VanVleet Returns, Scores 17 in Rockets’ Preseason Win

Fred VanVleet returned to NBA action after missing the entire 2025–26 season with a torn ACL, scoring 17 points and recording seven assists in 24 minutes as the Houston Rockets beat the Dallas Mavericks 135–117 in their preseason opener in Macao. He made five three-pointers as Houston finished with 36 assists on 47 field goals, an encouraging early sign of how he could help organize the offense and support Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün. The Mavericks were missing key players, so the preseason result does not guarantee a smooth return for VanVleet or show how Houston will fare against stronger competition. Amen Thompson added eight points and seven rebounds but had six turnovers in 24 minutes.