MACAO, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets players turned coaches for local students in China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Thursday, sharing basketball tips and packing care packages ahead of two National Basketball Association (NBA) preseason games.
Thursday's tip-off event at The Venetian Arena was part of "NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week 2026."
Players shared stories from their careers and helped students assemble gift bags containing items such as water bottles from the Mavericks and wristbands from the Rockets.
"My message to all of you is to dream big," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told the young players.
The Mavericks and Rockets are scheduled to face off at the arena on Friday and Sunday as part of the NBA China Games 2026.
Running from Oct. 7 to 11, the community week also features youth basketball activities, school visits, health and wellness sessions, and a community basketball carnival across the SAR. ■
