It was a life-changing game for Lonzo Ball.

Then his long-delayed breakthrough moment became even more emotional.

GettyLonzo Ball salutes a Bulls crowd that gave him a standing ovation[/caption]

Ball was forced to wait 1,006 days to play in an NBA game, after overcoming three surgeries on his left knee, including a double cartilage transplant.

He returned to action on Wednesday night during the Chicago Bulls‘ 125-123 preseason victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Ball, 26, scored 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting, a week away from the Bulls’ official season-opener against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The No. 2 overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft out of UCLA was limited to 15 minutes of court time on Wednesday.

But a proud United Center crowd gave Ball a standing ovation, and it became even more emotional inside Chicago’s locker room after the victory.

With teammates sitting in chairs, a game ball and signed jersey were presented to Ball.

“Zo back, man,” Chicago’s Coby White said. “It’s a blessing to be a part of his journey.

“A lot of us being here through it all, seeing the highs and lows.

“This was a hell of a night for him. Here is the game ball, brother.”

Ball touched his heart and thanked his teammates, then another present was provided to a veteran point guard who missed 2.5 seasons due to injury and recovery.

x@chicagobullsBall receives a game ball and is touched by his teammates’ kindness[/caption]

x@chicagobullsA big hug let Ball know how much the Bulls love him[/caption]

x@chicagobullsThe healthy star then united the team and celebrated with his NBA family[/caption]

Zach LaVine held up a signed No. 2 jersey with Ball’s name on the back.

“I respect you more than anything, bro, because of what you’ve been through,” LaVine said.

“We love you. We care about you. I’m glad to see you back.”

A warm embrace between Ball and his Bulls teammates followed, then they playfully patted his head.

“It felt a lot better playing than watching, I’ll say that much,” Ball said. “I can’t even really put into words how I felt out there.”

Ball made the All-Rookie Team in 2017-18 while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers.

He’s averaged 11.9 points, 6.2 assists and 5.7 rebounds in 252 career games.

Ball’s next NBA regular-season contest will be his first since January 14, 2022.

“I cannot describe to you how big the smile on my face is watching this,” one fan tweeted.

“So huge for the team and the league as a whole to have him back,” a second fan posted.

“Really glad I came to the game today to watch Lonzo debut after LONG years of recovery!” a third fan wrote. “Let’s do great things this season!”

The Boston Celtics are trying to repeat as NBA champions for the 2024-25 season.

Victor Wembanyama is hoping to build off a historic rookie campaign, while LeBron and Bronny James are playing together on the Lakers.