After a successful debut for new acquisitions John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins in Friday’s blowout win by the Houston Rockets, the former All-Stars weren’t shy about the message they hoped it would send.
“I think it was a good showing, whoever’s watching, whoever’s interested,” Cousins said. “It shows that it’s still a really good team here, regardless of the circumstances floating around the team right now.”
Veteran guard James Harden and forward PJ Tucker each reported late to training camp, with Harden reportedly seeking a trade during the offseason and Tucker upset over not receiving a contract extension. Neither player traveled with the rest of the team to Chicago for this weekend’s two preseason games, with both working out back in Houston.
But led by a duo of five- and four-time All-Stars in Wall and Cousins, the Rockets hoped Friday’s convincing win had made a strong case for the veterans to fully commit to the team in the coming days.
“Hopefully this game tonight let them know what kind of movement we’re in, and how great of a team we could be,” Wall said postgame.
Wall had 13 points (60% FG) and nine assists in 19 minutes, while Cousins scored 14 points (75% on 3-pointers) and grabbed five rebounds in 15 minutes. Houston won the game with ease, 125-104 (box score).
“It’s still a really good team in place,” Cousins said. “It’s a lot of talent. We’re not rolling over because a few pieces are missing. … Hopefully those pieces join us, and we can continue to improve as a team.”
Houston coach Stephen Silas said pregame that both Tucker and Harden could practice as soon as Monday, with the Rockets set to return late Sunday night immediately after a second exhibition game in Chicago.
“We know what those guys can bring to our team, and how much better they can make our team,” Wall said. “We know what James can do, one of the best scorers you’ve ever seen. When you add those pieces to what we have now, I feel like we can be a very special team.”
John Wall on Rockets positive culture: "I think [James Harden's] seeing it from the outside… Hopefully this game tonight let's those guys know what type of movement we're having and how great of a team we could be." pic.twitter.com/NwLDSHmkm5
— Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) December 12, 2020
Cousins said regardless of what's been going on, the Rockets are still here. "It's still a really good team in place. It's a lot of talent. We're not rolling over because a few pieces are missing… Hopefully those pieces join us and we can continue to improve as a team."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) December 12, 2020
Considering the long, tough rehabs, DeMarcus Cousins called it "a perfect night."
“I think it was a good showing, whoever’s watching, whoever’s interested. It shows that it’s still a really good team here, regardless of the circumstances floating around the team right now."
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) December 12, 2020
