Damian Lillard has become some kind of a forgotten man in the 2025-26 NBA season. After all, he’s missing the entire campaign as he recovers from a devastating torn Achilles tendon injury he suffered in the 2025 NBA Playoffs while still with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Bucks give Lillard warm welcome on Monday
Jan 31, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; A basketball fan holds a jersey with the colors and number of the Trail Blazers and Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
However, the Bucks are simply not forgetting Lillard. They showed him all the love on Monday night, especially before the gameagainst the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, who signed Lillard in the offseason.
“Dame Time will always hold a place in our history,” the Bucks wrote in a social media post on X to caption a tribute video for the future Basketball Hall of Famer.
Dame Time will always hold a place in our history. 💚 pic.twitter.com/xrwU2nQKnQ
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 25, 2025
In aseparate messageon X, Milwaukee thanked Lillard for everything he had done for the team and the franchise.
“Two seasons of toughness, big buckets, and memorable moments in Milwaukee. Thank you, Dame,” the message read.
Although Lillard and Milwaukee never reached the top of the NBA world during their two-season marriage, he gave Milwaukee fans a lot of hope that he and Giannis Antetokounmpo would lead the franchise to a championship. Lillard as a two-time NBA All-Star during his stint with Milwaukee from 2023 to 2025. In that span, he averaged 24.6 points, 7.0 assists and 4.3 rebounds while posting a 52.6 effective field goal percentage through 131 games.
As for the game itself, the Blazers came away with a115-103 victory over the hosts, with 35 erupting for 35 points and Deni Avdijaproviding 22 points. Milwaukee, on the other hand, was paced by Bobby Portis’ 22 points off the bench.
Nov 24, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee guard Ryan Rollins (13) drives to the basket against Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
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