EFor January 14, 2022 Lonzo Ball played his last game in NBA basketball. That day he seriously injured his left knee. And what was originally a meniscus tear that was going to keep him away from the courts for six to eight weeks became complicated to become an ordeal for him, Who had to undergo three arthroscopes and Cartilage transplant in March 2023 Trying to save his career. Last night, Two years, 9 months and 2 days later Bulls point guard made another appearance in his team’s victory Against Wolves (125-123).
Lanza ball, in action during its renovation.
The Avenger He felt like a basketball player again after 1006 days, A complete eternity for a player who will turn 27 on October 27. And the best thing for him and his team is that His body did not suffer after a seemingly endless recovery period. When his coach Billy Donovan He decided to take him out against Wolves the crowd that packed the United Center stood up to give him a standing ovation. He reciprocated the affection by raising his hands and tapping his heart in gratitude.
He scored 10 points in 15 minutes.
The ball was on the court for 15 minutes in which he signed 10 points (2/2 T2 and 2/4 T3), rebounds, assists, steal the ball and block. It is difficult to bring a lot of things in such a short time. And above all to do it without resenting his injury: “I felt playing much better than watching it,” he said after the match. “I can’t even describe in words how it felt to be there… It was definitely a moment I will never forget.”
Billy Donovan talks to Lonzo Ball before giving him entry to the stadium.
The point guard spoke about how difficult his rehabilitation process was: “It took a long time, a really long time, but looking back it was much faster than I thought… They told me that I had 18 months of recovery after the third surgery and at that time it seemed crazy, but now I’m here. Everything is from the past now“.
It’s not the same body I started with, but I think I can still be productive and effective on the court
He admitted that feeling like a player again was very special: “it made me feel joy,” although he admitted a different feeling: “It’s not the same body I started with, but I think I can still be productive and effective on the court. That’s why I’m still trying to play”.
He did not suffer from his knee hit
But the feelings he felt after returning were good, especially since he did not suffer from his shattered knee: “This is a positive thing , I didn’t notice it at all“Admit it. “I felt like I was moving really well. So now it’s about continuing to improve, continuing to do it night after night.”
Lonzo Ball hugs teammate Nikola Vucevic before the match against Wolves.
Bulls coach, Billy Donovan, He celebrated the reappearance of his pupil: “I think it was great. There are a lot of things he does in the game that don’t require him to use his knee or his body, he uses his brain a lot. He moved very well.”He also said that he was going to play on Friday against Cleveland Cavaliers. “I think he will have to play. This is the natural rhythm of the NBA, playing every day.”
Lonzo was great. There are a lot of things he does in the game that don’t require him to use his knee or his body, he uses his brain a lot. He moved really well
The ball has no qualms about planning his coach: “We have good management at the moment , but I think it will change over the year“He said. “Every day will be a different challenge that we will simply have to overcome.”
