NBA Fans React To Lonzo Ball Debut In Timberwolves-Bulls Game

Lonzo Ball returned to the court for the first time since 2022.

Dec 4, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) looks back at fans after making a three point basket during the final seconds of the the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

On Wednesday evening, the Chicago Bulls are hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves at the United Center for their fourth preseason game.

While it's just the preseason, a lot of eyes were on the game due to the fact that Lonzo Ball returned to the floor for the first time since the 2022 season.

Via ESPN's SportsCenter: "LONZO BALL GETS A STANDING OVATION AND KNOCKS DOWN A THREE RIGHT AWAY IN HIS FIRST GAME BACK SINCE 2022 👏🔥"

LONZO BALL GETS A STANDING OVATION AND KNOCKS DOWN A THREE RIGHT AWAY IN HIS FIRST GAME BACK SINCE 2022 👏🔥 pic.twitter.com/y3GRUfkdYT

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 17, 2024

Many fans reacted to Ball's debut.

@AaronQuinn716: "I legit thought he would never play again. Pretty incredible he’s even out there."

I legit thought he would never play again. Pretty incredible he’s even out there. https://t.co/KxSQUwmbNO

— Aaron Quinn (@AaronQuinn716) October 17, 2024

@ItalianFiesta: "My dawg back. I’m finna cry"

My dawg back. I’m finna cry https://t.co/bzYZbmWZjU

— Coolee Bravo. 🥑 (@ItalianFiesta) October 17, 2024

@chisportsross: "OUR KING HAS RETURNED"

OUR KING HAS RETURNED

— Ross Pins (@chisportsross) October 17, 2024

@Tyler_Soethout: "Dude is a baller. Love to see it"

Dude is a baller. Love to see it https://t.co/do7gnFjLXM

— Tyler (@Tyler_Soethout) October 17, 2024

KENNY BEECHAM: "Please need that picture of Zach and Zo hugging"

Please need that picture of Zach and Zo hugging

— KENNY BEECHAM (@KOT4Q) October 17, 2024

@KassiusRansom: "Any player coming back from catastrophic injury to the league and even getting a single basket should be something we celebrate more considering the lot of us (myself included) get winded if we think about barbecue too long."

Any player coming back from catastrophic injury to the league and even getting a single basket should be something we celebrate more considering the lot of us (myself included) get winded if we think about barbecue too long. https://t.co/XwwfHYkSqz

— 😎Kashpiracies & Flopaganda🏀 (@KassiusRansom) October 17, 2024

@matissa15: "Can't tell you how big the smile on my face is right now"

Can't tell you how big the smile on my face is right now https://t.co/4vJ03ZuOao

— Mat Issa (@matissa15) October 17, 2024

Ball signed with the Bulls before the 2021-22 season.

He averaged 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.8 steals per contest while shooting 42.3% from the field and 42.3% from the three-point range in 35 games (before getting injured).

LONZO BALL IS FINALLY BACK AFTER 2 YEARS 😭

THEN HITS HIS 1ST SHOT 🔥 pic.twitter.com/zCxUiJZGOZ

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 17, 2024

The Bulls will play their first game of the new season on October 23 when they visit Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans.

Last season, they lost to the Miami Heat in the play-in tournament.