Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard Cleared for Play After Health Scare
In a promising turn of events for the Milwaukee Bucks, guard Damian Lillard has been cleared of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf, a condition that had kept him sidelined in recent weeks. The team confirmed Thursday that Lillard has come off the blood-thinning medication he was prescribed to treat the issue.
Although Lillard won’t be available for Game 1 of the Bucks’ first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, his participation in a three-on-three session on Wednesday, along with his full involvement in Thursday’s practice, has sparked optimism regarding his potential return.
“He did everything today,” said Bucks head coach Doc Rivers. “There’s no limitations at all, you know, other than his lungs and timing and everything else.” While enthusiasm is warranted, Rivers tempered expectations, noting that the team didn’t engage in live five-on-five drills during practice, making it challenging to forecast when Lillard might fully re-integrate with the squad.
“You don’t miss all that and just jump back in,” Rivers added. “It’s just gonna take a minute. I mean, it’s not like he’s been injured and working out. He’s been injured — and that’s what we can call it now, I guess — without working out. That’s hard.”
Lillard’s rapid recovery is noteworthy and could be one of the quickest comebacks from a DVT the league has seen. Diagnosed with the blood clot on March 25, Lillard has shown remarkable resilience during a potentially career-threatening situation. Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, a cardiologist, highlighted the unpredictable nature of recovery timelines for such conditions, noting that it can take anywhere from three months to a year for blood clots to dissolve.
This past season, Lillard averaged an impressive 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game across 58 contests but missed the final 14 games due to his condition. Rivers expressed relief at Lillard’s progress, framing the resolution of the blood clot as a significant achievement for both the player and the organization.
“This could have been career-threatening, or it was, and the fact that there’s a very good chance he’s gonna play in the playoffs for us, that’s a godsend,” Rivers said. His sentiments reflect a growing sense of optimism within the Bucks’ organization concerning Lillard’s future.
Bucks General Manager Jon Horst echoed that positivity. “We’re thrilled for Dame,” he stated. “Our priority has always been Dame’s health. We’re grateful to our medical team for diagnosing and treating his DVT at an early stage, and for the world-renowned hematology specialists at Mayo Clinic. Every step of Dame’s recovery has been at the direction of world-class medical professionals and their specific and strict protocols that have allowed for Dame’s safe and healthy return to play.”
As the Bucks prepare for their playoff series, starting Saturday in Indianapolis, the stakes couldn’t be higher. After going 10-4 in the final 14 regular-season games without Lillard, the team showed they could withstand the absence of their star. However, their deep playoff aspirations hinge on an effective return from Lillard. Backup guard Kevin Porter Jr. shared his thoughts on the situation, emphasizing the hope surrounding Lillard’s recovery.
“Just seeing little by little, day by day, gives us hope,” he said. “That’s what it is right now: just hope. Hope that he can make a full recovery, first and foremost, personally, but then for him to get back (on the floor) whenever he’s ready.”
Lillard’s impact on the court is undeniable, and both he and the franchise are keenly aware of how pivotal his role is for the team’s success as they aim for a deep playoff run. As the Bucks gear up for Game 2 on Tuesday, the basketball community will be watching closely, hopeful for Lillard’s return to form.
