‘This one really hurt:’ Damian Lillard’s injury-filled season comes to an unfortunate end

Photo Credit: Stacy Revere/Getty Images

From one injury to another, the last two months have been grueling for Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard. Lillard defied the odds by returning from a possible career-ending injury in just six weeks, only to fall victim to another gruesome injury that will likely keep him out all of next season.

Almost six weeks ago, Lillard was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf, a serious condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. Depending on the severity of the clot and when it is discovered, the recovery time could be anywhere from a few months to a year, with some players being forced to retire.

Blood clots are common in the NBA. Lillard wasn’t the only star in the league to be diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis this season. San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama was ruled out for the remainder of the season when a blood clot was found in his shoulder after February’s All-Star break. Active players like Brandon Ingram and Ausar Thompson have also suffered from blood clots, with the latter having an eight-month recovery period. The most severe case was found in NBA Hall of Famer Chris Bosh. A blood clot was discovered in his lungs before one was found in his legs a year later. The NBA determined that Bosh’s illness was career-ending, forcing the 11-time All Star to retire.

Lillard, whose case of deep vein thrombosis was not considered career-altering, was enjoying a strong second season with the Bucks before being ruled out for the final 14 regular-season games. The 34-year-old averaged 24.9 points per game with a 44.8 field goal percentage. Lillard was on pace to have his best statistical season as a Buck, hoping to help star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo lead the team to another NBA title.

The nine-time All-Star wasn’t going to let his injury stop him from reaching his ultimate goal of winning an NBA Championship, something Lillard has rarely been close to achieving. After missing Game 1 of the first round against the Indiana Pacers, Lillard returned to the court for Game 2, just over a month since he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis. Many thought that the severity of the illness would sideline him till next season, but Lillard defied the odds.

Understandably so, Lillard did not look his All-Star self during his short return. The 34-year-old scored 14 points in his first game back and seven in Game 3. In the first quarter of Game 4, Lillard’s injury luck would turn from bad to worse.

Having played only six minutes, Lillard crumbled to the floor when chasing for an offensive rebound. Lillard was sitting holding his left leg at the top of the three-point line while the Pacers marched down the other end of the floor. Two coaches helped Lillard walk off the court with the guard not putting any weight on his left leg. It was an insult to injury for the Bucks, who were already down 2-1 in the series and hadn’t played up to their standards.

The Bucks would lose the game by 26 points at home, falling behind in the series, 3-1. The Bucks would also lose Lillard for whatever is left in their playoff run. The following day, the 34-year-old was diagnosed with a torn left Achilles tendon. This injury occurred exactly one year ago after Lillard strained his Achilles in a playoff series against the Pacers.

“Appreciate all the prayers and well wishes,” said Damian Lillard in a message posted to social media on Monday. “This one really hurt… HIS way, not MY way. To Be Continued.”

Due to the severity of the injury and the recovery time needed, Lillard will most likely miss the full 2025-26 NBA season. This would mean Lillard would return to the court as a 36-year-old during his final contracted season with the Bucks, unless he declines his player option for the 2026-27 season.

While injuries have played a big part for both stars over the last two seasons, the duo of Lillard and Antetokounmpo has not become what the Bucks thought it would be. Now, with Lillard projected to be out for next season and trade talks swirling around Antetokounmpo, we may have seen the last of the pair in the same uniform.

Despite the playoff struggles, Lillard will be credited for his hard work and determination to get back on the court for the playoffs. His attempt to recover so quickly from such a serious diagnosis came as no surprise to his coaches and teammates.

"The guy tried to come back for his team. I just felt bad for him," said Bucks head coach Glenn Rivers. "This is a tough one. Blood clot followed by this. It's just tough. He's just such a great dude -- on a basketball level, but more importantly as a teammate and as a father and all that stuff. Nobody deserves it, but golly, you just look at him -- and that's why I feel bad. It's just tough."

“He’s one of the toughest - mentally toughest - guys I’ve ever been around, and that’s why he is who he is,” said Giannis Antetokounmpo after Sunday’s loss. “And I believe he’s going to overcome every obstacle that’s going to be in front of him.”

If there is one certainty from this situation, it’s that Lillard will do everything in his power to get back on the court with his teammates as quickly as he can.