Lillard Vows to Return in Game 2, Vowing a Comeback Against the Pacers

In the dynamic, pulsating world of the NBA playoffs, there’s a whisper that’s becoming a roar–the return of Damian Lillard. Captured his first sit-out in over a month due to a daunting diagnosis–deep vein thrombosis in his calf–has sidelined him for a critical Game 1. Yet, here we are, on the brink of Game 2, poised to watch “Dame Time” tick back into action. I’ve seen players come back from injuries before, but amidst the tension, this comeback feels more like a triumphant return from exile.It’s rather extraordinary that amidst a career-threatening (and unofficially life-threatening) condition, Lillard confidently made his decision to play known. His quick, almost miraculous return is a testament to the on-time actions of the Bucks’ medical staff, alongside the renowned experts from the Mayo Clinic.

Lillard’s absence was starkly felt in Game 1 as the Pacers tailored their defensive play to dominate Giannis Antetokounmpo, making him earn every single point through brute force. With lesser offensive support, especially a statistical anomaly like Kyle Kuzma scoring zero points, the Greek Freak’s impressive 36 points and 12 rebounds were not enough to save the Bucks from the clutches of defeat.

And now, inserting Lillard back into this high-stakes series, coming in cold after an extended break, is a monumental challenge. The irony? This is the playoff grind. Lillard, with his season stats, averaging 24.9 points, 37.6% three-point shooting, plus 7.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds, has the capability to shift the momentum.

Tonight, as Game 2 looms on the horizon, Milwaukee isn’t just hoping for points; they’re counting on “Dame Time” to deliver. His return feels less like a last-minute substitution and more like the cavalry arriving. For the Bucks, this isn’t just about staying competitive; it’s about seizing the chance to turn the series around.

The Milwaukee Bucks’ season hangs on this moment. What they need is not just Dame’s presence on the court, but his magic. They need that clutch performance, that ‘return of the king’ moment. Will he give it to them? LEARN MORE

His return is also vital to the Bucks.Asking Lillard to come in cold after a month off and be that secondary scorer and shot creator in a physical postseason game is a big ask, but welcome to playoff basketball. Lillard averaged 24.9 points a game while shooting 37.6% from 3, plus adding 7.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds a game this season.

Milwaukee needs Dame Time starting tonight or they will fall into a deep 0-2 hole in this series. The fact that he is back gives Milwaukee a chance.
That Lillard can play at all so soon after being diagnosed with a serious condition is the important news, especially for Lillard personally. This can be a career-threatening (and, if untreated, life-threatening) condition. That he is back so quickly is a testament to the early detection and prompt action by the Bucks’ medical team, as well as the experts at the Mayo Clinic.

Damian Lillard is back. Damian Lillard tells reporters that he is playing in Game 2 tonight.Lillard missed Game 1, when the Pacers tilted their defense heavily toward Giannis Antetokounmpo and made him work hard for everything. No other Bucks player stepped up (Kyle Kuzma was scoreless, for example), and as amazing as the Greek Freak was — 36 points, 12 rebounds — it was not enough, and the Pacers pulled away early and cruised to a Game 1 win.