Sixers rookie Jared McCain is “back to normal” after a scare.

Jared McCain says he feels great now.

“There were definitely a few days where I struggled,” the 76ers rookie said with a smile Wednesday morning. “But now I feel normal again.”

McCain suffered a bruised lung after a bad fall in a preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets last week. After resting for several days, McCain was allowed to make his NBA debut in Wednesday's season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks.

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“This is what I've been waiting for literally my whole life,” McCain said. “They can start preseason and get drafted. Everything leads to this moment. So a lot of excitement. But I definitely need to calm down and make sure I know the game plan and what’s going on tonight.”

To make sure he was locked in, McCain met with assistant coach Bryan Gates after the shootout to discuss the defensive game plan in more detail. He then planned to return to his apartment, take a nap, watch a movie, and put on his compression boots. The 20-year-old was also scheduled to speak to his sports psychologist at 1 p.m

But the Sixers had a scare when he landed awkwardly with four minutes and one second left in last Wednesday's game.

McCain landed flat on his back and immediately rolled onto his left side. He kept bending over to get up but couldn't move.

“They say it's like the wind has been knocked out of me,” McCain said. “But I’ve had that before. You can stand up after a few seconds. In that moment it felt a little bit more.”

After entering the arena examination room, he went to the hospital for further examination and was released early the next morning.

“When I fell, I didn’t feel anything in my back,” McCain said. “It went straight to my chest. I just had chest pain.”

The Sixers thought he had hit his head, so McCain had concussion protocol performed, even though his head didn't bother him.

“So I gave myself a few days of rest,” he said. “I feel like I needed it. The universe was telling me something. That’s why I almost feel better now.”

McCain returned to training on Monday and did everything expected of him in the five-on-five bout. He was cleared to play on Tuesday evening.

The rookie guard has been in non-stop action since the start of training camp after playing for the Sixers' summer league team in early July. The former Duke star trained this summer in California, at the Sixers' training facility and in Durham, North Carolina.

A long career

Wednesday's game marks the start of Eric Gordon's 17th NBA season. It's a pleasing achievement for the security guard, who turns 36 on Christmas Day.

“It’s just a matter of adapting,” Gordon said. “You know, when I first came into the league, I never thought I would be playing ’17. But I always imagined a good career. And it’s about being ready, preparing, keeping your body and mind in order and focusing on loving the game.”

He signed with the Sixers on July 10. The veteran swingman averaged 15.7 points in 886 games with the Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans, Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns.

Different casts

The Sixers used starting lineup variations in the preseason to compensate for injuries and layoffs. That could continue to be an issue early in the season while Joel Embiid (recovering from a left knee injury) and Paul George (left knee bruise) remain out.

“Well, I think we’re at a point now where it’s about winning the game,” coach Nick Nurse said. “That’s why I think encounters are really important. What lies ahead for you? What size do you need out there? What kind of shoot do you need out there? What type of game plan can be implemented? So above all, try to find a way to ensure a victory. And then you continue to adjust from there.”