever the team travels. The local crowd knows the game and the players’ personal stories too.
This support goes beyond just cheering. “They embrace you when you embrace them back… the love is eternal. They’re always been giving me gifts, something that I could take home to my family,” Irving added. The Mavericks are walking into a situation where the fans are already on their side. It creates a family atmosphere that makes the long flight from Dallas worth it. The team gets a boost from the culture and the new fans they meet along the way.
The two games happen on Friday, Oct. 9 and Sunday, Oct. 11 at The Venetian Arena. Per NBA.com, these are the 16th NBA China Games and the second straight year Macao hosts. The Rockets and Mavericks will square off twice in front of a crowd that treats them like family. Dallas needs to keep this momentum going when the regular season starts. The love is there. Now the Mavericks just have to play like it.
