Damian Lillard Returns in Game 2, Reigniting Bucks’ Playoff Hopes
So, here’s something that every Milwaukee Bucks fan has been waiting to hear— Damian Lillard is back. After over a month on the sidelines dealing with a serious health issue, Lillard is officially returning to the court for Game 2 of the Bucks’ first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. That’s not just big—it could be season-defining.
Lillard hasn’t played since March 18, when the Bucks fell to the Golden State Warriors. Not long after that game, he was diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf—a condition involving a blood clot that required immediate medical attention and kept him away from basketball for weeks. At 34 years old, with a career full of high-level play, this kind of diagnosis was serious. There were real concerns about whether we’d see Dame again this season.
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But on April 17, the Bucks made it official—Lillard was cleared. No more blood thinners. No more restrictions on movement. And with a couple of solid practice sessions under his belt, he’s now ready to return to game action. He even said it himself during the morning shootaround in Indianapolis: “Yeah, I’m playing.”
What’s remarkable here isn’t just that he’s back, but how he’s coming back. This isn’t like some ankle tweak or minor strain. We're talking about a blood clot that could’ve ended his season—or worse, impacted his health long-term. And yet, here he is, preparing to step into one of the most intense environments in basketball: an NBA playoff game on the road.
Lillard has admitted that his rhythm and timing won’t be perfect. And really, how could it be? He hasn’t played in over a month and only got back to full-court work a few days ago. But in classic Dame fashion, he's not making excuses. He knows it won’t be flawless, but he’s ready to compete, ready to contribute, and ready to build his way back into full form. “You just gotta go out there and do what you gotta do,” he said.
His presence couldn’t come at a better time. The Bucks dropped Game 1 to the Pacers, despite Giannis Antetokounmpo putting up 36 points. The supporting cast didn’t deliver, and it was clear they were missing that second star—someone who could handle the ball, create, score, and relieve pressure off Giannis. That’s where Lillard fits in, even if he's not at 100% just yet.
This will also be the first time Lillard and Giannis share the floor in a playoff game. That in itself is wild to think about—two superstars, finally getting a postseason shot together. And yes, Dame will be wearing a sleeve on that right leg, and yes, he’ll be communicating constantly with head coach Doc Rivers about how he’s feeling. But the point is— he’s in.
Coach Rick Carlisle of the Pacers acknowledged Lillard’s impact, saying they're familiar with what he brings and are preparing accordingly. Because let's face it—when Damian Lillard steps on the court, you always have to be ready for a show.
So tonight, all eyes will be on Indiana. The Bucks are down 0-1, but with Dame back in the mix, the energy shifts. The fight’s not over—and with Lillard leading the charge again, it’s only just beginning.
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