Two and a half years. That’s how long it’s been since Lonzo Ball played his last NBA game. What was initially termed a mere knee soreness turned into three major surgeries for the point guard. And fans were even wondering if the hooper would ever be able to play at a high level again. So, you can imagine the excitement when Ball’s patience and perseverance finally paid off as he made his highly awaited return to the court tonight. As expected, it was an emotional moment for the entire basketball community.

“Checking in from the Chicago Bulls. Number 2. LONZO BALL!” With the arena announcer making the announcement, fans inside the United Center were on their feet as they welcomed him back to the hardwood. Even Ball’s teammates got up from the bench and began applauding with the crowd as he entered the preseason game against the Wolves. But we were yet to find out if Lonzo could still hoop.

Sure enough, we got the answer within minutes of him checking into the game as Lonzo Ball hit a smooth corner three, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Obviously, the road to this very point has been a tough one for the hooper. While he has been part of the Bulls roster for 3 years, he has only played 35 games for the franchise so far. And he was playing at an elite level before the devastating injury.

Unfortunately, the injury brought him to a point where he was having a difficult time, even doing basic body movements. “I still can’t play basketball. I can’t run or jump. There’s a range from, like, 30 to 60 degrees when my knee is bent that I have no force. And I can’t catch myself,” he said 2 years ago. But after three surgeries and months of rehab, he was finally able to say last month, “I pretty much have a brand-new knee… I think I’ll be ready for the first game for sure.” Tons of fans were left teary-eyed on his return.

Emotional fans draw a lighthearted KD-Nets analogy after Lonzo Ball’s prolonged absence finally comes to an end!

Seeing Lonzo back on the court doing what he loves was surely an emotional moment for everyone. Sure enough, comments like “Dawg the Bulls immediately look like a basketball team again with Lonzo Ball back on the floor. I’m crying real tears.” And “Lonzo Ball three, there are tears in my eyes.” Began flooding in. Well, the three-pointer was not the only shot he hit tonight. In fact, the hooper looked incredible in his return as he dropped 10 points and even helped his team pick up a win.

His epic comeback performance even filled the Bulls nation with hope, “Remember when he was starting PG and the bulls were the 1 seed? Hopefully they can make that comeback this season.” Yes, before the injury, Lonzo Ball was averaging a solid 13 points and over 5 assists. And he was also shooting his career-best 42.3% from deep range. But most importantly, the Chicago side was one of the top teams in the league with him on the floor. Sure enough, fans expect the point guard to play at that level again.

Meanwhile, one netizen was just taken aback by the duration Lonzo Ball had been sidelined, “The last time he played, Durant, Harden, and Kyrie were on the Nets.” Obviously, the league looked a lot different nearly three years ago but he’d be happy that he is finally getting to be a part of that change. While Lonzo’s return was a happy moment, many fans also prayed for the hooper to stay healthy and available going forward, “May God bless this man’s knees.”

Just to get back on the court, Lonzo Ball had to undergo a rare cartilage transplant and a meniscus transplant surgery, and no professional athlete has ever returned to the sport from either procedure, let alone both.

This will surely be an uphill battle for the point guard. Hopefully, injuries will not derail his career anymore and he will continue to play like he did tonight. What are your thoughts?

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.