Damian Lillard’s Shocking Comeback Determination After Achilles Injury Revealed by Doc Rivers

It’s tough to see a player like Damian Lillard, a true titan of the hardwood, sidelined by back-to-back health setbacks late in his career. First, the blood clot at the tail end of the regular season — a serious enough scare— and then, just as he was fighting his way back, a devastating Achilles tear in Game 4 of the playoffs against Indiana. If you ask me, many would understand if Lillard decided to hang up his sneakers after all that. But nope. The guy’s grit runs deep. At 34, instead of accepting a quiet exit, he’s already mapping out a comeback for his 14th NBA season, fueled by a stubborn resolve that Bucks coach Doc Rivers can’t help but admire. Despite the road ahead—a long rehab and an uncertain Bucks future—it’s clear Lillard’s story isn’t finished yet. He’s not going quietly. Not by a long shot. LEARN MORE

But the 34-year-old is apparently already plotting his return for a 14th season in the league next fall.Lillard, though, was cleared to return for the playoffs. He came back in Game 2 and dropped 14 points in the Bucks’ loss, and then he scored seven points in their Game 3 win. Lillard went down in the first quarter of Sunday’s loss, which dropped the Bucks into a 3-1 hole. The Bucks nearly extended the series on Tuesday night, too, though Tyrese Haliburton hit a layup with less than two seconds left in the extra period to seal the one-point win for the Pacers and officially end the series.The Milwaukee Bucks star was sidelined first with a blood clot at the end of the regular season, and then he tore his left Achilles just three games into his return during Game 4 of their opening-round playoff series with the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night. That’s now forced him into a lengthy rehab at the back end of his NBA career.

The Milwaukee Bucks star was sidelined first with a blood clot at the end of the regular season, and then he tore his left Achilles just three games into his return during Game 4 of their opening-round playoff series with the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night. That’s now forced him into a lengthy rehab at the back end of his NBA career.

Advertisement”The first one, he just said, ‘I can’t believe I’m here.’ Then the second one is ‘I’m not going out this way.’ I can guarantee you he won’t, and that’s what I meant about his resolve.”Advertisement

Advertisement