NBA and Sands celebrate tip-off ahead of games with local youth basketball clinic

NBA and Sands China held a tip-off day yesterday as part of the “NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week 2026,” featuring a community engagement initiative in which young local students participated in a basketball clinic with players ahead of the NBA China Games 2026.

In the upcoming games, the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets will face each other at the Venetian Arena today at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 5:30 p.m.

The tip-off day drew current players from both Texas teams, NBA executives, NBA legends and coaches, and executives and team members from Las Vegas Sands and Sands China, for a total of about 500 participants.

Speaking at the event, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the young people in attendance and said the event was organized with them in mind.

“Wherever the NBA goes throughout the world, whether we’re in Mexico, whether we’re in Europe, or here in China, it’s very important that we do programs that are directed at the young boys and girls who care about the game of basketball,” Silver said.

“My message to all of you is to dream big. That’s what Yao Ming did, and that’s what all these great NBA players did. They had a dream, and they pursued it. […]” Silver remarked. “The lessons you learn from sports and from basketball, like teamwork, respect, and discipline, you can use to achieve whatever goals you have in life, not just in basketball.”

Dallas Mavericks governor and Las Vegas Sands CEO Patrick Dumont emphasized the community aspect of the event.

“The thing I think we’re most proud of is the work we do in the community. Basketball brings people together; sport creates dialogue and brings families together. And now we’re bringing the greatest sport in the world to Macau to be played competitively by the best players in the world.”

Alternate governor of the Houston Rockets and vice chairman of the WNBA’s Houston Comets, Patrick Fertitta, thanked Silver, Dumont and partners for making the event possible.

“The Rockets’ connection to this region has meant so much to the team over the years, and we’re especially grateful to have Hall of Famer Yao Ming with us today, whose impact on the game continues to bring people together across cultures and generations,” he said.

Fertitta offered a direct message to the young people in attendance, “My message to young people here today is simple. Dream big, work hard, and believe in yourself. Basketball teaches us the value of teamwork, perseverance, and giving back, and I hope you can carry those lessons with you both on and off the court.”

The host noted that the event was a “live impact event that invests in local communities and brings together young people across Macau through the power of basketball.”

For more than two decades, NBA Cares, the league’s global social impact program, has made a difference in communities around the world and is expected to continue that impact in Macau.