Damian Lillard Cleared of Deep Vein Thrombosis, Bucks Star to Increase On-Court Activity
Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard has been cleared of his deep vein thrombosis and is no longer on blood-thinning medication, according to sources. The news comes as a significant boost to the Bucks’ playoff hopes, with Lillard expected to increase his on-court basketball activity in the coming days.
The Bucks did not disclose a timeline for Lillard’s return, but sources close to the team told ESPN that the veteran guard will "continue to increase his on-court basketball activity." However, Lillard will not play in Game 1 of the Bucks’ playoff series against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday.
"We’re thrilled for Dame," Bucks general manager Jon Horst said in a statement, as reported by ESPN. "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."
According to sources, doctors have told Bucks officials that the speed of Lillard’s recovery has never been seen before, but it occurred because of early treatment, detection, and specialists working on him before a formal diagnosis. "This could have been career threatening," Bucks coach Doc Rivers said Thursday, as quoted by ESPN. "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."
Lillard last played in a game on March 18, after which the Bucks announced that he had deep vein thrombosis in his right calf and was undergoing blood-thinning medication. Deep vein thrombosis is an abnormal clot within a vessel where the congealing of blood blocks the flow through on the way back to the heart.
Rivers had earlier expressed optimism that Lillard would return at some point, but acknowledged that the team also was prepared for the nine-time All-Star to miss the rest of the season. Before being sidelined, Lillard was averaging 24.9 points and 7.1 assists for the Bucks, who went 10-4 in their final 14 games of the regular season and ended the season on an eight-game winning streak.
The Bucks will be hoping that Lillard’s return will boost their chances in the playoffs, where they will face the Indiana Pacers in the first round. As ESPN reports, Lillard’s recovery has been a remarkable one, with the player’s medical team working tirelessly to ensure his safe and healthy return to play. With Lillard back on the court, the Bucks will be looking to make a deep run in the playoffs and challenge for the NBA championship.
The news of Lillard’s recovery will come as a significant boost to the Bucks and their fans, who have been eagerly awaiting his return. As the team prepares for the playoffs, they will be hoping that Lillard’s presence on the court will make all the difference. With his impressive form before being sidelined, Lillard’s return is expected to have a major impact on the team’s chances in the postseason.
The Associated Press and ESPN’s Tim Bontemps contributed to this report.
