Fred VanVleet Returns From ACL Tear as Rockets Roll Past Mavericks in Macao

Fred VanVleet’s long road back reached an important milestone Friday in Macao. Playing his first NBA game in more than 500 days after suffering a torn ACL, the Houston Rockets guard scored 17 points and handed out seven assists in 24 minutes as Houston beat the Dallas Mavericks 135-117 in its preseason opener.

VanVleet’s shooting immediately stood out. All five of his made field goals came from 3-point range, and his return helped Houston produce 36 assists on 47 made baskets while shooting better than 54 percent from the floor. The Rockets did not need to lean heavily on Kevin Durant, who scored 15 points, because their depth consistently created good shots. Tari Eason scored 20, while Houston controlled the game after building a 20-point halftime lead.

The result itself is secondary to what VanVleet’s return could mean for Houston. The veteran guard gives the Rockets another trusted organizer alongside their younger playmakers and can relieve Durant of some creation responsibilities. After such a lengthy rehabilitation, one preseason performance cannot answer every durability question. But VanVleet looking comfortable, hitting five threes and directing an efficient offense in his first game back is exactly the kind of early signal Houston wanted before the regular season.