Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard has shared the struggles he faced during his recent illness, which led to a significant weight loss and left him too weak to play. In an interview with The Athletic, Lillard described his ordeal: “I’ve never been that sick before in my entire life. I didn’t eat for two days, didn’t get up, nothing. I was down. It was bad.”
Lillard revealed that he initially aimed to return earlier against the Brooklyn Nets but couldn’t due to persistent breathing issues and severe coughing. “I got through the workout, but I couldn’t breathe good,” he admitted. His absence, combined with the recovery period, left the veteran nervous about returning to the court.
Damian Lillard’s unusual workout raises doubts among NBA fans
This marks Lillard’s first game since December 14, where he played against the Atlanta Hawks. So far this season, the 34-year-old has averaged 25.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds across 22 games, forming a formidable duo with teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, Antetokounmpo’s own illness has him listed as questionable for tonight’s matchup.
Bucks’ redemption arc
Despite a rough start to the season, Lillard remains optimistic. Reflecting on the team’s early struggles, he stated: “The team we started the season as is not the team that we are now. And it was never who we truly were.” Since their 2-8 start, the Bucks have improved to a 16-13 record, showing signs of the championship-caliber play expected from them.
Lillard was pivotal in the Bucks’ NBA Cup victory, contributing 23 points, four rebounds, and four assists in the final against the Thunder. His partnership with Antetokounmpo has become a beacon of hope for Milwaukee, signaling their potential to climb even higher in the standings.
Crucial games ahead
The Bucks face the Chicago Bulls tonight, followed by matchups against teams like the Pacers. With Lillard’s return and a chance to build momentum, Milwaukee aims to solidify their playoff position and silence any lingering doubts about their capabilities.
Damian Lillard’s resilience and return couldn’t come at a more critical time for the Bucks as they look to continue their upward trajectory in the Eastern Conference.
