The Chicago Bulls stumbled into 2025 with a rough 125-107 loss to the Wizards on Wednesday night. But even in defeat, there was one moment that had fans jumping out of their seats.
Lonzo Ball, finally back on the court after an agonizing two-and-a-half-year absence, reminded everyone why he was worth the wait. The 27-year-old guard threw down his first dunk in three years, sending the United Center into a frenzy.
It happened in the third quarter. Ball swiped the ball from an unsuspecting Jonas Valanciunas, quickly dished it to Dale Terry, then sprinted toward the basket. When he got the ball back, there wasn’t a defender in sight.
The crowd erupted.
“Guys been out for 3 years and he’s the only player out there that looks remotely competent,” one fan posted on X, capturing what many Bulls supporters were thinking.
It’s been a long road back for Ball. Multiple knee surgeries kept him watching from the sidelines, wondering if he’d ever play again. Now he’s not just playing โ he’s making an impact.
His stat line for the night was solid: five points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block. All in just 20 minutes of play.
“I can do a lot in 20 minutes,” Ball said after the game. “Obviously, I want to play more, but we’ve got to be smart. It’s gonna be a slow process. I knew that. I just want to play.”
The former second overall pick is taking a measured approach to his comeback. He’s not pushing for more minutes or a starting role โ he just wants to help his team win.
“It’s a blessing first and foremost just being able to play,” Ball reflected. “But honestly, man, it’s a week-by-week process.”
He’s even comfortable coming off the bench, focusing on quality over quantity. “We don’t want to play one night 35 minutes, and then I’m out for the next two weeks,” he explained. “I got no problem coming off the bench and just trying to help the team out.”
For Bulls fans, seeing Ball back in action โ and above the rim โ might just be worth more than any single win.
