Exclusive | Nets beat Suns to tie NBA China Games series, Mavericks, Rockets up next in 2026
Fans at Macau’s Venetian Arena watch Brooklyn square pre-season series with Phoenix, but can look forward to Texas blockbuster in year’s time
The Brooklyn Nets beat the Phoenix Suns 111-109 in Macau on Sunday to split the first NBA China Games series, and fans can look forward to another mouthwatering clash at The Venetian Arena one year from now.
Dallas Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont, who is also the president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands, which runs The Venetian, told the Post a heavyweight Texas derby would happen in Macau in 2026.
“Yes, the [Dallas] Mavericks and the [Houston] Rockets, here in Macau next year. Are you ready?” he said.
On the court, a sluggish start from the Nets allowed the Suns to surge to an early 15-point lead, behind Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks’ combined 18-point effort.
Powered by Michael Porter Jnr and Cam Thomas, who sank five consecutive free throws inside the last minute, the Nets fought back in the second quarter to trail by only two points at half-time.
Both teams appeared to have found their missing energy after the break as the game suddenly sparked to life.