The Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets are both in China right now preparing to play an international preseason game as the league tries to expand its reach. This game will feature two of the biggest stars both in the United States in China, as Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant are set to take one another in the contest.

The league is following players around town and posting promotional videos ahead of Friday night's game.

In the latest one, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving exchange compliments about one another during media day.

“What's one skill you'd like to add from anyone in the league?” Durant was asked.

“None,” Durant quickly responded. “I feel like I have them all.” He then paused before adding. “I would say Kyrie [Irving's] ball-handling.”

During the Mavericks portion of media day, Irving was told about Durant's comments and had to show him love.

“Shoutout to my brother KD, man,” Irving said, via NBA social. “All respect, it's mutual. When I hear him kind of name drop me like that as a compliment or something that he would steal from my game or something he appreciates me for, it's ag reat deal and nod to him. Love you brother. I wish I could steal a few things from you as well, but a the same time, I love competing against you and showing you what I've got. And I know the feeling is mutual. So all respect.”

“Shoutout to my brother KD man. All respect. It’s mutual. I love you brother.”

Kyrie Irving after hearing Kevin Durant would choose him if he had to take one skill from anyone in the league 🙌

(via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/MIoKaIn0GN

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 6, 2026

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The Rockets and Mavs are going to be playing two game sin China this week on October 9th and 11th before returning home for opening night against one another again on October 21st.

Kyrie Irving is coming off a torn ACL in his knee, so it'll be very interesting to see how he recovered from the injury as the NBA season gets underway.