Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball received a standing ovation from fans at the United Center as he checked into the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. Before his appearance in the first quarter of the preseason matchup, “Zo” had been sidelined for nearly three years as he recovered from multiple knee operations.
Ball returned to the NBA court on Wednesday after 1,007 days of being away due to injuries and did not disappoint, tallying 10 points in 15 minutes, shooting 4-of-6 from the field, including two 3-pointers.
After the game, Ball went on Instagram to write a message:
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“If you fail, then fail again, cuz you can’t win if you don’t try 🙏🏻🤞🏼💙 #MuchLove”
Lonzo Ball’s girlfriend Ally Rossell promptly reacted to his post:
“❤️❤️ He’s backkkkk”
On Tuesday, the Chicago Bulls star told reporters that he was “full of joy” after he was given the clearance to play. The fans inside United Center shared that feeling when they gave him warm applause as he checked into the game.
The point guard showed out in his return. He immediately drained back-to-back 3-pointers that had the crowd erupting in cheers. Ball held up well defensively and even blocked Timberwolves star Julius Randle’s layup. “Zo” was limited to 15 minutes and received a standing ovation as he was taken out of the game.
Lonzo Ball’s Bulls teammates and former players joined his girlfriend Ally Rossel in reacting to his post
Ally Rossell wasn’t the only one who reacted to Lonzo Ball’s heartfelt message. Many showed support and appreciation for what he has accomplished.
Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis said:
“Man… all God❤️🙏”
Coby White, who gave a talk in the Bulls locker room to honor Ball, added:
“My brudda!!!!”
Ball’s former Bulls teammate Alex Caruso chimed in:
“ZO2 !! Good to have u back🙌🏼”
Jahlil Okafor, who played with Ball in New Orleans, posted:
“ZO2! 🔥🙏🏾”
Next up for Lonzo Ball will be the Bulls’ season-opening game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Oct. 23. He will be truly back if he gets the green light to play his first regular season game since Jan. 14, 2022.
Edited by John Ezekiel Hirro