Damian Lillard, the Milwaukee Bucks’ star guard, is on track to make a comeback in the team’s first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. According to multiple reports, he could return as early as Game 2 or Game 3 of that series. The action starts with Game 1 this Saturday in Indianapolis. Aside from his impressive comeback from deep vein thrombosis, a condition doctors diagnosed him with a mere three weeks ago, Little’s recovery has surprised doctors and team executives alike.
Lillard, 34, hasn’t played since March 18, as he sat out the last 14 games of the regular season. He’d started on blood-thinning medication before his later diagnosis on March 25th. Deep vein thrombosis is when blood clots develop in a deep vein obstructing blood flow back to the heart. Luckily, the treatment and detection for Lillard came early, and that’s played a key role in his comeback, which is unforeseen at this point.
At any rate, doctors have told Bucks officials that Lillard’s rapid turnaround is unlike anything they’ve never experienced. His brain care necessitated a team of specialists operating on him prior to an official diagnosis even being established. Lillard was pulled off the blood-thinner medication last Thursday, resuming full practice on Friday for the first time since his episode just a few weeks ago.
“His recovery was potentially career threatening,” pointed out Bucks coach Doc Rivers, as a reminder of the seriousness of the condition. “This could have been career threatening.”
Even while not on the floor, Lillard’s influence on the team is still a massive factor. He averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists over 58 games this season, helping the Bucks’ ascension to elite status. The team went 10-4 during the span of games he appeared in. They completed the regular season on an eye-popping eight-game winning streak.
With the playoffs around the corner, Lillard’s presence is important for the Bucks. His playoff performances lifted his team to the NBA Finals, where he averaged 31.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and five assists across postseason games. His possible return gives the team new optimism as they look to make a deeper run in the postseason.
The Bucks are off until Game 2 on Tuesday, followed by Game 3 in Milwaukee on Friday. Lillard is expected to ramp things up over the next few days. His first goal is to get back in basketball shape so he can rejoin the regular rotation.
Leave a Reply