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The Chicago Bulls defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 125-123 in Wednesday’s preseason game, but the outcome was not the most important thing.
That was the return of Lonzo Ball.
Ball played his first game since January 2022 and his working his way back from multiple knee surgeries. While he was limited to just 15 minutes off the bench, it was a key step for the UCLA product ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
“Felt a lot better playing than watching,” he told reporters. “It was a moment I’ll never forget.”
Ball didn’t just play. He played well.
He finished with 10 points, one assist, one rebound, one block and one steal behind 4-of-6 shooting from the field and 2-of-4 shooting from deep. The guard drilled his first two shots from beyond the arc and was met with a standing ovation at the United Center.
Frankly, expectations are not high for the Bulls this season. They lost in the play-in tournament the last two seasons and no longer have DeMar DeRozan or Alex Caruso on the roster. Not having Ball in 2022-23 or 2023-24 limited the team’s ceiling, and his return would be a welcome storyline for a team in need of one.
Chicago is still likely going to be left looking up at the likes of the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks at the very least in the Eastern Conference.
But a healthy Ball would raise that ceiling as someone who can extend the defense with his outside shooting, make plays in transition, defend ball-handlers and create open looks for his teammates with his facilitating.
Wednesday was a key step toward his return, and he won’t forget it.
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