Wall: Preseason debut with Rockets was 'surreal moment'

John Wall hadn't played in a game in nearly two years before suiting up for the Houston Rockets' preseason opener Friday.

Despite his lengthy absence, the 30-year-old point guard showed flashes of his old self against the Chicago Bulls, racking up 13 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and two steals to help steer his new club to a 125-104 win.

"I just knew I was back," Wall said postgame, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. "I know how much hard work I've been through the last two years. It was a surreal moment for me even though it was preseason."

Wall was acquired by Houston earlier this month in a blockbuster swap with the Washington Wizards that sent Russell Westbrook the other way. Wall spent nine seasons in D.C. but missed all of 2019-20 and a majority of the 2018-19 campaign due to a heel issue and subsequent Achilles tear during his recovery.

DeMarcus Cousins also made his unofficial debut for the Rockets after signing a one-year deal with the club as a free agent. Like Wall, Cousins was also sidelined for all of last season but due to a torn ACL.

The 30-year-old center, who played alongside Wall at Kentucky in 2009-10, said the game elicited strong memories of their days together as Wildcats.

"Man, cool feeling," Cousins said. "I kind of had flashbacks to being back in college where I would get caught up kind of watching the show of John.

"I had a few moments tonight just trying to wait and see what he had up his sleeve next to do. It's a really cool feeling. I'm glad I'm able to share the floor with a guy I consider my brother."