After a nearly three-year absence, the Bulls' Lonzo Ball returns to a standing ovation in the preseason game

CHICAGO – Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball received a standing ovation as he checked into the preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the United Center on Wednesday night, marking his return to basketball after missing two and a half seasons because of chronic left knee pain and Operations were canceled.

Ball checked in for Josh Giddey with 6 minutes, 8 seconds left in the first quarter and made his first shot, a catch-and-shoot corner 3-pointer, just 30 seconds later. Ball, who had not played in an NBA contest in 1,006 days, played with a 16-minute restriction.

He finished Chicago's 125-123 victory over Minnesota with 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting in 15 minutes.

The United Center welcomes Lonzo Ball back 🙏 pic.twitter.com/E56hJL0qwH

– Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 17, 2024

Ball said his left knee felt fine Wednesday and he never thought about it during the competition.

“This is a positive thing,” he said. “I didn’t feel it at all. I felt like I was moving great. So now it's just about building. Just keep going, night after night.”

Ball didn't hesitate to confirm he would play in the Bulls' preseason finale against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.

“Yes, I will definitely play on Friday,” he said. “So hopefully I can make the same effort.”

Ball has undergone three surgeries on his left knee to treat chronic pain that he began suffering during the 2021-22 season, his first with the Bulls. He was only allowed to play in 35 games this season before having to undergo a meniscus and cartilage replacement. The Bulls were in first place in the Eastern Conference for 35 days before Ball suffered his injury.

His knee operations were considered the last, career-saving procedures.

No player in the history of the NBA has achieved the kind of comeback that Ball celebrates. Ball, who turns 27 on Oct. 27, has career averages of 11.9 points, 6.2 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game in four-plus seasons.

Despite his dismissal, he wasn't surprised by his effectiveness on Wednesday. Ball said he was pleased with his 15 minutes, which gave him insight into sharpshooting, court vision, playmaking and elite defensive rotations.

“My game is pretty simple,” Ball said. “I know what I can do out there. It's not too complicated. I'll go in, give good minutes and hopefully contribute to the win.

“All the instinctive plays lead to nothing. It's more about being on the ball and getting over screens like I used to; get that back. But I feel comfortable off the ball.”

LONZO RETURNS WITH A SPRAY 💦 pic.twitter.com/DEz3fvNr1W

– NBA TV (@NBATV) October 17, 2024

When asked if he doubted that day would come, Ball dismissed that possibility and expressed confidence that he could return to action.

“To be honest, not really. “I had the goal of getting back on the pitch,” he said. “And I knew it was a long journey, a long process. But it was worth it because I was looking forward to it. I’m just happy that it’s here now and I can finally go out and do what I love to do.”

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(Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)