John Wall had trouble sleeping the night before as his heart and mind raced in anticipation of his Houston Rockets debut, a comeback from a two-year layoff that was delayed another week by a warranted warrant. of the NBA because of the COVID-19 protocols.
735 days had passed, as Wall pointed out after the Rockets’ 122-119 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night in Houston, since he last played in an NBA game that mattered. He has since undergone surgery to remove the bone spurs from his left heel that had bothered him for years, then another Achilles tendon repair operation which he ruptured while recovering from that operation, then was marketed by the Washington Wizards along with a protected premium. round pick for Russell Westbrook.
“It was great, man, just to go out there and have fun,” Wall said after his 22-point performance, 6 rebounds, 9 assists in victory. “When I get between those four lines and once the ball touches my hands after the jump ball, I was fine. I was happy to be able to compete with some of the best guys in this league and [demonstrate] that I have the ability to be one of the best goalkeepers in this league. “
Wall said he felt “amazing” physically. He displayed elite speed and explosiveness, which were key factors in making five straight All-Star appearances before his injuries interrupted his career, scoring six of his eight baskets against kings on dunks or layups, including a couple on quick breaks by one man.
“Looks like he’s back in his All-Star mode,” said Rockets center Christian Wood, who had 21 points and 12 rebounds.
“He was extremely aggressive, playing games, looking defensive,” said Rockets superstar James Harden, who had 16 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter. “He looked very, very good, especially since he hasn’t played in two years.”
Wall, however, readily acknowledged that there was plenty of room for improvement after his Rockets debut. He specifically indicated the five turnovers and poor 3-point shooting (2-of-8).
“Having 22, 9 and 6 is not bad for my first game in two years,” said Wall, who averaged 19.0 points and 9.2 assists during his ten-year tenure with the Wizards. “I can hit my back for that and I know I’ll be even better for the next game.”
Wall is at the beginning of the process of developing a relationship with his teammate with the dominant guard in the ball, Harden, who lost time in the pre-season after his short holdout related to his request to be changed. Wall had to stay out for a week – including the Rockets’ two-game trip – because he was in close contact with rookie Kenyon Martin Jr., who tested positive for coronavirus the day after he had a haircut at Wall’s apartment.
“They weren’t together and we’re still trying to figure out – who has it and who plays the ball,” Rockets coach Stephen Silas said of Wall and Harden. “They manage on their own with my help. That relationship needs to grow and get better and better.”
Wall presented the Silas game ball in the locker room to celebrate his first win as head coach, but admitted that he thought of keeping it for himself, given the personal meaning of the game.
“The first time he was head coach, I think he deserved it,” Wall said. “But I had the opportunity to keep my shirt. It definitely goes in my room with trophies.”