Damian Lillard’s Miraculous Comeback: A Boost for the Bucks
In a development that has Milwaukee Bucks fans buzzing with excitement, star player Damian Lillard is expected to make his much-anticipated return to the court next week. According to sources who spoke with ESPN, Lillard could be back in action as early as Game 2 or Game 3 of the Bucks’ first-round series against the Indiana Pacers.
The Bucks are set to kick off their playoff journey with Game 1 on Saturday in Indianapolis, followed by Game 2 on Tuesday. The series will then shift to Milwaukee for Game 3 on Friday, where fans hope to see Lillard back in action.
Just over three weeks ago, Lillard was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right calf, a condition that could have been career-threatening. However, in what can only be described as an unprecedented recovery, Lillard was cleared of deep vein thrombosis and stopped blood-thinning medication on Thursday. For those unfamiliar, deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition where a blood clot forms in a vessel, potentially blocking blood flow back to the heart.
On Thursday, Lillard participated in his first full practice since the diagnosis and is expected to spend the next few days ramping up his contact workouts. The focus now is on regaining his basketball stamina, a crucial step in his comeback journey.
Doctors have informed Bucks officials that the speed of Lillard’s recovery is nothing short of miraculous. This rapid recovery was made possible by early treatment, quick detection, and the expertise of specialists who began working on him even before a formal diagnosis was made. Lillard started on blood-thinning medication well before the official diagnosis on March 25.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers expressed his relief and gratitude, stating, “This could have been career-threatening,” and adding that it’s a “godsend” Lillard will be back for the playoffs.
Lillard, who is 34 years old, last played in a game on March 18, missing the final 14 contests of the regular season. Despite his absence, the Bucks managed to go 10-4 in those games, ending the regular season on an impressive eight-game winning streak.
As a nine-time NBA All-Star, Lillard’s presence on the court is invaluable. This season, he averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists in 58 games. His performance during last season’s playoffs was even more remarkable, with averages of 31.3 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.3 rebounds.
- Game 1: Saturday in Indianapolis
- Game 2: Tuesday
- Game 3: Friday in Milwaukee
With Lillard’s return on the horizon, the Bucks are poised to make a strong playoff run. Fans and teammates alike are eager to see him back in action, bringing his leadership and scoring prowess to the court. As the Bucks prepare to face the Pacers, all eyes will be on Lillard’s remarkable comeback and the impact it will have on the team’s playoff journey.
Originally Written by: Shams Charania
