Southwest Notes: Irving, Flagg, Smith Jr., Jones Garcia

By Arthur Hill | at October 10, 2026 9:47 pm Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving will be back on the court Sunday in China, playing for the first time since tearing his left ACL in a March 3, 2025, game, writes Grant Afseth of Dallas Sports Journal. Irving was hoping to return at some point last season, but he told reporters on Thursday that he suffered a Grade 2 calf strain in December that slowed his progress. Irving has been able to practice without issue since training camp opened, while serving as a leader for his mostly youthful teammates. New head…