Thursday afternoon brought the Milwaukee Bucks an encouraging announcement from ESPN’s Shams Charania: Damian Lillard has recovered from his deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is off blood thinners, and is ready to begin a full-scale “ramp up” to get back on the court.
He’ll still miss Game 1 of the Bucks’ first round series with the Pacers, which starts Saturday, and it would ambitious to expect that is the only game he will miss. Nonetheless, it is a hugely positive twist to an initial diagnosis that seemed certain to end his season given the typical recovery period for DVT. Doc Rivers expressed his relief and amazement, not just for the team but for his player’s well-being and health, in a snippet on Thursday.
Damian Lillard’s Stunning Recovery Gives Milwaukee Bucks Hope for His Return This Postseason
A couple of weeks ago, Rivers indicated that Lillard was progressing more rapidly than expected; he could be back before season’s end, after all. Tuesday, Charania reported that Dame had been ruled out for the beginning of the playoffs, but that he continued to make strides. The Bucks stated as much in their official team update.
Earlier today, they issued some even more uplifting news:
UPDATE: Damian Lillard has been cleared for full basketball activity as the deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf has resolved and he is no longer on blood-thinning medication.
“We’re thrilled for Dame,” said Bucks General Manager Jon Horst. “Our priority has always been Dame’s health. We’re grateful to our medical team for diagnosing and treating his DVT at an early stage, and for the world-renown hematology specialists at Mayo Clinic. Every step of Dame’s recovery has been at the direction of world-class medical professionals and their specific and strict protocols that have allowed for Dame’s safe and healthy return to play.”
Lillard will continue to increase his on-court basketball activity in preparation for his return to play.
While the consecutive team updates are similar in tone, the second includes a key distinction in stating that Lillard has been actually cleared for conditioning unhampered by blood clot concerns. Rivers recognized the significance of Dame’s turnaround.
Rivers Thrilled by Prospect of Dame Time Boost
In an article for ESPN, Charania revealed a comment by Rivers. “This could have been career threatening,” the coach said. “Or it was. The fact there’s a very good chance he’s going to play in the playoffs for us, that’s a godsend.”
The Bucks could certainly use their second-best player back on the floor. Several days ago, before either update broke, the Pacers opened as -200 favorites to win the series (67% implied odds). That number is down to -165 (62.26%). A move of that scale is substantial, but Milwaukee will have its hands full battling without Dame for at least the first few games of the series.
Getting him back will be crucial for removing some of the workload from Giannis Antetokounmpo, whom the Pacers will be free to ambush while Lillard remains out. Especially in his absence, role players knocking down catch-and-shoot threes will be key to Milwaukee winning this series as Giannis dishes out from double teams or attempted traps.
Whenever Lillard comes back, or even if he does not return for the postseason at all, it is fantastic to hear that his career won’t face a major roadblock as had been feared.
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