"Tried Not To Cry": John Wall On Return To DC

It was the long-awaited return of John Wall to the Capital One Arena in Washington. A five-time All-Star in his nine seasons with the Washington Wizards, Wall was emotional in his reunion with DC fans.

👏 John Wall receives a standing ovation in his return to DC! pic.twitter.com/CKoF0nNtlk
— NBA (@NBA) December 11, 2022

"It was a lot of chills, tried not to cry," said Wall about the tribute he received. "(Tried to) hold back a lot of emotions and kind of be in the moment of the game and try to win.”

And after a crossover move and hitting a smooth jumper to the cheers of fans in the 2nd quarter, Wall reveled in the crowd, shouting "This is still my city!" repeatedly.

John Wall turning up with the Wizards crowd 😤

"THIS IS STILL MY CITY" 🗣 pic.twitter.com/PlUPaEIp0X
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 11, 2022

He said he couldn't help reliving his history in that arena, in that city.

"Looked over at the seats where my mom used to be sitting at and the other four seats where my family used to sit at and just try to fantasize and be in that moment for a minute. Just being here – like I said, still so surreal. Still don’t feel right, still feel different."
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) December 11, 2022

"(I was) thinking about all the history I have here... Looked over at the seats where my mom used to be sitting at and the other four seats where my family used to sit at and just try to fantasize and be in that moment for a minute. Just being here – like I said, still so surreal. Still don’t feel right, still feel different."

And to top off his night, his Los Angeles Clippers pulled out a 114-107 win over the Wizards, with Wall starting and going for 13 points, three assists and two steals.

Photo: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports