Damian Lillard’s second season with the Milwaukee Bucks ended in the most disappointing manner as he got injured early in the first quarter of Game 5 of the series with the Indiana Pacers.
Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks
Jan 6, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) sits in the bench area before the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
It was no ordinary injury as he was later on diagnosed with torn Achilles that will keep him out for most of the 2025-2026 seasons.
While fans are devastated as another Lillard-Giannis Antetokounmpo tandem has gone to waste, the nine-time All-Star continues to keep his eyes on the prize. He has been spotted publicly in the past weeks, in a WNBA game or in shoot arounds.
Lillard remains upbeat and he wants to spread such optimistic mentality to another superstar who was injured in the middle of a playoff series.
Jayson Tatum’ 2024-2025 season ended abruptly when he ruptured his Achilles during Game of their series with the New York Knicks. Boston Celtics eventually bowed out and failed to defend their title.
It is the first time that Tatum suffered an injury of such gravity. Lillard is there to keep him on track. The latter posted on Instagram a photo of himself hugging the Celtics star with the caption crossed fingers. It means keeping the faith.
Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks, Jayson Tatum
Feb 15, 2025; Oakland, CA, USA; Shaq’s OGs forward Jayson Tatum (0) of the Boston Celtics interacts with guard Damian Lillard (0) of the Milwaukee Bucks during the NBA All Star-Practice at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Tatum then reposted it with the caption “My dawg.”
It’s pretty cool that Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard are on pretty much on the same Achilles tendon recovery journey
(Via Jayson Tatum IG) pic.twitter.com/YAYqrxEuuT
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) May 27, 2025
Damian Lillard’s mindset during recovery
Loved poured out for Lillard the moment he left the court in Game 5. Even the enemies sent message of support for him.
The NBA 75 Team member’s first thoughts about his injury were also admirable.
“I spoke with Damian briefly. He’s in good spirits, motivated on attacking this recovery process and he looks forward to returning to All-Star form whenever the timeline is established, MRI today,” Chris Haynes said in his Youtube channel.
Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks
Jan 31, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) warms up before a game the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Right now, he is walking without support and has been attending public gatherings. He also gave a shoutout to his family for helping him endure the grueling task of rehabbing.
He is recovering well and even said last month that he could be back earlier than expected.
The Bucks will return in a season full of questions.
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