The Milwaukee Bucks had Damian Lillard last season but he never got to play in the playoffs with Giannis Antetokounmpo after the Greek Freak was diagnosed with season-ending left calf strain.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Apr 9, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) lays on the floor in the third quarter and left the game against the Boston Celtics with an injury at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Now, it looks the roles were reversed. Dame Time won’t be the for the Bucks, frustrating their fresh attempt to rule the playoffs with two of the best scores in the league.
Lillard was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. Many thought it was just another muscle injury that only needs to be rested. It turned out to be a worse one, a career and life-threatening at that.
The team already clarified that the nine-time All-Star is already “on blood-thinning medication, which has stabilized the DVT, and will continue with regular testing.”
Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks
Mar 18, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (right) chats up Golden State Warriors assistant coach Ron Adams before a game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
They also expressed sigh of relief that they discovered this early before it became anything serious.
For his part, Lillard he is thankful that this adversity was addressed quickly and all he thinks about now is his family.
“As much as I love basketball, I need to be here for my kids and my family. I’m grateful the Bucks acted quickly on this. They’ve been supportive and proactive throughout this process. I look forward to moving past this and continuing my career.”
Damian Lillard return still in Doc Rivers mind
Recovering from DVT involves a lengthy process. Experts say it will take at least three months to be fully healthy again.
Doc Rivers is still keeping his fingers crossed the big time clutch player will be able to return before the season ends.
“We’re hopeful that he’s coming back,” Rivers said.
Doc Rivers, Milwaukee Bucks
Mar 26, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
However, he clarified that he is not rushing Lillard and it is all about Dame for now.
“It’s a blow to us, obviously. It’s more of a blow to Dame. That’s where the emotional support goes. Guys get to play today. Dame does not, so to me, the guy I try to support more is Dame. We’re just hopeful. It’s such a gray area. That’s where more of the support comes right now. Obviously if this lingers, that’s different. But today and right now, it’s all about Dame.”
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for the latest and trending news about Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Marquette, and the rest of Wisconsin Sports. Stay updated by reading more of our Wisconsin Sports articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!