John Wall had trouble sleeping the night before, as his heart and mind raced in anticipation of his debut at the Houston Rockets, a return from a two-year injury layoff that was delayed another week by an NBA-imposed quarantine because of the COVID-19 protocols.
It was 735 days ago, as Wall pointed out precisely after the Rockets’ 122-119 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night in Houston, since the last time he played in an NBA game that counted. Since then, he had undergone surgery to remove the bone spurs on his left heel that had bothered him for years, then another operation to repair the Achilles tendon he tore while recovering from that operation, then was negotiated by Washington Wizards with a first round choice for Russell Westbrook.
“It was great, man, just get out there and have fun,” said Wall after his 22-point, 6 rebounds and 9 assists in victory. “When I got between those four lines and once the ball touched my hands after the ball was up, 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 owners of this league. “
Wall said he feels “amazing” physically. He displayed the elite speed and explosiveness that were key factors in his five consecutive All-Star appearances before injuries interrupted his career, scoring six of his eight baskets against the Kings on dunks or layups, including a pair against -one-man attacks.
“He seems to be back in his All-Star mode,” said Rockets center Christian Wood, who had 21 points and 12 rebounds.
“He was extremely aggressive, making plays, defending himself against him,” said Rockets star James Harden, who scored 16 of his 33 points in the fourth period. “He looked really, really good, especially since he hasn’t played in two years.”
Wall, however, readily acknowledged that there was also a lot of room for improvement after his Rockets debut. He specifically pointed to his five turnovers and a terrible 3-point shot (2 of 8).
“Being 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 decade-long stay at Wizards. “I can pat myself on the back for that and I know I will be even better in the next game.”
Wall is at the beginning of the process of developing a relationship with goalkeeper Harden, who lost time in the preseason after his brief resistance to his switch request. Wall had to stay out for a week – including a two-game Rockets game – because he was a close contact with newcomer Kenyon Martin Jr., who tested positive for coronavirus the day after he cut his hair in Wall’s apartment.
“They were not together and we are still trying to find out who has and who is playing outside the ball,” said Rockets coach Stephen Silas of Wall and Harden. “They are finding out on their own with my help. This relationship has to grow and get better and better.”
Wall presented the game ball to Silas in the locker room to celebrate his first victory as head coach, but he admitted that he considered keeping it to himself, given the personal significance of the game.
“His first time as head coach, I think he deserved it,” said Wall. “But I had the opportunity to keep my shirt. It definitely goes to my trophy room.”